Celebrating Light, Community, and Wishes at United Friends School

As we move gently toward winter break, the United Friends School community gathered for one of our most cherished yearly traditions—our Holiday Vendor Mart and Chorus & Cocoa celebration. This festive evening is more than just seasonal cheer; it reflects the heart of UFS: a school where community, creativity, and Quaker values shine in every moment, and where each voice and wish is held in the Light.

A Marketplace of Connection and Creativity

The Holiday Vendor Mart brought together local artisans, talented families, and even some of our own teachers, offering students a chance to explore meaningful, handmade treasures. Each child received a small voucher to choose a gift, fostering independence, thoughtfulness, and joy.

When the doors opened to families and the wider community, the space buzzed with conversation, laughter, and connection. Moments like these show the kind of community UFS nurtures—a place where people support one another, celebrate creativity, and share in the spirit of the season. Visitors leave feeling inspired by the warmth, engagement, and care woven throughout our school.

Chorus & Cocoa: A Yearly Tradition Filled with Light

As the day gave way to evening, we began the celebration of Chorus & Cocoa, a beloved yearly tradition that fills our campus with music, laughter, and the warmth of shared experience. Families bundled up in scarves and mittens gathered on the playground as United Voices of Friends, our school chorus, lifted their voices in song. The music carried the spirit of the season and a palpable sense of belonging—reminding all who attended that UFS is a place where every child is seen, valued, and celebrated.

Steaming cocoa, warm treats, and friendly conversation made the evening even cozier, creating a welcoming environment where new visitors could feel the love, Light, and connection that define our Quaker community.

Wishes for the World: Holding Hope in the Light

Throughout December, our school engages in Wishes for the World, a month-long tradition during Meeting for Announcement and Meeting for Worship. Each student shares a personal wish for the world with the school community, allowing us all to hold that hope in the Light. This practice deepens our sense of connection and reminds students and families alike that our thoughts, intentions, and actions matter.

The tradition culminates in a special Candlelight Meeting for Worship, where additional wishes are lifted up together in quiet reflection and shared hope. By weaving this practice into our seasonal celebrations, we honor the Quaker values of care, reflection, and collective responsibility while creating moments of meaning and connection that last far beyond the season.

Honoring Tradition While Embracing the Future

Events like the Vendor Mart, Chorus & Cocoa, and Wishes for the World celebrate the traditions that have long brought warmth and connection to our community. At the same time, they reflect the evolving energy of UFS—a school continually growing, exploring new ways to engage students, families, and faculty, and creating meaningful experiences that carry the spirit of our Quaker values forward.

These traditions remind us that at UFS, learning and community are deeply intertwined, and that even small moments—songs sung together, wishes shared in the Light, or a simple gift chosen with care—can make a lasting impact. In every song, every wish, and every shared moment, the Light and love of our community continue to shine brightly, guiding us into the future with hope and joy.