10 Festive Classroom Traditions Pupils Will Remember

The festive season in primary classrooms isn’t just about glittery crafts and Christmas carols – it’s about building memories that pupils carry with them long after they’ve left school. With the right mix of fun and thoughtfulness, teachers can create simple traditions that make December feel magical without adding stress. Here are 10 festive classroom traditions your pupils will cherish:

1. A Class Advent Calendar

Create a personalised classroom advent calendar where each pupil gets a turn to open a door. Instead of sweets, hide encouraging notes, classroom privileges, or mini stickers.

2. Festive Reading Corner

Transform your reading area with fairy lights, a cosy blanket, and seasonal storybooks. Pupils can take turns being the “storyteller of the day.”

3. Kindness Challenge

Run a December kindness calendar, where each day has a small challenge like “compliment someone” or “help tidy the classroom.” This ties in beautifully with promoting positive behaviour.

4. Seasonal Sticker Awards

Swap your usual stickers for festive-themed ones. A small change that makes recognition feel extra special at this time of year.

5. Christmas Jumper Day Parade

On Christmas Jumper Day (Thursday 11th December), give pupils a chance to ‘parade’ their jumpers in class, finishing with prizes for the funniest, sparkliest, or cosiest designs.

6. Festive Friday Treats

Dedicate each Friday in December to something simple but fun – a 10-minute Christmas quiz, a sing-along, or a festive-themed game.

7. Letters to Future Selves

Ask pupils to write letters to themselves about their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Seal them up to hand back at the end of the school year.

8. Class Christmas Tree

Whether it’s a real tree, a paper wall display, or even a small tabletop version, let pupils add their own handmade decorations over the weeks.

9. Classroom Memories Jar

Throughout December, invite pupils to write down their favourite memory from the term and place it in a jar. On the last day, read them aloud as a class celebration of shared moments.

10. The Final-Day Film

Round off the term with a festive film and a small token (like a pencil or bookmark) to remind pupils of their hard work all term.

 

Making Traditions Work for You

You don’t need to do everything on this list. Pick one or two traditions that feel manageable, and repeat them year after year. Those little moments of joy and connection are what stick with them – long after the glitter has been swept away.