Non-denominational holiday break, as WS History teacher Bradley Swain calls it, is quickly approaching us. Two weeks off of school and spending time with family and friends sounds heavenly to stressed students.
As we all know, there are many holidays that occur over these two weeks. Possibly the most widely-celebrated and popular holiday at WS is Christmas. Even some people who aren’t Christian celebrate Christmas, and most people have their own family traditions.
“[Every year] we make these really good magic cookie bars and every Christmas Eve we open Christmas pajamas so that we wake up ready for Christmas day,” said sophomore Mia Klassa.
Traditionally, Christmas is a holiday celebrated in the Christian church, so, on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, churches are packed full of people. Some of these people go to church weekly, but others only go for Christmas because it’s such an important holiday in the Christian religion.
“I love seeing the church full, because it shows peoples’ holiday spirit,” said Maddie Borlik.
Another religious holiday that occurs over the break is Hanukkah, which is celebrated by Jewish people. Hanukkah, unlike Christmas, is eight days long rather than just one day. This year it starts the night of December 12 and ends the 20th of December. Every night of Hanukkah, another candle on the menorah is lit. According to senior Abbie Levine, Hanukkah isn’t as prominent of a holiday in the Jewish religion as Christmas is for Christians.
“To most Jews, it’s not one of the most important of holidays. It’s basically the Jewish Christmas,” said Levine.
Like Christmas, people also have their own Hanukkah traditions. This includes the lighting of the menorah, eating latkes and jelly donuts, and playing the dreidel game.
“My favorite thing about Hanukkah is the party that my mom has every year,” said sophomore Ryan Metz.
Kwanzaa is another holiday celebrated during this time of year. Kwanzaa was created in the 1960’s by Maulana Karenga. It celebrates African heritage and starts the day after Christmas and goes until the first of January.
“I like everything about Kwanza, especially spending time with my family,” said Junior Sekou Deas.
Some people, who aren’t affiliated with any religion, celebrate other events during winter break.
“I celebrate my birthday in December. We don’t celebrate any holidays in December,” said Aluo.
One holiday that most everybody celebrates though is New Year’s Eve. People ring in the New Year by staying up until midnight.
“It’s fun staying up with my family and friends to welcome the new year,” said senior Alana Goodwin.