Mr. Grimmett and Mrs. Donovan voted Santa and Mrs. Claus 2025

12/16/25

By The Veritas Staff

ROCKLAND- ‘Twas few days before break, and all through the halls, not a student had forgotten about the Claus’ call. The form was up in Google Classroom with care, in anticipation of who would be chosen this year.

The students of Rockland High vote each year for staff members who

 embody the spirit of the holidays. In a landslide, this year, history teacher Mr. Randy Grimmett and family and consumer science teacher Mr. Adrienne Donovan were named 2025 Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The first thing Mr. Grimmett did when he found out that he was Rockland’sSanta was to tell his class.

Mrs. Donovan had just wrapped up a Festivus Party and was exhausted when she found out she had been voted Mrs. Claus. 

“When I read the mail, it was Instant Christmas Joy!” she said.

“My colleagues at RHS know Ms. D loves ANY opportunity to dress up,” she said.

This is not the first year Mr. Grimmett has been a top pick for Rockland’s Santa Claus, as he’s been known to wear holiday clothing and be in the spirit. He enjoys the tradition. 

He said, “I believe that anything positive that brings our school community together is a good thing.”

Another specific school holiday tradition Mr. Grimmett is always looking forward to is the band and chorus concerts. “They are always exciting,” he commented. 

During the school week before the holiday break, Mr. Grimmett truly embodies the Christmas spirit through the holiday fun he incorporates into his teaching. Playing holiday movies, holiday games, or special treats for his students.

Decorating Christmas trees is a tradition around the world, and many people decorate them differently. Mr. Grimmett prefers white lights on his main tree, but “colored lights on the Patriots-themed tree in my man cave.”

“[The lights on my tree are] white. What do you think I am, a heathen?” Ms. Donovan said.

For families around the world, Christmas is the ultimate-snacking-season, so Mr. Grimmett having a go-to sweet shop seems perfectly fitting.

“Candy from Skinner’s in East Bridgewater [is] a special treat that [my family saves] for the Christmas season, mostly,” he said. 

Mr. Grimmett and his family have made gift wrapping a tradition for his family.

“We have the same Christmas movie going on the various tv’s around the house, so each of us can have our own place to wrap and enjoy the movie as the evening goes on,” he said.

Often, gifts are seen as physical objects or experiences, but some gifts can also be longer lasting changes to one’s life. If Mr. Grimmett could give a gift to the world, he would want to give everybody the ability to have compassion and understanding for others, despite the situation.

Mr. Grimmett believes that all Santas and Mrs. Clauses should be “kind people who care about kids, of any age. High school students look like mini adults and it’s easy to forget that deep down inside they are still children.”

Mr. Grimmett said the true meaning of holiday spirit is “being thankful for all that we have and willing to share it with those in need.”

Mrs. Donovan said, “I’m in full support of making good memories, cooking tasty foods and camaraderie. I mean, isn’t that what holidays are supposed to be about?”

Kindness and holiday cheer is what Mrs. Donovan believes makes a good Santa or Mrs. Claus. As well as some extra padding around the waist. 

Many families have specific ways they spend the holidays together, and he is no stranger to this tradition.

He said, “We stay at home, opening presents in the morning after having breakfast. Later, we have a big meal (this year we’re having Prime Rib), then we each will usually fall asleep at some point, both because we stayed up so late the night before wrapping gifts, and because of the food coma we’re all in.”

Mrs. Donovan only makes lasagna around the holidays. The meal is labor-intensive, but she thinks it's definitely worth it. 

Nowadays, some people look forward to store-bought gifts they receive, but others prefer handmade gifts. 

Mr Grimmett says, “The homemade things that my young daughter gave me when she was little are the most precious gifts I have ever received… I think that homemade gifts are best when they come from the heart.”

The materials present are not the only purpose of Christmas. Mrs. Donovan says that she would gift “Kindness because it’s vital. It makes others happy, reduces stress, and is great for both the givers and the receivers. It produces 'good' hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which reduce stress and foster empathy. It’s just a force that improves us all.”

When Mr. Grimmett was younger, he always loved receiving music. Whether it was record albums (vinyl), cassettes, or 8-track tapes. 

Mrs. Donovan has some great holiday traditions the week before Christmas in her classes.

“It’s usually the Holiday Cookie Smackdown! We’re in our 8th year! Or it’s our Festivus Party. We try to pick a different country or ethnic group and celebrate their cooking. It came quickly this year because Thanksgiving was so late. I also try to work as a free cook for my students, and I usually play [the movie] Elf in the background… Santa! I know him!!!” she said. 

Mrs. Donovan celebrates the holidays with her family in a not very traditional way: “My home is usually the epicenter of holiday madness. I love a good holiday and lots of people in the kitchen and dining room. The more the merrier. Once, the living room was a sea of inflatable mattresses. Massive family sleepover. It was awesome,” she said.

Mrs. Donovan said that some of the magic in the holiday faded when her kids were getting older, and they started not being so interested in most of the celebrations. However, they do like to participate in spreading holiday cheer.

“I asked them to pick two people from our street. Observe them a little. Then we shopped for a present we thought they needed. My kids came up with the item, bought it, wrapped and left it anonymously on their steps. It was a hoot and I think they finally understood what the magic of Santa and holiday cheer is all about,” she said.

Mrs. Donovan has family traditions where they order Chinese Food on Christmas Eve, listen to festive music at home, write out Christmas cards, and deck the halls.

Mrs. Donovan advised students to “soak it all in. You’re only a kid once. Believe in the magic, especially for your younger siblings and family members. Don’t be a Grinch! Oh, and help out in the kitchen. There’s work to be done. Lend a hand.” 

Mr. Grimmett gives an important piece of advice for students during the holidays. He said, “Be thoughtful of others, appreciate what you have, [and] try to make things special for someone you care about.”

Mr. Grimmett's Favorites:

Movie-  Scrooge  (1951)

Song- "The Little Drummer Boy" by The Harry Simeone Chorale

Family Tradition- Exchanging a theme gift each year with his wife and daughter.

Gift received- Huffy 10- Speed English Racer (age 10)

Treat- Mrs. Grimmett's holiday fudge candy and hot mulled apple cider with a cinnamon stick.

Snow Day memory- Sledding in his neighborhood in Quincy with his friends.

Mrs. Donovan's Favorites:

Movie- The Santa Claus  (1994)

Song- "Peace on Earth/ Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie

Family Tradition- Catching Mr. Donovan under the mistletoe

Gift received- A dollhouse made by her Poppie (she still has it)

Treat- Peanut Butter Blossom cookies

Snow Day memory- Sledding on an old-fashioned toboggan with her family and dog.