Christmas
The Christmas season is a special time of year that is cherished by many for the warmth, love, and joy it brings. People love Christmastime because this means a two week break for teachers and students, which is a time to unwind and recharge. It is a time to spend with family, exchange thoughtful gifts, and enjoy the warm and cozy feeling the season brings.
The holidays bring people together with several traditions, such as baking Christmas cookies, making gingerbread houses, writing a letter to Santa, singing Christmas carols, and many other festive activities. A very popular tradition is sending out Christmas cards, which are used as a way to celebrate the season, allowing people to connect with loved ones far and near.
Christmas movies are arguably one of the best parts of the winter season. Some of the most loved Christmas movies include “Home Alone”, “Elf”, “The Grinch”, and “Christmas Vacation”. These classics are a good way to put anyone in a festive spirit. Christmas music is also widely loved. One of the most popular Christmas songs is “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carrey, just as of November 2024 this song is the number one streamed Christmas song. Throughout December, you can hear Christmas music playing on the radio, in stores, and in malls. Christmas music makes the holiday season feel even more special.
Christmas is commonly known as the season of giving, and for a good reason. Nearly one-third of annual charitable donations occur in December. During this time there are countless holiday-themed drives, charities, and organizations to help the less fortunate. Many of these charities focus on providing food and toys to those who otherwise would not get anything for Christmas.
Many people put up their Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving. Some decorations include wreaths, colorful lights, candy canes, stockings, and the ever classic Christmas tree. The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree has become a time for families to come together, to decorate the tree with lights, colorful ornaments, and festive garlands.
Gift exchanges are a wonderful way to show your holiday spirit, create memorable experiences, and whoever is receiving the gift that you care about them. Some popular gift giving traditions are secret santa, white elephant, and ornament exchanges. These festive traditions make gift-giving so much more interactive and fun.
Nothing can beat the spirit, joy, and beauty of the Christmas season. This holiday season filled with red, green, and white is arguably the most wonderful time of the year.
Thanksgiving:
As the holiday and winter season approaches, many people focus on Christmas shopping and gifts. However, for some, Thanksgiving is a more meaningful holiday. With its focus on family, giving thanks, and enjoying a meal with loved ones, Thanksgiving offers a nice break from the commercial side of Christmas.
Thanksgiving provides a special opportunity to reconnect with extended family in a laid-back, meaningful way. Unlike Christmas, which is often centered around receiving gifts, Thanksgiving focuses on spending time together, making it a heartwarming holiday for many.
“I enjoy Thanksgiving more than Christmas because it lets me spend quality time with my extended family,” Finn Dale, a freshman at OHS, said. “There’s something special about gathering everyone together, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company.”
Thanksgiving provides a welcoming element that brings people together. It focuses on enjoying each other’s company and the simple joys of being together, without the stress that often comes with other holidays. This easy-going feeling is what makes Thanksgiving so special and unique.
“I really love the atmosphere of Thanksgiving; it feels cozy and welcoming,” Yosef Ali, an OHS freshman, said. “The food is amazing, too, which brings everyone together and makes the day feel special.”
Many people prefer Thanksgiving over other holidays due to the focus on gratitude. While Christmas revolves around getting presents, Thanksgiving encourages us to reflect on what we have and cherish the relationships that matter most. This sense of gratitude is what makes the day truly special to some.
“Thanksgiving feels more about gratitude because it focuses on appreciating what we have rather than exchanging gifts,” Dale said. “The day is all about reflecting on our blessings and celebrating our connections.”
Food is a key part of what makes the Thanksgiving holiday. The achievement of sharing a meal not only brings the day’s festivities together but also reinforces the sense of unity. Both Finn and Yosef treasure the traditional dishes that make their Thanksgiving dinners special.
“I love the meal, especially the honey-baked ham, which is a family favorite,” Dale said. “It’s not just delicious; it’s made with love.”
Ali looks forward to the time spent preparing the meal with his mother. The tradition of stuffing the turkey together has become a significant part of the holiday for him, one that builds up their bond year after year.
“I enjoy stuffing the turkey with my mom each year; it’s a fun tradition we share,” Ali said.
But, what truly sets Thanksgiving apart is the relaxed feeling that encourages meaningful conversations and connections. Both Dale and Ali emphasize how spending time with loved ones, apart from the distractions of modern life, makes the holiday even more memorable.
“Family and friends make Thanksgiving special by creating a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can be themselves,” Dale said. “This allows for real conversations and joyful moments, which makes the holiday feel even more meaningful.”
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what truly matters, and it has a deeper meaning for Finn. Learning about his extended family and ancestors adds an extra layer of meaning to his appreciation for the day.
“One special memory is learning that some of my ancestors were pilgrims,” Dale said. “Celebrating our roots on Thanksgiving connects me to my family’s history and reminds me of the importance of being together.”
