On December 18, Trinity Hall students took part in one of their most beloved holiday traditions: Trinity Elves. Run by the presidents on the Core Council, the annual event dates back to the school’s very first year. The tradition continues to be a favorite among students, as it provides a meaningful way to bring the community together just before leaving for a restful winter break.
In the weeks leading up to the big celebration, each student is secretly assigned the name of another student in her grade. Each week for the two weeks leading up to Christmas break, the student selects a small gift for her classmate and leaves it anonymously along with a clue hinting at her identity, building anticipation throughout the grade.
The tradition culminates on the final day of school before winter break, when the entire grade gathers together. One by one, each student guesses who her Trinity Elf is before receiving her main gift. Once all of the elves have been revealed, students open their presents at the same time, filling the room with laughter, gratitude and the holiday spirit.
Many students say the joy of the Trinity Elves comes not just from receiving gifts, but from the thought and care that goes into giving them. “I love the Trinity Elves tradition because I love giving gifts to others. I think it is so much fun that I get to pick out three gifts and spend time thinking about what the person I get will love!” shared Hannah Pollak ‘27.
Ava Faustini ‘27, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the connections the tradition fosters among classmates. “My favorite Trinity Hall tradition is Trinity Elves because I love picking out a gift for my person. I enjoy finding a gift someone will truly love, especially one of my fellow classmates,” Ava explained.
Trinity Elves began back in 2013, during Trinity Hall’s first school year. Started by the Community Life Council, the tradition began with the first class of 32 students, a big difference from the more than 300 students that participate in Trinity Elves today. Throughout the past 12 years, the core of the tradition has stayed the same, fostering kindness and friendship during the holiday season.
Chloe Toole, communications manager and graduate of the Class of 2017, expressed, “I am so glad the tradition of Trinity Elves continues every year, even after the grades at Trinity Hall have more than doubled our original 32 girls that started it. I still remember the anticipation of getting the clues leading up to the big reveal and how excited my class would be to figure out who their elf was. It is so special to see the same excitement in the girls’ faces during the final swap today.”
Dean of Student Life Cindy Sobieski shares why this annual event is one of the most special experiences on campus. Sobieski explains, “It is one of my favorite holiday traditions because it's so exciting to watch the girls do their big reveal on the final day. I love getting to watch them take part in the holiday cheer together. They are so thoughtful with the gifts and it brings them such joy to be together.”
More than just a holiday exchange, Trinity Elves is designed to strengthen friendships and build community. As students reflect on another successful year of the tradition, it remains a cherished reminder of the school’s values of sisterhood, generosity and joy, emphasizing the importance of being present. As Head of School Mrs. Kiernan shared in her Community Notes, “In our Trinity Hall community, it’s this presence -- the heart we bring into every classroom, hallway, and conversation -- that makes our school so special.”