The Rural Voice, 1998-12, Page 26The Christmas Draw
Peace on Earth? The writer's attempt to put a little spirit
into her co-workers' Christmas nearly destroyed the nobler
Christmas sentiments, not to mention friendships
Recently, 1 had lunch with a
lately -retired friend and
former colleague. After
catching up on the news of the
moment (gossip), our conversation
tumed to reminiscences of past days
in the classroom. And as it has on
other occasions, with other
colleagues, we remembered "The
Christmas Draw." The story, like all
fine tales has never grown stale.
Although The Christmas Draw
had taken place over 10 years ago, its
memory has remained vibrant in our
minds. Like all great events of
history — the Death of JFK, Man
Walks on the Moon — those
involved recall whcre they were, and
what part they played in The Great
Christmas Draw of '85!
My idea (conceived in a moment
of lunacy), seemed innocent enough
at the time. The notion was that staff
members of our large rural secondary
school — teachers, administration,
custodians, secretaries and cafeteria
staff — in all, about 125 adults,
would contribute something to a
Christmas Raffle. Home baking, a
craft, a complimentary lunch — in
short, anything personal was
accepted.
Contributions would be listed on a
large sheet of paper in the teachers'
room wall and tickets would be sold
on the prizes. Then on "Draw Day",
the first lucky ticket out of the box
would get the pick of the prizes
listed, next name out would get
second choice, and so on. Proceeds
22 THE RURAL VOICE
By Nancy Silcox
from the draw would be donated to a
local charity.
I passed the idea by several
colleagues who were enthusiastic. A
few even offered to help. Being a
cautious sort, I solicited the approval
of the Principal who likewise gave it
his hearty blessing.
"Great idea, Nancy," he enthused.
"It will give the staff a lift at this
busy time of year, and the charity
aspect will be well-received in the
community. Teachers need all the
help we can get."
The mood of the school
was upbeat as the board
slowly filled with
contributions to
The Christmas
Draw. Close to
100 per cent of
the staff took
part, and as the
list grew, so did
the spirits of the
weary staff.
And what gifts
they were! A weekend at
a teacher's cottage
(fortunately not to include
donor); use of a custodian's
motor home for a week, a
catered candlelight dinner,
including clean-up. Both
school Vice -Principals
volunteered their time doing
teachers' exam supervisions.
Decadent, home-made
chocolate chip cookies, pine
cone wreaths, custom-made
mittens (with or without strings); the
list went on and on as the staff
gathered several times a day around
the board. Recluses who had never
been scen out of their
classrooms were glimpsed
adding their offering.
For days, all
talk centred
on the