Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck
A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.
Ongoing
12 Days of Festive Fun: Holiday Staff Activities Before Break
Holiday staff activities for 12 school days, with dress-up, treat, activity, and gift ideas
Alissa Christensen
What is 12 Days of Festive Fun?
A set of holiday staff activities where school leaders schedule one festive moment each school day leading up to winter break. Choose from ideas across dress-up days, staff activities, treats, and gifts, then map them onto the included December 2026 calendar.
Why try it
Holiday staff activities add festive moments
December fills up quickly with concerts, assessments, and class parties. A 12-day countdown puts something fun on the calendar for staff each day leading up to break.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Dress-up day list to share with staff
Treat supplies for your chosen days (cocoa, cookies, popcorn, or trail mix)
Small prizes for games and contests (candy, coupons, or treats)
Instructions
1
Pick your dates
Choose 12 school days before winter break
Count back 12 school days from your last day before break and mark them on the included December 2026 calendar.
2
Fill the calendar
Plan a mix of 12 festive staff ideas
Choose one idea per day from the list below and write it in its calendar square. Save a gift for the final day of the countdown.
3
Share the plan
Share the 12-day calendar with staff
Post the calendar in the lounge and email it to staff a week before day one so they can plan outfits and sign up to bring cookies or popcorn toppings. A short note works: “Our 12 Days of Festive Fun starts Monday! Check the calendar for dress-up days, treats, and a few surprises along the way.”
4
Run the countdown
Announce each festive day every morning
Mention the day’s idea during morning announcements or in a quick staff email, and set out treats before the first bell. Snap a few photos to share in your staff newsletter.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Staff-picked dress-up days
Share the 15 dress-up ideas in a quick staff poll and build the calendar around the top picks.
Team-hosted days
Assign each grade level or department one day to host, from choosing the theme to setting out the treat.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip $1
Balance prep across the 12 days
Limit bigger setups, like the cocoa bar or punch board, to two or three days a week, and fill the rest with dress-up days that need no prep.
Leader Tip #2
Recruit helpers for bigger days
Ask your Sunshine Committee or PTA to run the cookie exchange or winter cheer cart. Find more ideas they can use in the Sunshine Committee collection!
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Loading...
Similar resources
