Thoughts for the Week:

Celebrations are special times. We human beings have unique ways of celebrating events that are important to us. Sometimes we like to have people celebrate with us, but other times our celebrations are more private. When children celebrate things like birthdays or holidays, they sometimes become so overwhelmed with feelings that they need a trusting adult to help them manage the strong feelings they have. They sometimes wonder, "Will no one remember my birthday?" or "Will this celebration be everything I expected?"

As we help children manage the feelings of doubt as well as the feelings of joy, we show them that it's all right to have feelings - and to tell people about them, even if the feelings aren't those they expect to have on a joyous occasion.

Music has always been an important part of celebrations. Through music, children often find ways to express a whole range of feelings - from sadness and anger to joy and peace. The programs this week feature music and an opera -- our way of celebrating with our television friends.

Summary of the Week:

There are all kinds of reasons to celebrate -- large and small, public and private -- and different ways of celebrating.  A highlight of the week is a visit with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.  After listening to this gifted musician, Mister Rogers talks about the need for practice and the joys of making music.

In Make-Believe, King Friday XIII announces that a comet is coming, decrees that it belongs to him, and calls for a week of celebrations.  Henrietta Pussycat's friends plan a surprise birthday celebration, including her very own opera.  Written by Fred Rogers, the opera "A Star for Kitty" combines birthdays and wonders of the sky, reinforcing the Neighborhood's consistent message that each person is special and has unique value.