Will The Corona Grinch Steal Christmas From Your School?

The Beginning

In How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Cindy Lou Hoo demonstrates her understanding of the festive season: “no one should be alone on Christmas,” she says emphatically. And just like Cindy, schools keep that Christmas tradition alive. Shared Christmas performances boost children’s confidence, cooperation and learning. It’s also a crafty and creative time that keeps tradition alive and draws children, parents and the local community together.

This year will be different…

Will Covid-19 be the Grinch that wants to stop Christmas?
Or can schools ensure that it’s a case of ‘less Christmas’ gives more?!

 

Christmas Reduced for Learning Catch-Up

Countless educational hours have been lost this year. Some children studied successfully with homeschooling, but many – through no fault of their own – did not. To catch up, some schools have already set out a ‘bah humbug’ approach to Christmas, making it clear that there will be working up until the last days this year, and minimal disruption. Given the potential gap in achievement, this is understandable.

Christmas Continuity Helps Mental Health

However, Christmas is a large, established part of the school calendar, and missing it out altogether could have negative effects on wellbeing. Children need routines, consistency and predictability for good mental health. These have already taken a knock this year. Removing Christmas from the curriculum could potentially shake fragile foundations further. Whilst safety is paramount (it is an accepted fact that many events cannot happen this year) it is vital to acknowledge Christmas for continuity and consistency.

Plan a Careful and Realistic Christmas Without Delay

Schools are already cancelling carol concerts and performance dates set aside at the beginning of the school year. If you need to do the same, you are not alone. However, ensure you are ready in advance to share what can happen to avoid grumbles, confusion and disappointment. Get the message out quickly to keep the community on board.

Avoid Uncertainty

Even if it is bad news, uncertainty is worse. Be open and honest before the questions arise. Class parties – but only in bubbles. Recording a class Christmas song to share with parents: simple, but heart-warming. Advanced planning with a whole school approach that outlines exactly what can and cannot happen means that pupils, parents and the extended community know exactly what to expect, and why.

Consider The Benefits

Not everything about a reduced Christmas is bad news.

• Do schools spend too much time on Christmas anyway? It can be a burden on the curriculum and teacher time.

 

• Over-excited and distracted pupils cannot concentrate and learn. Other countries, such as New Zealand, manage a more understated and less disruptive approach.

• Expectation has increased steadily, with pressure to have super-decorated classrooms, umpteen craft activities, large performances, cooking, gift making, sending cards, school bazaars and charity events. Putting a lid on a few things could increase appreciation for what remains.

• Long before December starts, Christmas planning takes many hours out of the school day and teacher time.

• Doing less, but appreciating it more, could actually spread the Christmas message that the Grinch wanted to stop.

 

Schools and Churches

Many schools arrange church visits. Current C of E guidance is to follow Government guidelines: ‘Government guidance does not prohibit school groups from coming into the church, providing any use is in line with Government guidance both for safe operation of schools and use of places of worship’.

Only individual schools and churches can decide whether this can work successfully and safely for them.

Schools + Christmas = Creative Festive Fun!

It’s a proven formula that Christmas is always creative in schools. Before it becomes an issue, brainstorm ideas that will work in your class and your school. How will art projects be organised and materials supplied? Will classrooms are decorated – and if so, by whom? Can you reach a community audience, and what safety measures will need to take place?

Christmas and Technology

This won’t be the first time this year that technology has helped keep things going. On a small scale, groups and ‘bubbles’ can come together to create a celebration that can be filmed and then shared with the wider school community (adhering to strict access). How exciting to discover what everyone else has been doing!

Christmas Film Ideas
These are countless – but could include:

• Groups /bubbles creating sections of the nativity (or other performance) that is then edited and woven together.

 

• A series of Christmas songs or carols for parents.

• If appropriate, could the local church feature in the film?

• Individuals or small groups performing with musical instruments.

• Snippets of Christmas cookery production.

• Telling Christmas jokes!

• A documentary narrative of how Christmas is different in other countries, or old Christmas customs.

• Older pupils could create small short ‘Christmas message’ themed story of their own.

 

What is the message of Christmas?

The focus of Christmas will depend on whether your school is secular or religious. However, the messages of this time of year are understood to be thinking of others, opening your hearts and doing thoughtful deeds. The reality is, that not everyone gets to write present lists or gorge on goodies. In a Guardian blog last year, headteachers of schools in deprived areas explained that many of their pupils would receive few, if any presents… and were unlikely to be fed sufficiently over the festive time, never mind enjoying a feast.

Whilst no one wants to be the Grinch, or indeed Mr Scrooge, perhaps the message they each learn by the end of their stories will be heard more loudly and understood more easily this year.

Covid-19 will not stop Christmas from coming.
Schools will discover that: “Somehow or other, it came just the same!”

The End!

In summary:

• Covid-19 restrictions mean Christmas in schools will be different this year.

 

• Planning swiftly ahead will reduce uncertainty.

• There are potential benefits to a reduced Christmas.

• Using film or other creative methods can still promote community.

• Just like in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, the message for this time of year may stand out even more!
  
  

 

“…So that the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches plus two.”

Our schools, pupils and teachers are amazing!
Wishing you a happy and safe Christmas this year.