Walking through the hallways in December, a student could easily forget that Christmas is around the corner.
At Mount Carmel High School, the Christmas season feels strangely quiet. MC holds a Christmas assembly and has some decorations in the commons, but there are not many other places that show the Christmas spirit. Some teachers and students remember stronger holiday traditions at other schools they attended, and are wondering why such a major celebration barely appears in the halls. With a few simple changes, MC could bring more Christmas spirit by having more decorations, student involvement, and holiday activities.
The halls and classrooms are empty of any holiday-related, and it is hard then for students to get into the Christmas spirit. The addition of more decorations could change this.
“One of the things that we could do as a school is decorate our doors to look like a Christmas package,” says Mrs. Emma Norise, an MC chemistry teacher.
Expanding decorations beyond just the doors, MC could decorate the hallways to make it more festive.
“We need some Christmas decorations around here,” says junior Aaron Hyler.
Decorations help celebrate Christmas and encourage students and staff to feel more engaged with the holiday spirit.
Traditions can also give students something to look forward to during Christmas at MC. When students are able to have a role in a holiday activity, they can feel connected to MC. One tradition that could be started is if the MC gets a big Christmas tree and has all the seniors put a homemade ornament on it. So year after year, there are more trees with the seniors of each class on them.
“Every senior class either makes or chooses an ornament that represents them,” offers Mrs. Norise.
This will allow a way to leave a mark at MC during Christmas time. Traditions can also be a fun week of spirit during the week before Christmas Break.
“Dress up on Fridays, dress up as Santa Claus, or even an ugly sweater contest,” says Mrs. Norise.
Including students in these types of fun can help bring out the Christmas spirit in them. By letting students lead and participate in holiday traditions, MC can have a stronger Christmas spirit that resonates throughout the school.
MC can have activities that involve the student and can bring the Christmas spirit to life. A variety of holiday events can make the season fun and inclusive. Events like themed dress-up days, Secret Santa between houses, and competitions like decorating their house doors can help boost Christmas spirit.
“We could have a caroling day,” says sophomore James Weber, “or we could have teachers like Mr. Baffoe put on Christmas hats.”
These events can create community and give students something to anticipate as the holidays approach. Many students and Mrs. Norise express the idea of having some sort of sing-along. During the Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 11, MC sings in Spanish, but it would be nice to have more songs that everyone knows.
“I would like for all of us to have an all-school concert in the gym,” says Mrs. Norise. “Each floor could sing two or three songs.”
Even if MC students are older and might be scared to sing, MC still has this community that can be shared during Christmas. It does not have to be inside. Outdoor events and hands-on activities could boost the Christmas spirit.
“A snowball fight we did last year just with the third floor, and it was fun,” says junior James Goodman.
In addition, students could participate in creative projects like baking or building holiday treats. “Gingerbread houses, something like that, like bakeoffs, maybe cookies,” says Goodman.
By combining music, dress-up, competitions, and interactive holiday projects, MC can create a lively and inclusive Christmas atmosphere that students remember year after year.
MC has the opportunity to transform the school’s Christmas experience. Having more decorations, having traditions, and having holiday events, the school can have more Christmas spirit. Students and teachers can look forward to Christmas each year at MC.
