With the winter holiday season right around the corner, Staff Writer Ellie Keum ’26 takes us back to past community celebrations. Keum explored issues of The Record and photos from the archives to delve into holiday celebrations.
Lessons and Carols:
In the 1950s, the school choir offered an annual concert—a service of readings from the Christian Bible, Christmas songs, and hymns. The concert soon became “one of the best-liked concerts of the year,” according to The Record, Vol. LXI, No. 10. In 1958, Choirmaster Mr. Albert Sly retitled the concert “Lessons and Carols.”
The decision followed his return from a sabbatical in England, where Lessons and Carols have been held since the late 1880s. In past years, a formal holiday dinner preceded the performance.
The Mitten Tree:
The Mitten Tree was created by the Class of 2007. Community members placed clothing donations under and on the tree. For example, in 2011, the school collected four boxes of clothing for Family Services in Millerton. In 2012, the donations went to those impacted by Hurricane Sandy.
The Mitten Tree is no longer an existing tradition, but donations are made through other programs.
The Gingerbread House Build:
Every year, community members gather to build and decorate gingerbread houses. In the past, participants were required to donate at least ten dollars to purchase clothing for the homeless or bring a toy for a local child.
The event has been held in the Dining Hall, Field House, and now, the entrance hallway in the Main Building. While the build is no longer connected with the many options for donation during the holiday season, the tradition continues. Finished creations are displayed in the Dining Hall and Main Hallway.
Hanukkah:
In 2007, the school placed its first menorah in the first-floor rotunda. Hillel, the Jewish student club, has hosted gatherings to light the menorah when Hanukkah coincides with the school calendar. This year, the first night of Hanukkah will be on December 25.
Tree Decorating:
In past years, the school hosted decorating parties at the large tree outside of the Tremaine Gallery. Community members hung ornaments on the tree and enjoyed hot chocolate and snacks.
In some years, make-your-own ornament stations included Polaroid cameras, photo frames, or wooden ornaments and decoration supplies.
