Joy, Generosity, and Holiday Traditions

The Suffield Academy community embraced the holiday season with joy, generosity, and plenty of festive spirit. The celebrations began with a beloved tradition as the ski team decorated the Bell, illuminating campus and spreading cheer throughout the month.

Giving back remained at the heart of the season. During Pajama Day for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, students wore pajamas in solidarity with children facing cancer and other serious illnesses—many of whom spend long periods in PJs and comfortable clothing during treatment. The day also served as a fundraiser, with the Suffield community raising over $600 in support of pediatric patients. The spirit of generosity continued with a toy drive organized by Damian Bond ’27, in partnership with the Enfield Food Pantry. The drive collected toys for children of all ages, from infants to high schoolers, helping ensure that more families could experience joy during the holidays.

Creativity flourished at the holiday art pop-up shop, where students sold handmade items perfect for gift-giving. The shop featured an impressive range of work, including painted canvas tote bags—advertised as Tiger Totes!—hand-drawn sports collector cards, floral soaps, holiday cards, and vinyl stickers, all designed and crafted by Suffield artists.

Suffield students also extended holiday cheer beyond Bell Hill at Suffield Alight, the town’s annual celebration on the Green. The event included a tree lighting, a holiday market, trolley rides, caroling along Main Street, and a visit from Santa. Students volunteered by handing out hot chocolate, greeting families in the Tiger suit, and spreading holiday spirit throughout the community.

Various traditions brought students together, including a festive Hanukkah dinner sponsored by the J.O.S., featuring potato latkes, candle lighting, games, and dreidel spinning. International students also joined in the festive fun by gathering to create gingerbread houses, decorating them with colorful candies and icing, before faculty members voted on their favorite designs. The following evening, students and faculty gathered in the Koo Dining Room for the annual holiday dinner, a cherished highlight of the winter term.

The season concluded with Holiday Sweater Day, as students and faculty donned their favorite festive knits, filling campus with cheerful colors, cozy attire, and smiling faces as the community headed into winter break.