Holiday Cheer at Wallace A. Smith Elementary
December 23, 2025 –As winter break approached, Wallace A. Smith Elementary found fun and creative ways to spread holiday cheer and bring the school community together. From laughter in the car line to kindness shared through handwritten cards, the days leading up to the break were filled with joy.
Each morning, students arriving at school were greeted by a very special visitor. An elf appeared in the car line every day, dressed in a new costume that kept students guessing and smiling. One day, the elf went full Jurassic Park, complete with dinosaur themed fun. Another morning, the elf teamed up with local firefighters. On a different day, students received playful tickets for being naughty or nice. One of the most exciting moments came when local police officers joined in on the fun and pretended to chase the elf through the car line, sending students into fits of laughter.
Inside the school, the library became the center of another beloved holiday tradition. Librarian Sarah Brandenburg set up a festive post box where students could drop off Christmas cards for their classmates and teachers. A group of fifth grade students served as the elves, taking turns delivering the cards to classrooms each day.
Brandenburg shared that the idea came from her own childhood. “I am from England and as a child it was a tradition in schools to give Christmas cards,” she said. “We would all write cards to our classmates and drop them off in the festive British post box located in the school. Every day the cards would be delivered to the students.”
She said it was always one of her favorite holiday memories and something she wanted to share with Wallace A. Smith students. The response was overwhelming. Students eagerly checked for cards each day, and the number of cards delivered grew quickly.
“The students here have embraced this tradition with so much excitement,” Brandenburg said. “It has also taught them something about spreading joy to others at Christmas instead of just receiving. I can’t wait to do this again next year.”
On the final day before break, the elf made one last surprise appearance inside the building before the students had even arrived. Hallways were decorated with balloons and streamers, and even the principal’s office was not spared. The festive decorations gave students another reason to smile as they headed to class. The week wrapped up with the entire school coming together for a holiday sing along in the gym. Students and staff filled the space with music, laughter, and school spirit, creating a joyful send off before winter break.
Through creativity, laughter, and kindness, Wallace A. Smith Elementary ended the semester in a way that brought everyone together and reminded students and staff what makes the holiday season truly special.
