Dear Maggie —
I’m never sure when I email if I’m going to get you or one of your associates, but I feel like this one might be best answered by you, since you certainly seem to know the most (sorry, Paige!). Anyway, I got an email from someone at the PTA, and it talked about a Christmas Gift Fund. I’m new around here, and so I’m confused… I thought the school was collecting hats and mittens for their project this Advent. Now there’s a fund? Is this another donation that I’m unaware of? Please help me make sense of this – I’m knee-deep buried in decorations right now and can’t see the forest from the Christmas trees. Why is this something I want to participate in?
— Tinseled Tina
Dear Tinseled —
Maggie here — back again, fueled by too much cocoa and just enough holiday spirit to type coherently. 2025 holiday season is already shaping up to be a blast (especially if you’ve already snagged some Dragon Library Market goodies)! But before we get too deep into snowmen and Spirit-(of Christmas)-wear, let’s talk about something near and dear to every staff member’s December exhausted, coffee-powered heart: the Christmas Gift Fund. Saint Margaret of Scotland
Every Christmas season, I get an email questioning what exactly this is? No, it’s not another donation ask. It’s a simple one-stop shopping option to get a teacher a gift for Christmas, if you’re so inclined. And every year, I answer much the same… so this year, let me channel David Letterman, and try a top ten list of why you should bother!
Here’s Maggie’s Top 10 Reasons the SMOS Holiday Gift Fund is Way Better Than a Fruitcake:
#10 — It’s the Gift That Keeps Wrapping… but Doesn’t Actually Wrap
No awkward unwrapping required. Just pure joy — and gift cards that your favorite teachers actually get to use. Saint Margaret of Scotland
#9 — Teachers Don’t Have to Pretend They Love That “World’s Best Teacher” Mug
You know the one. It’s full — of tea stains. Thankfully, this year they get choices. Saint Margaret of Scotland
#8 — It’s Fair
The fund gets split equitably among EVERY staff member (yep — even Ms. “You Don’t Need To Get Me Anything”). Saint Margaret of Scotland
#7 — Gift Cards > Guessing Games
Your kid won’t have to try to figure out Mr. Holley’s favorite hobby. (Does he flip tires in his free time? Does he knit?) With gift cards, it doesn’t matter. Saint Margaret of Scotland
#6 — It’s the Easiest Way to Do Good
Wrap up generosity with literally zero tape, ribbons, or glitter explosions on your living room floor. Saint Margaret of Scotland
#5 — Helps Us Keep Teachers Happy, Not Hangry
Just think: one gift card could be a coffee run, or lunch, or snacks for their three-minute break in the staff lounge (seriously, they deserve it). Saint Margaret of Scotland
#4 — You Can Note a Personal Message
Yes, you can still write that heartfelt card — and avoid anything that sounds like a ransom note. Saint Margaret of Scotland
#3 — It Supports All SMOS Staff
Not just teachers — aides, assistants, support personnel — everyone gets a slice of holiday cheer. Saint Margaret of Scotland
#2 — It’s Something We All Participate In
No more “Oh, I forgot!” panics at 10 PM on Dec 23. It’s easy, it’s community, and it’s collective magic. Saint Margaret of Scotland
AND THE #1 REASON
Your SMOS teachers absolutely love this — and prefer this method over another yet-another candle. (Honestly, you can only burn so many hollyberry-scented flame sticks before Smokey the Bear or OSHA has to get involved.) Saint Margaret of Scotland
So, as you continue to string lights, hang ornaments, and carefully place each strand on that tinseled-tree of yours this yuletide season, let’s try not to forget the OG holiday win: the Christmas Gift Fund — the easiest, kindest, least likely to end up in the donation bin after New Year’s gift of all for our awesome school staff. Saint Margaret of Scotland
Yours in holiday cheer (and tasteful gift card bows),
— Maggie ❤️