Sydney Bindler (3) enjoys a visit with Grandfather Frost at The Cradle Russia Holiday Party.

Families with children adopted from Russia and Eastern Europe gathered on January 21 at White Nights Restaurant in Rosemont for the third annual Cradle Russia Holiday Party.  A committee of volunteers, including Nicole Olsen and Kathy Lobenhofer created a fun-filled afternoon for families to celebrate the holiday traditions of Russia.

Since Russian holidays follow the orthodox calendar, the Russian celebration of Christmas and the New Year extend into January.  This year’s party featured games, craft activities, and a performance of traditional Russian folk dances by Ethnic Dance Chicago. The children were enthralled, and even had the chance to join in on a dance!  But clearly the highlight of the party was a visit from Grandfather Frost, the Russian version of Santa Claus.  Cradle adoptive Dad Tom Novicki played the part of Grandfather Frost with enthusiasm, to the delight of the children.

Are you on the Cradle Connections mailing list?  Don’t miss the chance to connect with other adoptive families – call Maureen Kelly at 847-733-3230 or email mkelly@cradle.org.

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