Northstar Bus Lines and American Student Transportation certainly knows how to spread holiday cheer. This year especially we were surprised by the level of participation from employees. From Spirit Week to Holiday Dinners and Secret Santa, the month of December was one to remember. Read on to find out how holidays are celebrated at your local school bus transportation company.

Decorations

It starts right after Thanksgiving break. The tree goes up, the lights are turned on and garland is everywhere. Our break room is decorated with wreaths, ornaments, Christmas cards, pinecones and poinsettias. It even smells like Christmas with flavored scents and candles. Our facility is transformed into Christmas day the entire month of December and employees appreciate the holiday mood.  

Spirit Week

The week before Christmas we celebrate each day with a holiday theme. This encourages holiday participation from employees. Monday we did Pajamas, Hot Cocoa and Old Movies. Tuesday was Crazy Hair and Glitter day. Wednesday was the Ugly Sweater Competition. Thursday we played  games and judged decoration contests. Last Friday was our Holiday Chicken Dinner. We took pictures throughout the week and shared them via social media. 

Ralph Reeder Food Drive

Part of our yearly traditions at American Student Transportation is our Ralph Reader Food Drive. Each employee is given an opportunity to pick from the money tree with each donation they bring in. The money tree is a Christmas tree decorated with envelopes containing various amounts of cash. Some envelopes have special gifts such as TVs. This year was a success. American Student Transportation donated $4,693 in cash donations between employees and company match, and 943 lbs in actual food donations.

Desk Competitions

Our office staff decorates their desks with holiday themes. Drivers then walk through and vote for their favorite. This year we had several themes, including Frozen, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It's a Harry Potter - Charlie Brown Christmas and this year's winner, A Cozy Christmas at Sue’s. 

Bus Competitions

Similar to desk decorations, our drivers get the opportunity to decorate their bus. This is really where the Christmas lights come out. We allow each bus that is decorated to be toured and posted on Facebook where we vote for the best. This year's special decorations included music, beautiful wreaths, handmade snowflakes and a dancing Snoopy.

Secret Santa

We give employees the chance to participate in Secret Santa. This year we had over 40 people sign up. It's always exciting to see reactions to the gifts given. Each participant is given the opportunity to fill out some general interest questions making gift giving that much more meaningful.

Company Holiday Dinner

Each of our terminals treat staff to a Christmas Dinner. We have catered chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls and delicious desserts. Food is served in the break room and employees are given the time to visit after dinner.  

Christmas Light Show and Drive-Through

This is the second year we did our Christmas Lights Drive-Through at Northstar. Lights are strung throughout the garage, music is played and the Reagan Naughty or Nice List is posted. Cars drive through the garage and then stop to see Santa where they are  given a special gift. Employees love the show and effort from the office staff to make them feel special. 

Even though school is out for a couple of weeks in December, you can probably tell we are busy. All in all, our drivers enjoy the festivities and we get a ton of positive feedback. Holidays are a chance to Thank our drivers and celebrate with our work family. Nothing stands in the way of holiday cheer at Northstar and American Student Transportation.