Wamsley Elementary first graders brought a busload of holiday cheer to the Hotel Colorado when they visited just before Thanksgiving break. These tiny tree trimmers helped the Hotel Colorado staff fill the halls with Christmas spirit. 

Armed with handmade ornaments resembling tiny, colorful ski hats, glittered pine cones, and clay-crafted snowflakes and candy canes, these holiday helpers transformed two of the hotel’s iconic Christmas trees into dazzling displays of warmth and community spirit. Their contributions now sparkle among the more than 60 decorated trees and boughs of holly that fill the hotel, as they have for over 130 years. 

This festive opportunity was made possible by first-grade teacher Kristi Miller, whose personal connection to the hotel—her stepmother previously served as the events coordinator—helped forge this unique partnership. Reflecting the true meaning of the season, the students embraced the opportunity to brighten the holiday for others. 

As first grader David Tatum put it, they created the ornaments “so other people could enjoy them.”

The students took great pride in their creations. Carson Secary described the process of creating the tiny ski hats that now warm the Hotel Colorado.

“We cut the toilet paper roll, tied yarn around it, turned it inside out, and then trimmed the yarn to make it look like a hat.” 

Carson’s hat relied heavily on his favorite color, blue, while David opted for classic Christmas colors of red and green. 

“I think people will be surprised by how good we did it,” Carson said with a grin, imagining the joy their ornaments would bring to visitors.

Beyond the crafts and twinkling lights, the students reflected on what it means to give back to their community.

“Being a good community member is important because you could be a leader of your class,” Carson explained. Their thoughtful actions embody the spirit of Garfield Re-2 School District’s strategic plan, which emphasizes student success, staff success, and community success. This project also reflects the district’s graduate profile, which includes being “community connected” as a cornerstone of developing well-rounded, compassionate individuals.

Through this simple but meaningful act of giving, Wamsley Elementary’s first graders not only added a touch of magic to the Hotel Colorado’s beloved Christmas display but will hopefully leave a lasting impression of generosity and community connection—true gifts of the season.