On Thursday morning, October 27th, a group of Kindergartens and PreK children dressed in black and white skeleton costumes ascended to the stage at The Villa to put on a colorful performance with Spanish teacher, Karen Jaeger. “Life is a Gift!” is a short children’s musical written and directed by Ms. Karen who also conducts the Villa’s afternoon performing arts group “Little Stars.” This play celebrates all creation during the time-honored tradition of “El Di’a de Los Muertos” (The Day of the Dead). In this lively performance, “La Catrina” (the legendary symbol of the holiday) explains to the “esquelitos” (little skeletons) that we stand in awe and wonder of God’s creation living each day of life as a gift in service to others and God. Ultimately, we “give back” when we leave this earth and return to Him, our Creator. Three musical numbers combine to sing praise, remember departed love ones' legacy they have passed onto us, and remind us of the festivities of this 3,000 year old tradition that mixed Christianity with original Aztec beliefs to beautifully celebrate all life. These young children and Ms. Karen did a marvelous job conveying the lessons of “Life is a Gift!” We look forward to the next fabulous musical Ms. Karen will create for the “Little Stars.”