Our District Leadership Team has a tradition, now 10 years strong, the week before the holidays – Our “Great Cookie Delivery” or “Cookiepalooza”. It is our attempt at a personal way to express gratitude and build and live the culture we are so proud of in the school district. And it is a lot of fun!
I love the size of the school district we work in – about 7500 students, just over 1000 staff and a geography that lets you get around to all the schools in a day.
So, that is what we do. We load up our cars at 6 AM with cookies, with the goal of delivering to every staff member by the end of the day. We do most (probably 80-90%) in person and the rest are left in staff rooms.
And of course, we do it in costumes. As someone who dislikes Halloween for the costumes, for me this is probably the most difficult part.
But traditions are fun – and here is a look at our holiday tradition over the last decade:
This year – we wished everyone a Merry Swift-Mas.
In 2022, we were a team of holiday bakers.
In 2021, the lumberjacks were delivering cookies across the district.
In 2020, it was a COVID-era Santa-hat wearing Stormtrooper delivery.
In 2019, there were the not quite 12 drummers drumming.
In 2018, it was gingerbread people delivering the gingerbread.
In 2017, it was a Hawaiian holiday themed cookie delivery.
In 2016, the elves were left to delivery cookies across the district.
In 2015, we were wearing our Christmas jammies to delivery the cookies.
In 2014, we were all about the ugly Christmas sweaters.
In 2013, it started with Santa and his helpers delivering the cookies.
Our team changes. Time moves on. But traditions keep us connected.
Hopefully with colleagues at work, or with friends and family you too have some wonderful holiday traditions.
Wishing everyone a wonderful break!
I will have one more post – my “Top 3” that will come out before the end of the year.
I loved this post! What a great idea and investment of time, care and fun. Thank you for sharing
… and a great tradition it is!🤗
That’s the thing about traditions. They don’t have been fancy, perfect or something that resonates the same for everyone. But in the end, they create your collective identity. I think of some of our family traditions like our jumping photos. As the kids got older they kinda hated it. As adults, they now ask if we can still do them.
Don’t ever stop bringing cookies to your staff at Christmas.
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