The last day of school before a break is always an exciting time for students, but the day is made even more special when there’s a sing-along.

As has become an annual tradition, students at Jefferson Elementary School got to sing at the top of their lungs, jingle bells and share a few laughs with friends during the school’s winter sing-along.

"We start practicing right after Thanksgiving," said Ben Harrison, the school’s chorus instructor. "The kids all have lots of fun."

Students learned traditional Christmas songs as well as a few songs in Spanish and German and a Hanukkah song.

While a good time likely was had by all, Friday was the last time students and faculty would be gathered together in the same building for two weeks. Christmas break in the Jefferson City Schools System begins today and will run through Jan. 4.

"My Christmas wish is for health, peace and joy for everyone in the school community and the community at large," Principal Diane Oliver said.

Other school staff had their own, unselfish holiday wish lists.

"My wish is for everyone who is traveling during the break to reach their destination safely and to return safely also," paraprofessional Margie Blackstock said. "I’d also wish for everyone to remember the true meaning of Christmas."

In addition to having time to spend with family and friends, the holiday break is a time for everyone — faculty and students alike — to refresh their batteries for the second half of the school year. And although students may look forward to escaping the classroom for a while, thoughts of their well-being never escape their teachers.

"For all of our kids that don’t have throughout the year, I hope that during their break they get to have at least one moment of total happiness," Harrison said. "Everyone deserves that — that one moment of total contentment."