Christmas Party 2.0: The Very Special Steinmühlen Christmas Market

The Christmas party at Steinmühle Boarding School—traditionally THE highlight of the year for the boarding school community. And to keep that sense of anticipation alive, the teaching staff has outdone itself in creativity for this year’s Christmas party: despite the pandemic, the teachers put together an extraordinary, relaxed, and cheerful Christmas market in the Mühlenhof.

Under the guidance of Nils Schwandt, students and teachers painstakingly built five Christmas stalls of their own by hand. “It was absolutely wonderful to see how enthusiastic the students were and how much dedication they put into this project. We couldn’t have done it without them,” says teacher Nils Schwandt happily.

The students helping out were also thrilled by the construction project: “It’s so much fun to make something ourselves. And knowing that we’re doing this for the Christmas party makes me really proud to say, ‘We made that!’” says student Julian Timm.

And so it came to pass that, despite the restrictions, another Christmas party full of fun, cheer, and togetherness was organized. And there really was something for everyone: Aside from the classics—sausages and fries or punch and mulled wine at the tea room run by Michel Hermens—the students could indulge themselves at the candy bar. “We really have everything!” says teacher Luisa Völker. “From crêpes to waffles, gingerbread, and cookies, to cotton candy and marshmallow treats—everything your heart desires.”

And for those who preferred something less sweet, there were activities and games to let off some steam. Guessing the teachers based on children’s drawings, decorating Christmas ornaments, making their own candles, or putting their skills to the test with a new round of “1, 2, or 3”—the students certainly didn’t get bored that evening. Teachers Ben Zriki and Francine Olschewski led the evening with great energy.

In addition, there were frequent performances by the students themselves: For example, the Biohaus put on an incredibly adorable performance set to a Bruno Mars song. While the youngest students danced and sang, the entire boarding school community swayed along with them. And, as is tradition, student Felix Müller sang Christmas carols for the group with his gifted voice, accompanied this year by Friederike on the violin.

But anyone who thinks that was the highlight of the festivities is mistaken. The outdoor party really got going when learning center director Patric Hahn fired up the karaoke machine. From then on, there was no stopping it: Everyone sang, laughed, and danced together well into the night.

“I was really skeptical and had actually planned to leave early because I had an important exam on Monday,” student Leon admits, “but then the evening turned out to be so much fun—I never would have thought! I just had to stay until the very end; it was so great!”

Wrapped up warmly in their coats, the boarding school community continued to celebrate together for hours. “We had considered holding the celebration in the dorms again due to COVID-19. But it was the right decision to move the party outdoors and celebrate together with everyone!” reports boarding school council member Verena happily. The boarding school council’s idea to organize its own raffle was also a huge hit. The absolute highlight among the prizes was the wet toilet paper, but the sweet surprises, hand warmers, and gift certificates were also celebrated by the winners.

Luke, a student who has been part of the boarding school community for years, even says, “That was the absolute best Christmas party ever!”

Necessity is the mother of invention—and here, the educational team has once again demonstrated how flexibly it can respond to any adversity. And the entire boarding school community provided hopeful proof that evening: Not even a pandemic can dampen our spirits or break our spirit of community. We live together, we celebrate together.

With that in mind, Steinmühle Boarding School wishes you a joyful holiday season and a healthy start to the new year!