Sacred Heart Greenwich’s annual Christmas cookie exchange brings students together to celebrate the holiday season as they prepare for winter break. This cherished tradition has continued for more than 20 years. Each Upper School grade gathers together during lunch in Hayes Hall or the Core Center to exchange cookies, sample their friends’ family recipes, and discover new holiday treats. This sweet tradition is a beloved annual event, bringing students together during the holidays.
Miss Karen Panarella, Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Life, has worked at Sacred Heart for 20 years. She discussed the significance of this tradition and how the Upper School organizes it.
“Each class comes together for lunch,” Miss Panarella said. “Class moms help to organize and have fun with the girls. Some make the girls sing a Christmas carol to come and get their cookies, and some have another game. But the girls enjoy each other’s company before exchanging cookies.”
Senior Torin Witek always participates in the cookie exchange and looks forward to trying all of her friends’ cookies each year. Torin shared how exchanging the cookies with her peers brings her closer to her grade during the holiday season.
“I love the cookie exchange,” Torin said. “Spending time with my friends and trying the cookies together is so much fun. Today, my friends and I spent the whole hour talking and laughing over stories while enjoying the cookies. It is something I have enjoyed participating in since freshman year.”
Junior Bobbi Drummey also looks forward to the annual cookie exchange. She brings in her family’s signature chocolate chip cookie recipe for everyone to try, and she loves watching her classmates’ reactions. For Bobbi, this tradition is one of the highlights of the school year. She commented on the joy of seeing others enjoy something she helped to create.
“I chose my family’s chocolate chip cookie recipe to bring to the cookie exchange because it’s always been a favorite,” Bobbi said. “I wanted to carry that tradition into school. To make it more festive, I like to add red and green M&M’s every year around Christmas. When people try my cookies for the first time and really enjoy them, it makes me so happy that I can pass along a little piece of home.”
The Christmas cookie exchange at Sacred Heart continues to unite students across all grade levels through a shared celebration of food, tradition, and friendship. By gathering to exchange homemade treats and enjoy one another’s company, students strengthen their bonds and create lasting holiday memories. This meaningful tradition spreads joy throughout the school and reminds the Sacred Heart community of the power of connection during the holiday season.
Featured Image by Elin Eaton ’27
