The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) laid the foundation for a new club tradition of hosting a holiday party and gift exchange, with a surprise visit from NAHS alumni.
The party featured festive holiday hats, a cheerful selection of food provided by the officers, and lots of anticipation as members waited to reveal their gifts. As the exchange unfolded, the art room quickly filled with laughter and joyous conversations, and everyone seemed to enjoy giving and receiving their gifts.
In the weeks leading up to the party, members randomly drew names to participate in a gift exchange, and they were sent a Google Form to help their Secret Santa get to know them better. Not only did this create a sense of familiarity, but it encouraged members to think about their peers’ unique interests and hobbies, creating a sense of belonging within the group.
“The holiday event allowed the NAHS members to feel more comfortable with each other. We all had a great time with everyone laughing and having fun which contributed to a sense of community,” said junior officer Kalen Wright. “Having a Secret Santa created a connection with people we may have never talked to.”
For many, the gift exchange was a great chance for members to get to know someone they may have never interacted with before, and the consideration everyone put into selecting gifts for each other highlighted the sense of community NAHS strives to encourage.
With the gift exchange, the group had another joy from a surprise visit from past NAHS alumni. A secret message was sent out informing past members of the party and inviting them to join the fun, and several of them did! Their presence added a nostalgic, yet cheerful touch to the celebration and reinforced the long-lasting friendships enhanced by the club.
“Looking back on my time at Masco, the things I remember most were the sometimes last-minute NAHS parties and the friends I made there,” said Class of 2024 alumni and former NAHS officer Abby Brady.
The visit from alumni emphasized the strong and enduring connections NAHS supports. With old faces making a reappearance, returning members were excited to showcase how the club has evolved.
“I think that giving artists and creators a way of gathering outside of art class is really important not only for collaborating and coming up with new ideas but for forging new friendships,” said Brady. “Gift exchanges give people a chance to get to know others better by coming up with ideas, even if it’s just for fun, it’s a cool way to get to know people outside of school.”
Current officers, like Wright, enjoyed having the alumni return and plan to continue that tradition for years to come.
“I hope that as a NAHS officer, we can make the holiday event a tradition that everyone looks forward to. In the future, I would like to add the tradition of bringing in the alumni officers to show the community we have created through the club,” she said.
The gift exchange became the highlight of the afternoon for many, as members appreciated the thought and creativity behind each of the presents.
“I think exchanging gifts was the best part, it was cool seeing what everybody got from each other and I feel like it taught a lot about people in the club,” said senior president Megan Brady. “It was a nice way to get to know everybody. And the food’s always great.”
Along with the party, the group thoughtfully conducted a community service opportunity by making holiday cards for senior citizens. This compassionate gesture gave members the chance to spread kindness through art and make a positive impact outside the club. Members like Nirali Patel enjoyed combining the holiday spirit with a selfless act such as the cards, and she hopes it will make an impact in the lives of others.
“I found it really rewarding to turn the holiday party into a service opportunity. Making the cards felt like such a meaningful way to spread kindness with the people in our community,” said Patel. “Sometimes a small gesture like a heartfelt card can remind people that they’re cared for, especially during the holidays, and it feels good to know we could help brighten someone’s day.”
By using their artistic talents to create impactful holiday greetings for individuals in the community, members revelled in the personal connections they got to make with one another, and also the indirect connections they made with a senior citizen. The holiday cards showcased not only the group’s advanced creative talents, with some cards having snowy illustrations and clever pop-up features, but also how small acts can spread love and cheer during a season known for its kindness.
This NAHS event was particularly memorable due to the festive atmosphere and laughter shared by everyone in the art room that day. The party rekindled friendships with alumni returning from college and served as a heartwarming way to embark on the holiday season. With the success of this year’s event, the holiday party has become a cherished tradition that brings people together in celebration of art, community, and joyful spirits.