I love Christmas and everything about it. I watch Christmas movies as soon as Halloween is over. I write copious lists – presents to buy, food to make and films to watch. I have so many Pinterest boards dedicated to Christmas that it’s bordering on the obsessive. The thought of a Covid Christmas has worried me for months. How would I see my enormous family? (I usually have 
30 plus people in my house on Christmas day). What about the Christmas market, the carol service and heaven forbid, the pantomime!
A primary school at Christmas is a very special place indeed. The children fizz with excitement as they practice nativity plays and learn Christmas songs. Unfortunately, many things have had to be put on hold this year, due to the protective measures we must put in place to prevent spread of the virus.
As November began, I began to think more about what we could do in school to celebrate the season safely. I’ll admit, I was not feeling the Christmas spirit initially because nothing felt right – no children singing and no racks of nativity costumes filling the corridors. It all felt empty and strange so I put it out to the staff team to come up with some ideas. Fortunately, we’re a creative and optimistic bunch at Coppice Valley and before long a plan came together. Operation Spread the Joy!
The turning point for me, in restoring my Christmas spirit, was deciding to make it less about me and how I’m feeling and more about helping others to experience some Christmas joy. Honestly, I think that thought may have come from one of the many Hallmark Christmas movies I have seen, but it’s true all the same. It’s all about getting your joy from creating joyful experiences for those around you. Even more important this year, I reckon.
Here’s 5 Ways to Spread the Christmas Spirit
Christmas Lights at Coppice Valley Primary School
1. Operation Christmas Joy This year we have moved our Christmas decorations outside the school. We’ve been supported by local businesses (big thanks to Lights4Fun, Paul Walsh Electrical, EPS Electrical & Plumbing, Bark in the Park, Ark Signs & Digital, Holberry Signs & Fir Tree Farm at Dacre Banks) to create a Christmas lights display at the front of school. We thought it would spread a little joy and cheer up our children and local community. Could you move your Christmas tree outside this year or put it in your window inside so neighbours can enjoy it as they walk past? Maybe you could decorate your windows with glass paints or go to town on your outdoor lights this year?
2. Give Where You Live We all know that local small businesses have suffered this year. Share the Christmas love by spending your Christmas shopping money in local shops and businesses, if you can. We’ve got some fantastic independent retailers in Harrogate that we don’t want to lose.
3. Secret Santa 2.0 A new take on the secret Santa gift giving idea – in the run up to Christmas, secretly leave little presents for your family, friends or colleagues for them to find. At school, a secret Santa has been leaving packs of Rolos on our desks for the last few weeks. You don’t have to spend much but the positive effect it has on someone is priceless, especially if you get to see them discover the gift and share in their joy.
4. Customise Christmas Cards I don’t know about you, but I’ve been getting less and less Christmas cards each year. (I’d like to think that this is due to environmental reasons rather than being literally knocked off peoples’ Christmas cards lists!) If you do send cards though, why not take some extra time to personalise the message? Just writing a sentence or two to express your gratitude or admiration for someone, really makes their day. It feels lovely to be noticed for something positive and it’s even more meaningful, somehow, when it’s written down.
5. Meet & Greet, Christmas-style At Coppice Valley, myself, the deputy and office manager are outside meeting and greeting the families every morning and afternoon. It’s a small thing but it makes a big difference in maintaining our school culture. It feels good to make contact with people (albeit socially distanced now). Wishing someone a good day and asking how they are shows you value them. Mixing it up Christmas style now, with a Merry Christmas thrown in for good measure, adds to the happiness you can spread. Why not try to give a little Christmas cheer as you meet people like the postman, the shop worker or delivery driver?
Merry Christmas from all Coppice Valley Primary School
Just Giving Page – If you enjoy our Christmas Lights Display and would like to make a Christmas donation, we are raising funds for our friends at Horticap who helped make our community garden and towards a new playground shelter for school.
By Head Teacher Emma Meadus
