How does the Upper School Community Welcome the Winter Season as Break Approaches?

The hallways are filled with excitement and laughter as students and teachers anticipate the arrival of winter break.

From family staples to cherished traditions, December welcomes a pause from the hustle and bustle of everyday school life.

Students considered their favorite Holton-specific winter traditions.

Merritt Feldner ’27 noted that the “the hot cocoa at lunch...always brightens [her] day!”

Many agreed that the warm treat has become a popular and beloved way to welcome winter.

“I think the holiday traditions bring the community together,” said Quint, who has attended Holton since third grade. She noted that she “especially [liked] the new Celebration of Lights” and stated that “bringing the entire school together during the holiday season is so great.”

As one of the school’s newest winter ceremonies, the Celebration of Lights has quickly become a classic favorite in the winter months.

An event that captures the winter spirit is the Holton Winter Lights Gathering, occurring December 19th. The entire school comes together to appreciate the many different holiday

events.

The gathering highlights our diversity and our unity. The ceremony includes student and faculty speakers, who honor the various ways members of the community celebrate the winter season.

When asked how they would describe school holiday traditions to new students and faculty members, Quint and Feldner said they are fun and welcoming.

The students emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students and teachers alike feel included, valued and comfortable sharing their own holiday traditions.

Winter ceremonies bring us all together as one community to celebrate what makes this season special: love, community and cheer.