Students are never too old to experience the joy of the holidays. For many younger kids, classroom holiday parties allow them to make memories that they will carry with them for years to come. However, this fun ceases to exist typically after kids graduate from elementary school.

Just think, a simple act, such as a small party, has the potential to make a stressed out and overworked high school student’s day. Not only would the party give them an event to look forward to, but it would also allow them to escape the monotony of their daily schedule.

Winter is an exhausting time for students as it is, particularly with the pressure of midterms and an abundance of work as the semester comes to an end. This can negatively impact their mental health. Therefore, giving students the opportunity to decompress can benefit them not only mentally, but also academically.

Some teachers may argue that coordinating such an event would require extensive work, but with the help of capable students, the planning process has the potential to be quite simple. Those who are willing to help with the event will most likely be willing to put in the necessary effort to ensure that it happens.

There are a few high school courses that attempt events like this. For example, Mrs. Thiel’s AP European History course has fun holiday celebrations and other unique activities from gift exchanges to potluck meals that ultimately increased student engagement.

High school students are constantly under pressure and stress. Holidays, especially Christmas, give educators the perfect excuse to give hard-working high school students a well deserved break.