It’s been a tradition for decades: on the half-day before Winter Break, our entire school gathers to share in a very special ceremony.

Preparation begins early in December, with each class in the Children’s House, Elementary, and Upper Schools crafting a special performance. When the day comes, some classes sing; others may recite a group poem or perform a skit. Occasionally, we’re even treated to a hippo playing a kazoo. (It’s a Middle School thing.)

But before all that…before the singing, the dancing, the kazooing wildlife…we celebrate the heart of the ceremony.
While the classes are learning their songs, they’re also thinking about what they wish would happen in the coming year. These wishes are written down and used to decorate a piece of firewood.

At the Yule Log Ceremony, a fire is started with one of the logs from the previous year. Representatives from each class read their wishes aloud, and then their log is added to the fire, sending those wishes out into the world.
The bonfire warms hearts as well as hands while we enjoy the performances, and at the end, the whole community joins in a sing-along.

Won’t you join us? The ceremony starts at 11:00am, and all classes release together afterward (no lunch or aftercare). Parking can be challenging, so come early to snag a spot. As always, Ms. Isabel’s house (509 Kildaire) is open for overflow parking; public parking is also available at the Cary Library’s new parking deck or in the United Methodist Church lot on S. Walker Street.