Just for Kids 16

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 about Christmas presents. Not just any present, but the very best present they can remember receiving.

Every December, we hear from individual children, as well as from students in Catholic school classes and religious education programs around the diocese. Their perspectives add to our pleasure in the celebration of Christ's birth.

Here is our 16th annual "Just for Kids" project:

What makes a Christmas present special? What is the best Christmas present you ever received in your whole life? What made it so special? Why do you remember it so well?

Due to space limitations, essays should be 50 words or less. While this is not an art contest, children 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 and class, 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 site at www.thecompassnews.org during the holiday season.)

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

Be creative. Have fun. We look forward to hearing from you.