Nov. 1 marks a magical shift with the removal of Halloween pumpkins and the display of Christmas trees and Hanukkah menorahs. This begins the most joyful time of year: the winter holiday season, which includes Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Day and more. Colorful lights shine on every street and cafés replace iced drinks with hot chocolate. Suddenly, Michael Bublé, Wham! and Mariah Carey defrost and reenter playlists and headphones. This time of the year and its spirit is incomparable to the rest. As Mariah Carey famously said, “It’s time!”
People may be incompatible with the cold weather and dread the coming winter. The cold weather pushes people indoors and spreads the common cold, making it difficult to enjoy the holidays. Moreover, constant darkness outside and seasonal depression can make winter a negative period. “The cold sucks away my energy, leaving me drowsy, less motivated and less joyful,” junior Daniela Naaman said.
Others simply prefer other times of year, such as the cozy fall or golden summer. Fall represents new beginnings with the start of the school year, fall-flavored drinks and cozy sweaters. Junior Manasa Iyer said her favorite time of year is the fall because she is able to create memories with her friends through “football games, Halloween, her birthday and the beginning of the school year.”
With warm weather, beaches and no school, summer is an enticing time of year. The long break is an opportunity to unwind and prepare for the upcoming school year. Freshman Eli Steiner said he loves the memories he made at sleepaway camp and warm weather is his favorite.
Even for winter skeptics, the prospect of the holiday season always lights a spark in people’s spirits. Steiner, whose favorite season is summer, said, “I am looking forward to the holiday season because I love seeing my family.”
Popular spots like Rio and Rockville Town Center transform into wonderlands covered in multi-colored lights illuminating the streets and shops. In the heart of Rockville Town Center, the outdoor ice skating rink is finally set up, and it becomes a highlight of winter hangouts. The cold weather introduces enjoyable activities to participate in the winter that would not be possible in other times of year. For example, sophomore Ted Jeong said he is looking forward to “sledding with [his] friends.”
Beyond fun winter activities, winter holidays carry a sense of nostalgia. With school and work slowing down, families are able to spend more time together and participate in old or new traditions. Christmas, the most popular and marketed holiday of them all, is impossible to miss with the countless decorations and songs. In the holiday season, students cannot skip seeing an evergreen tree sparkling with ornaments and lights. Besides Christmas, there are other beloved occasions, such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali, that are crucial to families in the holiday season. Religious or not, the holidays create a moment where people intentionally come
together to share joy over the same cherished moment. This is evident through traditions such as family dinners, ski trips, building a snowman or a favorite holiday movie.
Traditions look different for each family. Iyer celebrates Hindu holidays, namely Diwali, Navarathri, Holi, Pongal and others. Her celebrations involve prayers and eating meals with family and family friends. On the other hand, Steiner, from a Jewish family, participates in Jewish traditions, similarly having family over to celebrate. He additionally said his aunt’s annual Christmas party is “the only instance I celebrate Christmas besides eating Chinese food and watching ‘Die Hard.’”
Another highlight of the holiday season is the long-awaited break from school. This is a chance for students to reset their minds mentally, emotionally and socially. With this break, students are able to wake up naturally and spend their time as they wish without the pressure of upcoming deadlines or exams. This may involve binge-watching a comfort show, practicing hobbies left aside and spending time with friends and family. Winter break allows students to genuinely enjoy the holiday season. Jeong said, from personal experience, “[the long break] lessens stress on students overall.”
As the year winds down and loved ones get together, the holiday season becomes a time for reflection. People are able to look back at the past 12 months and all that they have experienced. Gratitude towards loved ones, growth from mistakes and hope for the upcoming year are all common themes associated with the arrival of Jan. 1. Not only closing the year, the holiday season opens up possibilities for what comes next.
The holiday season is joyful, magical and, despite early sunsets, above any other time of the year. Even with the challenges of cold weather, it is important to lean into the holiday spirit and feel proud of completing the year. Taking the time to slow down, relax and celebrate with loved ones will make the year more meaningful, memorable and merry. Steiner said, “I think that the holidays are special because they make you happy, and they make everyone around you feel good.”
