This year we will be participating in Christmas Jumper Day for Save the Children on 11th December. Children are invited to come into school in their jumper on that day. Donations can be made by ParentPay.

We will be putting the Christmas Card post box in school again this year. Children can write cards to their friends (in our school only please!) and post them in the box in the school entrance. Please ensure that the full name and class is written on the envelope. We will leave cards in the box to sanitise before delivering them so please be patient – we will make sure that they are given out before Christmas.

It is with much regret that we have taken the decision to cancel this year’s switch-on event as we have come to know it. The restrictions imposed by government in respect of Covid-19 mean that we will be unable to close the roads into Hillam Square, and congregate as usual in a safe, socially-distanced compliant manner.

However, it is not all bad news! The main tree will be decorated as normal, as will the small trees outside the properties in the Square, and we’re going to bring you the switch-on of the main lights by Facebook Live (on Saturday 5 December at 6 PM). This year, one child from Monk Fryston Primary School and their family have been chosen to switch the lights on. Switch-on will be Covid-19 secure, and we ask that no one gathers to watch this. Please watch it on the Facebook Live stream instead, which will be via Hillam News.

Normally when the lights are switched on, Santa visits and meets children at his grotto in Hillam Square. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible this year, and neither will Santa and his elves be able to hand out chocolates as usual. However, children won’t miss out. Santa has arranged for chocolates to be sent to the school for teachers to handout instead. Special precautions have been taken to deliver these safely in-line with Covid-19 guidelines. Regrettably, we can’t do this for all children who live in Hillam and Monk Fryston, only those at the primary school and pre-school.

You may also be interested to know that from the start of December there will be a post box in Hillam Square, for children to post their letters to Santa. Santa only needs your first name to know who to deliver to on Christmas Eve (don’t include your address). Because Santa is busy preparing for Christmas Eve, he won’t reply to letters, but he will read them and know what you’ve asked for.

Although our plans for marking Christmas in the village this year are different from usual, we hope they lift everyone’s spirits and give children especially something to look forward to.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas.

Hillam Ringtree Lights Committee

P.S. The 100 Club is the main source of funding for Hillam’s Christmas lights and celebrations. Membership is £12 per year and members are entered into a monthly draw for cash prizes. If you’d like more details on how to join (it makes a nice gift for someone!) please follow this link Hillam Christmas Lights 100 Club Membership 2021