School Custodian Sacrifices Thanksgiving With Family To Give Students A Magical Christmas

December 29, 2025

While students were enjoying their Thanksgiving break, one school was quietly being transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Down every hallway, hundreds of holiday lights, garlands, and ornaments now illuminate the building — all thanks to one man’s dedication.

Credit: Devin Krinke/KARE

Mark Olson-Toms, the school’s custodian, spent all five days of his break decking the halls, working up to 12 hours a day to make the school feel festive for the students.

His wife, Lisa, says it’s a labor of love: “When this starts, I don't see him. I mean, we don't have Thanksgiving because this is more important.”

Mark began the tradition a decade ago after a chance conversation with two young sisters at the school. When he wished them a happy Thanksgiving, they told him their family didn’t have a Thanksgiving.

“I said, 'How about Christmas?'”

“’We don’t have Christmas,’” the sisters replied.

“I thought, well, I'm going to decorate the halls for them and give them somewhat of a Christmas,” Mark recalls. The reaction of the girls — tears of joy — stuck with him and inspired him to continue the tradition every year.

Now, each holiday season, Mark spends days preparing the school, all for the moment the kids return.

The result? Students rushing through the doors, faces lighting up at the twinkling lights and festive decorations. It’s probably one of the few schools where students are genuinely excited to return after a break.

For Mark, seeing the children’s joy is worth every minute of work.

“Every year I get started, I keep thinking about those two girls,” he says.

And thanks to his devotion, countless students now get to feel that same magic every year.