Traditions

Do you have any school traditions?  I have a few, and I seem to add one a year! A tradition that we had growing up was making ornaments or crafts for 
family members.  I carried this on through college, and when I started teaching I started the ornament tradition.  My first year of teaching I realized that there were many teachers that didn't necessarily fit into a "clique" to join in holiday giving fun.  I was one of those teachers.  Now, I am not upset at all.. I am a little high maintenance :)  I also realized though, that everyone deserves a little something for Christmas.  I was used to making 30-40 ornaments a year anyway for family and friends... so I just multiplied it a little :)  So, 10 years ago, I started making ornaments for every teacher, cafeteria worker, paraprofessional, and janitor that was on campus.  I believe that every person on campus works extremely hard for our students.. just in different ways.  I also believe that the holidays are a great way for us to show our appreciation!  I have made everything from wire ornaments, to bowtie pasta angel, to popsicle stick ornaments.  This year I made snowmen (I think this is my second year to do this.. but I try really hard to not repeat!)  The first set of these (100) had earmuffs on and the second set (100) didn't have earmuffs.  I made enough for my new friends at Elliott.. but I just couldn't leave out out my Stipes friends!


Another one of my traditions (started within the last 5 years) is the handprint shirt.  I know.. I know.. super cheesy.. but I LOVE HANDPRINTS!

Since my classes are usually smaller, the handprint t-shirt is a great addition to my Christmas shirt collection.  These are done with t-shirt puffy paint.  The ornaments are thumbprints!  I always add the year too :)


I have had some help with the next tradition!  I have some amazing people in my PLN! Dyne Smokorowski and I met at Podstock.. and now for the past 2 years have had our classrooms exchanged Holiday Cards.  We also have an afternoon where we have skyped, read a book together, and sang Christmas carols.

So, I end this post with a tradition I hope to start in my classroom.. and eventually in my own home.  Today I received a SUPER special gift from a SUPER special person!  On my doorstep today was a box from Andrea.. not me.. but my most Amazing friend from Kansas!  An amazing friend that has done so many behind the scenes things for me..ones that I will never be able to repay (but hope to pay it forward)  I got an Elf on the Shelf!  You should have seen the happy dance when I opened him!  I can't wait to start this new holiday tradition!

I am so thankful for my parents for helping me start the traditions of crafting and making things from the heart.  I am thankful for students that are willing to continue my tradition of handprint shirts.  I am thankful for Dyane and the best Christmas card exchange.  I am thankful for Andrea for helping me start a brand new tradition!  Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!  


As I pull out all of the materials for all of my traditions.. my husband rolls his eyes and asks me why must I do it all.  I guess I can chalk it up to my OCD.  But it is really for the fact that these things make my heart happy.. and hopefully brings a few smiles to the people around me!


Do you have an classroom traditions?