Creating Holiday Traditions in Your Classroom: Part 5
It’s the final day in the Holiday Classroom Tradition Series. Let’s review all of the traditions I’ve covered so far:
My hope is that through this series you’ve been able to find at least one or two things that you can easily start with your class this year, or at least have some ideas for next year!
This last tradition is one of my absolute favorites (I know I say this every day lol), but truly! It’s one that is super unique and special, not to mention it can tie into your kindness challenge!
So, here it is! The last and final tradition for this year:
I first started this tradition in 2019. I had a very expressive, theatrical group of students that year, so I knew it would be the perfect year to start this because they’d go all in. We called ourselves the “Keezer’s Carolers”. We put on some festive hats, got out our caroling booklets, and went through the halls spreading Christmas cheer. It brought so much joy, not only to those we sang for, but also to us!
In December 2020, we were completely homebound and I was devastated that all of our traditions would have to go to the wayside. I had the idea to take volunteers to be Keezer Carolers that would sing carols at our drive thru Christmas Celebration. We practiced the songs after virtual school and those carolers came ready to deliver. It was such a blessing to see the tradition live on even when the world was turned upside down. I think the families were really blessed by it.
Read on to get more details on how to start this tradition in your own classroom and get a FREE caroling booklet.
Digging into the Details
How does it work?
Check in with your class first to make sure they are on board with it. You don’t want to be the only one singing, so it works best if they have bought into the idea. There may be certain years this tradition just doesn’t fit the group. No matter what, make sure each student knows if they are truly uncomfortable singing they can just walk along with the group and spread cheer in other ways. Part of being a tight-knit classroom community is doing things for the sake of the group and others around you.
Pick a time/day and let other teachers in the building know. I honestly am not even sure if I followed this step my first year doing it, and I am sure some teachers were bothered hearing loud singing throughout the halls while they were trying to deliver a top-notch lesson :). What can I say? I wasn’t the best planner and we just wanted to spread some cheer! Still, I do think it is best to let people know ahead of time. Here’s a sample email blurb:
Hello teachers & staff, Our class is planning on spreading Christmas cheer by caroling the halls on ___________. If you would like us to visit your classroom, please leave your door open. We would love to sing a special song just for your students. If you do not want us to visit, simply leave your door closed. We also plan on caroling to the front office and principal’s office. We can’t wait to sing our way to your room! Happy Holidays, ______.
**If your school does not allow open doors, you can ask teachers to reply to the email if they’d like a visit and you can make a special stop.
Download this FREE Caroling Booklet (I suggest printing 4 pages on one sheet to make the booklet). Having done this multiple times, I know what songs most students know and which ones they definitely don’t. Learn from my mistakes and download this booklet! Most of your students will recognize these songs.
Get dressed up in your best festive attire (reindeer ears work great) and GO CAROLING! We started in the office and then made our ways down the halls. We would sing in the halls and watch the doors open to receive us! We would then take special requests from different classes. It was an absolute blast. The kids kept wanting to do it over and over.
I hope this series has shown you that it isn’t about how much money you spend on student gifts or how cute your room looks, it’s all about creating space and structure for special moments that turn into memories. Memories that your students will never forget. Memories that you will never forget (trust me on that). Memories that are made through traditions.
May you all have a Merry Christmas & a happy holiday season. I will see you in the New Year!
Much love,
Erin
