The holidays should be a happy time, but for many of us they are often filled with stress. This time of year can be particularly stressful for teachers. Administrators and educators could all appreciate an opportunity to participate in activities to beat tension during the holidays. The following are 5 great ways to spread holiday cheer at school.
5 Fun Ways to Celebrate the Winter Season in Your School
Just because these events are holiday season inspired, don’t hesitate to put them on any time throughout the winter season. These activities are a great way to bring a feeling of cheer and coziness to the school and can even serve as team building activities among educators and administrators alike.
1. Have a Decorating Day
Decorating the office, the lounge, or any other area of the school where teachers regularly gather is a fun way to get festive and spread holiday cheer. Choose a time after school for the entire staff to socialize and share home baked treats while creating their own unique decorations. A variety of beads, yarn, and ribbon that can be used to create beautiful holiday decorations.
2. Put Together a Hot Chocolate Bar
Choose a week in December to offer a hot chocolate bar for the staff. This can be as extensive or simple as each individual school wants to make it. Setting up an area with the hot water, milk, and a variety of tasty toppings is all it takes to get a great hot chocolate bar started. Decorating the lounge and bringing in a variety of holiday themed mugs will be sure to lift spirits during the holiday season.
3. Be a Secret Santa
Secret Santa is an activity that is often done in the month of December among teachers and administrators. After drawing names from a hat, inexpensive items such as small candles, lotion, or candy can be wrapped and given anonymously to each individual at certain times throughout the month. It’s usually recommended to set a dollar amount for each gift. At a fun party or luncheon the gift-givers reveal their identity.
4. Give Back to the Community
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to help others. One option is to pick a day to volunteer at a local homeless shelter. Holding a toy drive for disadvantaged children or even planting a tree in honor of a worthy organization is a way to support the community without ever having to leave the school. Working on a project together instills teamwork and provides everyone on staff a way to celebrate the holidays together.
5. Create a Holiday Helpers Bulletin Board
Putting together a bulletin board where teachers and administrators can leave notes of gratitude for coworkers is a great way to spread cheer by showing how much we appreciate one another. At the beginning of December a bulletin board can be put up in the office or the staff lounge where notes can be posted. Use bright colored paper or Post-its to really make it pop!
Holiday Shops: Great Learning Gifts for Any Classroom
Looking for a great classroom gift? Check out the holiday shops, filled with all the tools, solutions, and products to make classrooms a fun and engaging learning space.
