As the holiday season rolls around, Aliso Niguel’s students and teachers begin to incorporate various festivities into everyday life. With a small amount of time before winter break comes, members of ANHS rush to bring cheer to our campus. Immediately as December turned the corner, the halls became lighter, stacks of homework thinner and the idea of studying for finals slightly less intimidating.
The most important part of the holiday season is the feeling it brings to Aliso Niguel’s school body. Students have found many ways to incorporate the winter spirit into their lives.
Darion Avhaikandary (10), a holiday-loving student of our campus, says “I feel much more motivated to do my work when the Christmas season comes around. The break and the holidays give me something to look forward to in this busy time. Knowing that once I’m done with my tests I get to sleep in every day and go on vacation puts me in a good mood all the time.”
Despite the upcoming finals, students continue to be excited about their celebrations. Many students claim that studying does not seem quite as daunting when there is a reward waiting after.
When asked how she is incorporating the holidays into her everyday life, Amber Nguyen (10), says “I love dressing in winter clothes, like sweaters, Uggs and scarves. I also like drinking hot cocoa at night before I go to bed. It makes me feel so much happier in my day when I’ve started with a winter-themed coffee from Starbucks, and it also keeps me from falling asleep.”
The holiday season gives a significant boost to enthusiasm when doing things that are usually mundane and boring. When studying, students say they light candles and dress in cozy clothes to encourage them.
Nguyen continues, saying, “When I set the mood for my studying it makes me feel like it is not only extremely boring, but even fun. It makes me feel like I’m from Gilmore Girls! Usually when I’m studying it feels like a complete chore, and I dread it for the whole time. Setting the vibes for my night ensures that I won’t procrastinate on my assignments.”
For students like Amber, the holiday-season isn’t just a seasonal ritual, it is an aid in her schoolwork, sports and everyday life.
However, it is not only the students that are spreading this cheer around the campus. Many teachers are also decorating their classrooms preparing for this merry time period. Mrs. Alvarez, English and Newspaper teacher at our school put up things like ornaments, lights, wreaths and tinsel. Dr. De Diego, AP Euro teacher at ANHS, has incorporated decorations for Christmas in her classroom.
De Diego currently has several History-themed mini Christmas trees inside her classroom from students. One of her most notable decorations is the “medi-tree”, which is a festive twist on the powerful Medici family, which blends festivity with academics.
Overall, the holiday season is highly beneficial for students, staff and other people on the campus. It boosts morale, makes creativity and encourages community during one of the busiest times of the school year.
