The holiday season is a natural time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who make a school thrive: your staff and our students. Principals have a unique opportunity to set the tone of joy, gratitude, and community during this time of year. Here are some practical and meaningful ways to celebrate both staff and students during the holidays.
1. Spotlight Staff with Personal Touches
- Handwritten Notes of Appreciation: A short note recognizing specific contributions can mean more than a large gift. Personal recognition goes a long way.
- “12 Days of Cheer”: In the days leading up to winter break, surprise staff with small gestures like cocoa in the lounge, snack baskets, fun dress-up days, or door prizes.
- Staff Shoutouts: Use morning announcements, newsletters, or social media to highlight staff members and share gratitude from students and families.
2. Create Holiday Traditions for Students
- Classroom Door Decorating Contest: Let students and teachers team up to create festive displays. Celebrate creativity with awards like “Most Spirited” or “Most Unique.”
- Holiday Assemblies or Talent Shows: Give students a stage to share music, art, or poetry tied to the season. Celebrating their talents boosts pride and school spirit.
- Community Service Projects: Encourage student groups to give back through food drives, toy donations, or holiday cards for nursing homes. This spreads the joy beyond the school walls.
- I took this one to the next level! One year, I decided to have a hallway decorating contest during the holiday season to bring some joy to our school and provide the students who didn’t get to experience anything like this at home, something to remember. I bought each grade level a tree and said decorate it and the bulletin board by it with a theme. Well, it turned into an all-out hallway transformation that looked like something out of a movie! Our entire school transformed and it was pure magic!
3. Celebrate Togetherness
- Staff and Student Spirit Week: Themed dress-up days such as ugly sweaters, pajama day, or holiday hats bring laughter and build community.
- Holiday Breakfast or Luncheon: Host a simple meal for staff or invite families to share in a community potluck that celebrates cultural traditions.
- Inclusive Celebrations: Recognize the diversity of holidays celebrated by your staff and students, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, so everyone feels valued.
One of my favorite traditions at our school was the holiday luncheon. We would invite all previous and retired staff members back for this special event. They shared stories from the good old days and took the time to mentor our young teachers. It was truly a nostalgic and meaningful gathering.
4. Give the Gift of Time
- Cover a Class or Duty: Surprise teachers by stepping in for a recess or class so they can enjoy a break.
- No-Homework Nights: Give students and families the chance to relax and spend time together during the busy season.
- Early Dismissal Treats: When schedules allow, use early release days to celebrate with games, hot cocoa, or a festive send-off.
5. End the Year with Reflection and Gratitude
- Gratitude Walls: Create a space where staff and students can post notes of appreciation.
- Year-End Recognition: Celebrate accomplishments such as academic growth, acts of kindness, or attendance milestones so everyone knows their efforts are noticed.
- Principal’s Message: Record a short holiday video or write a heartfelt letter to staff, students, and families. Remind them of the community you have built together, or make it fun by singing a holiday jingle dressed up in a Santa suit.
Final Thought
Celebrating during the holidays does not have to be extravagant. What matters most is being intentional. When principals lead with gratitude and joy, they set a culture where staff feel appreciated and students feel valued. Those moments of celebration ripple into the new year and fuel energy and connection well beyond the holidays.
Todd Nesloney is TEPSA’s Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership. He is an award-winning educator, author and international speaker.
Ross Braun is a former elementary principal who is passionate about supporting schools and leaders to ensure every child has a safe, loving, and engaging learning environment. Ross is now the VP of Positive Education at Spring, Texas-based, School Life.
