![McCanles Holiday Tree]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766522291/oakhillday/vyn8zltlp1vzplj60f0o/MCHolidayTree.bmp","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766522291/oakhillday/vyn8zltlp1vzplj60f0o/MCHolidayTree.bmp","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766522291/oakhillday/vyn8zltlp1vzplj60f0o/MCHolidayTree.bmp","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766522291/oakhillday/vyn8zltlp1vzplj60f0o/MCHolidayTree.bmp","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1766522291/oakhillday/vyn8zltlp1vzplj60f0o/MCHolidayTree.bmp","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1766522291/oakhillday/vyn8zltlp1vzplj60f0o/MCHolidayTree.bmp","width":2200}])
I REALLY love this time of year … the hustle and bustle … the moving parts … the traditions … the high expectations (placed on ME, by ME)!
As I write this article, I have spent the day “doing” lots of December 22nd kind of things; Brooke and I made Christmas cut-out cookies (and decorated them), made ooey gooey butter cookies, chocolate fudge, Christmas “crack”ers, and (my favorite) hot wassail. I use the Pioneer Woman’s recipe; it is a 2 hour process … VERY worth the wait! My favorite “thing” was decorating a cedar tree in the woods … it looks magical … one-of-a-kind on the McCanles Farm!
Brady and Eliza are driving home (from Dallas) tomorrow; I can’t wait to see them! I tried to plan “just the right amount” of things to do over the next few days; we shall see if I overplanned or underplanned … or maybe “goldilocks” planned - just right! We will play some pickleball, enjoy dinner in an igloo on the Plaza, meet Gramma and Grampa for dinner at Marina 27 at Lake Lotawana (unbelievable view and food), and head to Arrowhead (as I will for the next 5 years) to watch the Chiefs take on the Broncos (I may actually sit down and enjoy the no pressure game)! I try to make the “opening of gifts” new and exciting each year - preparation for a scavenger hunt AND a NEW gift auction (with paddles, bidding, and competitive fun)! I’ll let you know how this goes!
I have enjoyed Oakhill “family” time these past few days and weeks! Oakhill during December is pretty special - the traditions, the excitement, and that special feeling in the air! I think we had an activity or event EVERY. SINGLE. DAY & NIGHT! Our Oakhill family enjoyed choir performances all around town including Crown Center and the Comets Soccer game, a full house/gym at our Holiday Programs (I guess we really do need that 2nd gym), a very successful 12 Days of Giving Campaign, the BEST holiday themed panther party ever, an energetic visit from Santa, and amazing parties thrown by our amazing parents!
We bid farewell to one of our family members - Laura Pearce; we will all miss her talent and heart! She is an amazing teacher, and we wish her the very best in Omaha! The faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees celebrated the Holidays at Piropos; over 110 people attended. The energy and happiness was indicative of a very successful and fruitful first semester! I am so proud of each and every teacher, staff member, administrator, and Trustee; the synergy can be heard, felt, and seen each and every day! We recognize the enormity of our “jobs”, and we are honored to do what we do!
As we head into the season of reflection and renewal … as we head into 2026 … as we begin the second semester, I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your trust, support and belief in Oakhill. Thank you for choosing Oakhill, for continuing to choose Oakhill, and for referring other incredible families and students to our community. Oakhill is defined by the amazing people who make up the Oakhill family … thank you for being a part of this special place!
Enjoy time together,
Suzanne