Families may want to consider setting up their Christmas trees in the AIS gymnasium next year. In the midst of December, students leave and arrive home in darkness. The threat of mid-terms looms, and warmth is difficult to come by. Christmas seems far out of reach in the final fraught hours before break, However, come each year, the holiday assembly itinerary provides the joy of celebration early. Lifting spirits through community, this year’s 2025 event was a stellar send off to the holiday break.
The festive atmosphere was at a high as early as 7:50 AM. Speakers blasted familiar December tunes as middle school, upper school, and faculty members alike entered the building. None lost their smile while making their way through the morning’s events, a highlight of which included a hot chocolate cafe. Even sugar crashes failed to spoil the mood. Students settled in the West Wike, clad in holiday attire, for a leisurely viewing of The Grinch (2013).
Laughter swelled in the hallways after this cozy moment of recovery, as the entire school headed to the gym. The actual holiday assembly, just like the morning’s agenda, continued to bring celebration to every member of the Agnes Irwin community. Students crowded the court, while faculty, parents, and alumnae chatted atop bleachers. Ms. Keidel and student representatives from across grade divisions shared a bit about their own traditions and relationships with the holidays.
Music provided moments for the community aspect of the assembly to shine. The Grace Notes and Bell Cantos choirs delivered their usual performances, including familiar classics like “O Holy Night”. “White Winter Hymnal” was a crowd favorite, many in the crowd replicating the Bells’ synchronized claps and motions. The group’s alumnae received a warm invitation onto the stage to perform “Carol of The Bells” with current singers, a longstanding tradition.
Song continued to unite the Agnes Irwin community through the annual rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas”. Plastic geese coasted across a wave of sixth graders, cardboard rings glittered gold, and the seniors closed out the performance with rapid drumming. Dressed in green gingerbread shirts and candy cane pants, they suited the holiday atmosphere. Lastly, a torrent of balloons rained across the crowd. The scene cemented the day’s events as something reminiscent of a hallmark film.
This year’s holiday assembly set the tone for later December celebrations: full of laughter, community, and readily available festive treats. Blue and gold has never resembled red and green more.
