What Christmas means to us
Christmas means so many different things to so many different people. Some think it’s the most wonderful time of the year, yet others think it’s the most stressful time of the year. For others it’s about the birth of Christ.
“To me, Christmas is a time of celebrating and rejoicing about the birth of Jesus with friends and family,” Jared Rowe, sophomore, said.
It’s no secret that Christmas spirit is contagious and spreads all around this town. For most, Christmas is about spending time with friends and family. To some it’s about giving to others less fortunate. George Wyle and Edward Pola wrote a song about Christmas called, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and has been sung by countless performers including Andy Williams
This time of year brings people together. It also makes people have a good mood even when they’re feeling down.
“Spending time with family and friends. It’s a magical time of year,” junior Jamie Blackstock said.
Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in the United States. Most say Christmas is about giving and spending time with family.
However, for some, the holidays are a reminder of loss. Empty chairs will not be filled around the festive table this year. Some folks have loved ones who are away and won’t be able to make it home for the holidays. Others have said their final goodbyes to their special angels, and have only memories of Christmases past to hold, the holidays serve as a grim reminder.
With carols blaring from every medium, spirits should be happy and bright.
Christmas is a grateful, happy, spiritual day,” Melissa Sierra, sophomore, said.
Even the school contributes to some Christmas cheer. The cafeteria is decorated with a tree and decorations on the wall.
Mrs. Biggerstaff is celebrating the holiday with an “elf on a shelf ” moving around in the 400 Building hall. However, her thoughts on Christmas have a deeper tone.
“Christmas means a new beginning,” Mrs. Biggerstaff said. “The true meaning of Christmas and the reason we celebrate is the birth of Christ. His birth created hope for all. This means that through faith in Him, no matter what I’ve done, He creates a new beginning in my life.”
With only one more week until Christmas break nearly everyone is excited to get two weeks off of school to spend time with family and friends. The many traditions of this holiday season are sure to put at least someone in the Christmas spirit.
Junior Angel Ortiz, who is an obvious fan of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Let You Down,” left us with this quote for his holiday feelings.
“Christmas means that family will never give me up, never let me down, run around and desert me, make me cry, say goodbye, tell a lie, and hurt me. That’s what Christmas means to me,” Ortiz said.
What Christmas means to our staff:
“At my age, I have had the opportunity to experience many “days of yore,” Mrs. Zwernemann said. “As a child, my parents always made Christmas Eve magical. We opened our family gifts on Christmas Eve, and Santa came during the night while I slept. Christmas morning began with the sweet fragrance of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. My mother was up most of the night baking and cooking more food than our family could feast upon. I tried to provide the same atmosphere as an adult for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“My family is scattered now, so we don’t often get everyone under one roof at the same time, my heart aches for those who can’t be there, but I am grateful to be with those who can make it. Christmas is about the smell of spices and wood crackling on the fire. The sound of laughter. The reflection of previous generations on the faces of our babies, and the lingering hugs that have to sometimes last a year before the next one. Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love Christmas.”
For Hannah Jordan, Christmas is the most important holiday of the year.
“That’s when families and friends gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus,” she said. “It is also important because it reminds me of family that I’ve lost to death or personal reasons. It also helps me catch up with family I haven’t talked to in years, and it is always a true blessing when I sit and have a meal with my family to celebrate my Lord and Savior Jesus.”
Maguire Reynolds said Christmas is important because it is Jesus’ birthday.
“It is a time to be together with family that you don’t get to see that often,” she said. “Presents don’t mean much to me because that is not what Christmas is about. Christmas is a time for my family and I to spend together and remember the real reason for the season.”
Citlally Lopez describes Christmas as an explosion of color.
“Everywhere you go you can find bursts of gold, silver, and red. Christmas trees are decorated with ornaments of varying sizes and designs. Bright red poinsettias appear out of nowhere. It is a time where creativity can go on a full rampage.”
Allexis Mitcham said Christmas is all about spending time with family.
“And eating yummy food until our stomachs are full,” she said. “It is about laughing all day with sounds of our voices echoing with happiness. We sing old Christmas songs until the night fades away, and then we open our gifts to find out if we got what we wanted on our Christmas list.”