Article by Suzanne O'Connell on HeadTeacher Update Website

The lead up to Christmas can be an incredibly special time in the primary school. Suzanne O’Connell offers 10 ideas to help celebrate the end of term and to support tired staff and pupils.

1. Ring the changes

After a few years in school leadership it can become tempting to follow the same format for your Christmas activities and events year-in, year-out. Why don’t you take one aspect of school life (and leading up to Christmas there are plenty) and set out on a mission to refresh it. It doesn’t need to be you directly – you can ask others to contribute their ideas too. New members of staff will bring with them a whole range of traditions some of which you might even prefer.

2. Make time

Everyone becomes tired towards the end of the autumn term, including you. Look at your meeting schedule and try to ensure that the last couple of weeks are not too intensive when it comes to after-school events and meetings. If possible, cancel your final staff meeting and replace it with a celebration or simply allow some time off for staff (perhaps to do their Christmas shopping). It can be very difficult for people to fit everything in at this time of year and any help you can provide will be appreciated.

3. A little thank you

A small gesture – a plant or flower with a card or even just a card on its own – to register your appreciation for the efforts of your staff can go a long way. Likewise, a personal message, however short, can boost morale and ensure staff start their holiday on the right note. What is important is that you recognise their contribution to your school. Of course, this kind of thing shouldn’t just be restricted to the end of the autumn term.

4. Staff’s children

Many members of staff will be facing the disappointment of not being able to go and see their children’s nativity or end-of-term event. Is there a way in which you can free them for that hour in the morning or enable them to go early and catch their child’s celebrations? It may not always be possible, but there is no doubt that they will appreciate the opportunity to enjoy these special occasions with their own family.

5. Advent treats

Join together as a school for the big countdown. Advent calendars come in all shapes and sizes. Why not have one displayed in assembly that each class opens in turn?

It needn’t be chocolate behind the doors. It could be a fact about December, something for your pupils to spot during the day, or the occasional school-wide treat (five more minutes at play-time?). You can tailor the rewards and surprises to your school.

6. Celebrating as a staff

The staff party is an important opportunity. However, it needs to be inclusive. It doesn’t have to be in the evening – you might prefer to schedule it for one lunchtime, perhaps on the last day, allowing everyone to get off on time.

And staff celebrations shouldn’t be seen as a burden – attendance should be optional without judgement. And think hard before considering things like secret Santa.

7. An inclusive Christmas

Of course not all children celebrate Christmas, but they will still want to feel involved. Primary schools are now well-versed in ensuring their end-of-year celebrations are inclusive to children of all backgrounds.

In an article for DiverseEd – We wish you an inclusive christmas, teacher – Shuaib Khan (2021) offers some great ideas to ensure everyone feels involved at this time of year.

In particular, he reminds us that there are other celebrations happening which we will want to mark and suggests having an interfaith calendar. For example, Hanukkah which is an eight-day long Jewish festival starts this year on December 25, while Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day on December 8.

Mr Khan also reminds us to be wary of the cost of any Christmas activities and celebrations for staff and families and to make the food on offer inclusive – for example having vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or Kosher options as relevant to your staff body.

8. Class parties and events

The run-up to Christmas can offer an opportunity for pupils to enjoy some classic games in classrooms, but this can also create more work for your staff. Why not involve older pupils with younger ones in designing and managing their own games afternoon or classroom party? They could establish a committee to organise the event, plan table decorations and so on.

Also, in the run-up to Christmas you may have several events planned by different year groups which might put pressure on the school hall. Put someone in charge of creating a hall rota and spread out the events if you can.

9. Thanking your community

No doubt you have a list of organisations and individuals that you send cards to ahead of the holidays. This is a good opportunity for you to involve your pupils in designing something that you can have printed to send out to your school community. Equally, this could also be done electronically or indeed it could be turned into a school fundraising activity if the cards are sold.

Take some time to reflect on each of the groups associated with your school and how you might acknowledge their contributions. It might be the card from the children, a box of chocolates, a personal message, or a visit from you. Make sure that no one feels forgotten at this time of year.

10. Prioritise yourself too

It is right to ensure that the run-up to Christmas works for everyone but be protective of your own health and welfare too. Where possible, delegate. Be prepared to take the risk of a younger member of staff organising the Christmas performance!

Some staff will blossom at the opportunity to organise Christmas events. Start early in your planning and keep it simple. Be selective and be ready to forego some traditions if they are no longer working for you and your staff.

And finally, plan something special for yourself too. Once the last piece of tinsel has left the building, have a plan that prioritises you when you get home. You might feel the need to jump straight into your own Christmas family preparations, but if at all possible, arrange one or two evenings where you are allowed the luxury of closing the book on your school’s 2024.