12 Holiday Newsletter Ideas from Real Educators

As the holiday season approaches, teachers and principals are looking for ways to engage families and students through festive, informative school newsletters. We’ve gathered ideas from the many holiday newsletters uploaded to the Educator Hive, Smore’s newsletter template center, and compiled a list of the 12 most popular content topics for holiday and Christmas newsletters today!

🎶 All I Want for Christmas is… Holiday Newsletter Ideas!

Your wish is our gift! 🎁 Below are 12 real ideas educators have used in their holiday newsletters to spread cheer and keep families informed.

📚 1. Holiday Book Recommendations
Books are always a great way to spread cheer! Many teachers and librarians are sharing holiday-themed book recommendations with their students. From classics like The Night Before Christmas to fun reads like Happy Narwhalidays, there’s something for every age group. You can even invite students to share their favorite holiday books.

Need ideas? Check out this festive holiday newsletter.

🎄 2. About the Holidays
The holiday season brings together many different traditions, from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, Christmas to Yule. Create a section in your newsletter that introduces students to the diverse holidays celebrated around the world. Encourage classroom discussions and include videos, lessons, or songs about each tradition.

Want more inspiration? Explore Smore’s holiday template.

🗓 3. December Events
‘Tis the season for school holiday events! From gingerbread house competitions to Christmas movie nights, make sure parents are in the know by adding a festive calendar of events in your newsletter. Create RSVP forms for parents to sign up or volunteer.

🧑‍🏫 4. Classroom Projects
The holidays are a great time to showcase creative classroom projects. Share photos and videos of students’ work in your newsletter. Whether it’s holiday crafts, STEM activities, or creative writing projects, parents love getting a peek into classroom life. Feature your students’ best work to encourage them and bring joy to their families.

For inspiration, browse our Educator Hive for more ideas.

❄️ 5. Teaching About Winter
Transform your holiday newsletter into a winter wonderland! Use the newsletter to teach students fun facts about the winter season—how snow forms, why the Southern Hemisphere experiences summer, or even the history of winter solstice celebrations. Check out this winter-themed newsletter from former principal and Smore Resident Educator, Kara Stern.

😷 6. Health and Safety During the Holidays
With flu season and icy weather conditions, health and safety are top priorities. Use your newsletter to remind faculty and parents of school health guidelines. Share safety tips for avoiding the flu, how to dress warmly, and what to do in case of a weather emergency. For example, school director John Smith shared a comprehensive COVID-19 health guide in his holiday newsletter, including hygiene best practices and weather safety tips.

🧑‍🎄 7. Spread the Cheer
Get personal by sharing your own holiday traditions! Whether it’s your favorite Christmas movie, a family recipe, or photos of your matching pajamas, a personal touch will help you connect with families. You can also invite families to share their favorite traditions. Be inspired by this Christmas newsletter from Smore’s template library.

🧑‍💻 8. Educational Programs During the Break
Some families may be planning winter vacations, while others will be staying home. Provide a list of educational programs that students can participate in during the break. From online STEM camps to virtual reading programs, help parents find activities that keep their children engaged. See how this coding academy teacher created a holiday newsletter packed with learning opportunities.

🎬 9. Yearly Wrap-Up
End the year by celebrating your school’s most memorable moments! Create a year-in-review video, list, or blog post to highlight key achievements, student success stories, and school events. You can embed this in your next newsletter or share it with families via a link. Check out the “Year’s Best Of” section in our Family Newsletter template for inspiration.

🎨 10. Home Activities
Winter break can be a challenge for working parents. Help them out by providing a list of holiday activities that kids can do at home. From holiday crafts to fun educational games, there are plenty of resources to explore on YouTube, Pinterest, and even the Educator Hive. T

🧑‍🚒 11. Volunteering Opportunities
The holidays are a time of giving. Create a section in your newsletter highlighting volunteering opportunities for students and families. Share details about local food and toy drives, fundraisers, and ways to help those in need.

🎗 12. Mental Health Support
For some students, the holiday season can be stressful. Use your newsletter to raise awareness about mental health and share resources for students who may need extra support. Provide links to local counselors, wellness programs, or mental health hotlines.