Even before DeMello and Cushman kids and families entered a Christmas wonderland inside the school, there was already plenty of holiday cheer in the air.

Outside DeMello on Dec. 16, Leslie Gamache and her students were selling wreaths handmade by her students at the DeMello and Cushman PTO’s holiday breakfast. In just one hour, her students sold out of wreaths.

Students created the wreaths in class during Gamache and Instructional Technology Specialist Joshua Rodrigues’ science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program on Thursdays.

This year, funds raised through the sales — about $450 — will be donated to the family of a DeMello student whose mother passed away earlier in the year.

Inside the school, holiday spirit was in full swing as Santa took last-minute gift requests and meet-and-greets from kids, crafts and cookies were being made, and plenty of breakfast food was being served up.

It is the second annual holiday-themed event the PTO has hosted. It began last year as the PTO searched for another event to bring families together, and was successful last year. This year, PTO President Rachel Hutson estimated about 150 families had been through.

“It’s a fun event for the whole family,” Hutson said.

For $10, each attendee was treated to a full breakfast, arts and crafts, and a visit with Santa. Proceeds from the event go to the PTO and will be used to cover the costs of extras like field trips and classroom supplies.