Oak Knoll Blog

Santa's Guide to Sharing Gratitude: From the North Pole to Your Community

 

November 19, 2024

Once again, Oak Knoll’s Technology Help Desk intercepted an email meant for Santa himself, and this year, it’s a story worth sharing. It was from our old friend Bernard, who — despite all of his trouble with technology — was recently promoted to Chief Elf Officer at the North Pole. This year, Bernard’s letter wasn’t a wish list of toys or gadgets. Instead, it was an extraordinary message of gratitude that perfectly captures the essence of this holiday season.

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Subject: A Heartfelt Message from the North Pole

Dear Santa,

I hope this message finds you well amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday preparations. Thank you for entrusting me with this promotion from Chief Technology Elf to Chief Elf Officer. I want you to know I do not take this promotion lightly. Since my focus is shifting away from technology, as I think you and I can both agree that it wasn’t the right fit, I wanted to take a moment to write to you about something a little different this year.

I’ve been genuinely touched by the charitable giving and service initiatives I’ve witnessed at Oak Knoll. From collecting donations for local shelters to volunteering at food banks, these remarkable students are spreading a magical glow of gratitude wherever they go. Their actions remind us all of the importance of empathy and community involvement. These efforts not only warm the hearts of those who receive but also deeply enrich the lives of those who give. This embodies the true spirit of Christmas — sharing love, gratitude, and joy with one another — and the true spirit of Oak Knoll and Holy Child.

Families are always so appreciative of everything we do at the North Pole to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season, and you are constantly asked how they can give back as well. Inspired by the students’ exemplary actions, I wanted to share a few ideas that you could pass along to families to embrace this spirit of gratitude during the holiday season:

1. Host a Family Volunteer Day

Consider setting aside a day to volunteer as a family at a local charity. This not only fosters a strong sense of community but also strengthens family bonds through shared acts of kindness.

2. Create Homemade Cards

Crafting homemade cards for nursing home residents can bring immense joy to those who might feel lonely, spreading warmth and cheer during the holiday season.

3. Organize a Neighborhood Toy Drive

Start a toy drive in your neighborhood to collect gifts for children in need. This initiative not only supports underprivileged children but also cultivates a sense of giving within your community.

I know families will appreciate your ideas to spread a culture of kindness and gratitude, ensuring each act of giving contributes to a greater good, much like the magic we all look forward to at Christmas.

Thank you for everything you do,

Bernard,

Chief Elf Officer

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Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child's "Santa Guide" began in 2016 and is an annual publication envisioned by the former OKS Chief Technology Officer, Alex Podchaski. The guide was initially created to help families discover age-appropriate, top educational tech toys ahead of Black Friday. By 2023, the guide was transformed to even more closely reflect Oak Knoll’s mission, resulting in the creation of "Santa's Gratitude Guide." This shift allows the guide to emphasize values of gratitude and learning, enhancing its positive impact on families.