Just for Kids 15: 2002

Each year, The Compass asks children, in fifth grade and under, to take part in our "Just for Kids" Christmas essay project. This year, we would like children to write a letter.

Each year, we hear from individual children as well as from Catholic school classes and students in religious education programs from around the diocese.

Here is the topic for our 15th annual "Just for Kids" project:

It's time to write your Christmas letter -- like a letter to Santa, but different. Remember, this is the feast of Jesus' birth.

Write a letter to Jesus, or Mary, or Joseph, or any other person who was at that first Christmas. Write a letter to God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit. Write to an angel or shepherd or even King Herod.

What would you say in your Christmas letter? What would you ask about? Would you like to tell that person anything? Is there something you would like to ask to receive?

Due to space limitations, essays should be under 50 words. While this is not an art contest, entrants may include illustrations.

Entries from individual children or classes should include each child's name, address, age, school, parish, and grade in school. (Class submissions should also include the teacher's name since we often receive several entries from one school.)

Send all entries to "Just for Kids," attn. Pat Kasten, c/o The Compass, P.O. Box 23825, Green Bay, WI 54305-3825. All entries must be received by Dec. 4 to be considered for publication in the Christmas issue. (While we will edit for space, all essays will be posted on The Compass web page.)

All entrants will receive a prize from The Compass some time after the New Year.

Be creative. We look forward to hearing from you.