Holiday Convocation: A Very Merry Tradition

by: Kendal Wright, senior

Kendal with her Kindergarten buddy, Violet.

Every year, Saint James School celebrates the upcoming holiday season through our holiday convocation. The atmosphere is light and cheery as students and faculty prepare for the upcoming festivities. It is a beloved tradition that brings the whole school together for one last hurrah before exams and break. The gym is filled with Christmas attire and smiling faces. This year, the celebration began as the seniors entered the gym with their kindergarten buddies. Everyone enjoyed seeing the cute buddies and their holiday outfits. Dr. McLemore began the celebration with a speech and, with the help of his kids, Daisy and Wilder, they wished everyone a happy holiday season.

Then, Steve the sleepy elf awoke from his slumber beside the fifth graders to lead the school in our festivities. The students worked hard to keep the sleepy elf awake and on task. He amused them with his odd morning routine when he brushed his teeth with a candy cane and washed it down with maple syrup. Thankfully, Steve was able to take a quick nap while the band and choir performed. They lead the students in singing Christmas songs like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Some of the elementary students performed a dance from their recent holiday concert. Between these performances, students from the elementary, middle, and high schools shared what Christmas meant to them as well as some of their favorite holiday memories. Another student also shared the story of Hanukkah and their traditions before passing out chocolate coins, called Hanukkah gelt. Near the end of the celebration, Santa, frosty, and some of the elves made a surprise appearance. They made their way around the gym greeting students and passing out candy. We ended our holiday convocation by singing the 12 days of Christmas. Each grade participated as a different day, and the seniors celebrated their last convocation as they sang out “5 months to go.” Holiday convocation is a tradition loved by all of Saint James because it reminds us to be joyful as we enter into the holiday season. It takes some of the stress away from older students as they prepare for exams, and it allows younger students to celebrate alongside the older grades. This tradition brings the whole school together to celebrate and be thankful for the great year that we have had so far. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! #wearesaintjamesschool