Creating Lasting Memories: Christmas Celebrations in a Church School
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- 4 days ago
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Christmas in a church school is more than just a holiday event. It is a time when faith, community, and joy come together to create meaningful experiences for students, teachers, and families. These celebrations build traditions that students carry with them for years, shaping their understanding of the season and their connection to their school community. This post explores how church schools can organise festive Christmas activities that are fun, inclusive, and rooted in the spirit of the season.
Embracing the True Meaning of Christmas
At The Bishops school we have the opportunity to highlight the religious significance of Christmas while creating a joyful atmosphere. The story of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ—is central to the celebrations. This focus helps students understand the holiday beyond Santa and the elves! The advent wreath is out, the Pasada (travelling crib) is making its way around the classrooms and Nativity plays are in full swing! The Nativity scene is placed at the heart of our school, decorations and trees will be coming out of their boxes and will be dusted off and the child ren will be helping it all to go up.
There are so many ways in which church schools embed the true meaning of Christmas. At The Bishops there’s been a rush of new displays being put up in our hall. The theme this year links to the Catholic 'Year of Hope' and the Jubilee Year so our displays are linked to pledges; celebrating ways we can help others and this has prompted explosions of colour and creativity from every year group.
‘Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Christmas story’ is ringing out as the children rehearse for their Christmas shows – and across the school classes are going off-curriculum, off-timetable, and every child knows they have a part to play and something to say on stage. The school is filled with the bubble of joy and excitement but there is also an undertone of quiet and calm with Nativity plays, bible readings and time for prayers and reflection. By integrating these elements, we nurture faith and provide a meaningful context for the festivities that help children (and adults) connect personally with the messages of hope and peace.
Creating Festive Traditions That Include Everyone
Christmas celebrations in a church school should be inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of their background or needs. Traditions that involve the whole school community foster a sense of belonging and shared joy.
However, we remember that for those children who struggle with unfamiliar routine many are overwhelmed and this can be a struggle. Christmas presents so many challenges for our emotionally or ASD – challenged pupils, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our LSAs and pastoral lead who are supporting these pupils (and families) are fully stretched and having to be both incredibly patient and amazing at pre-empting and preparing their children for the changes each day brings. Staff are making donations to our wellbeing fund – helping colleagues anonymously with the growing costs of Christmas. Our school motto is ‘live fully, laugh often, learn deeply and let your light shine’. As a church school we encourage our children to be thoughtful of others who are less fortunate than ourselves and we are proud of the links we have developed with local charities who are asking for connections to our vulnerable families so that presents and hampers can be provided. We will make this time as special for every child and adult within our school community as we can.
Ensuring that all children are part of these traditions help them feel connected and valued, making the holiday season special for everyone.
As I walk around the school, we are hearing of children who are already talking about the enormous chocolate muffins that are famous at our school Christmas dinner! Class parties are being planned, the now famous Christingle making morning (where year 6 children help their buddies in Foundation stage create a Christingle to take home and teach them what it represents) is booked in and orders are being placed (just biodegradable where we can!)...
The children are noticeably bubbling!
This year we are actively discouraging children from sending Christmas cards to all their friends – our call to look after the environment is causing us to rethink how we can give best wishes to others. The well received and new tradition, led by our new pastoral lead, is Advent Angels – secret angels who will surprise their randomly picked colleague with small tokens of love, sustenance and support for the last few weeks of term.
During Covid-19, we changed our carol service to an outdoor crib service around the school but we are back in the church with Year 6 leading the event. The school choir, who have recently sung at the Royal Albert Hall, have also been treating the local community to festive cheer through song and stain glass windows decorate the school and shine light outside for all to see.
Engaging Families and the Wider Community
Church schools often serve as community hubs, and Christmas celebrations provide a chance to strengthen those ties. Inviting families and community members to participate enriches the experience and builds lasting relationships. From church services, to festive stay and plays and the Christmas fayre its important that the school is the heart of the community so that children can make connections to both home and school and see how they nurture each other.
Christmas fairs or bazaars can feature student-made crafts, baked goods, and festive games. These events raise funds for school projects or charitable causes.
Family Christmas services offer a welcoming space for worship and celebration, with music, readings, and fellowship.
Volunteer opportunities during the season encourage students and families to work together in service, such as visiting nursing homes or organizing food drives.
By involving families and neighbours, church schools extend the spirit of Christmas beyond the classroom.
Practical Tips for Organising a Successful Christmas Celebration
Planning a memorable Christmas event in a church school requires attention to detail and thoughtful coordination. Here are some practical tips to ensure everything runs smoothly:
Start early to allow time for rehearsals, decoration, and communication with families.
Involve students in planning committees to give them ownership and develop leadership skills.
Balance religious and cultural elements to respect diverse backgrounds while maintaining the school’s faith identity.
Keep activities age-appropriate so younger children can participate fully and older students feel challenged.
Use volunteers from staff and parents to support logistics, supervision, and setup.
Communicate clearly with families about schedules, dress codes, and any contributions needed.
These steps help create an organized, enjoyable, and meaningful celebration.
Examples of Memorable Christmas Activities
Here are some specific ideas that have worked well in church schools:
Living nativity scenes where students dress as biblical characters and stand in a recreated stable setting, often held outdoors.
Christmas story workshops where students write and illustrate their own versions of the nativity story.
Holiday music concerts featuring choirs, bands, and solo performances of Christmas songs.
Christmas-themed service projects such as making blankets for shelters or baking cookies for community helpers.
Festive classroom parties with games, storytelling, and treats that reflect the season’s joy.
These activities combine fun with faith and community spirit.
The Lasting Impact of Christmas Celebrations in Church Schools
The memories created during Christmas celebrations often stay with students long after they leave, with many returning to the school and fondly remembering their own experiences. These events teach important lessons about faith, kindness, and togetherness. They also build a strong school culture where students feel supported and valued.
Students learn to appreciate traditions, develop social skills, and experience the joy of giving. Teachers and staff witness the growth of a caring community. Families enjoy shared moments that strengthen their connection to the school.
By investing time and care into Christmas celebrations, church schools create a foundation for lifelong positive memories and values. At The Bishops School we teach the children traditional Christmas carols and we’ll send our choir to sing to others. Part of what makes Christmas in a church school so unique is the mix of traditional and modern ways to celebrate. As always, our school encourages both staff and children to have life in all its fullness and over the next two weeks that is what we will ensure all children have!
Greg Waters
Head Teacher
The Bishops’ C of E and RC Primary School
The Bishops’ is one of a small and unique number of joint Anglican and Catholic schools in the country, and we are the only such primary school in Essex. But we are here to serve all those who wish their children to enjoy an education which puts the whole of their development at its heart – academic, creative, physical, social and spiritual. Whilst our heart and foundation is strongly Christian, and our foundation is jointly Anglican and Catholic, our families come from a range of faith backgrounds and none, and we are well supported by our local clergy and community.
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