The months of November and December are quite hectic for many students and staff at Claremont High School (CHS). The final push to raise grades before finals, college applications, and last-minute projects creates an extremely stressful atmosphere leading up to winter break.
Before students know it, the holiday season is here, giving them less and less of a chance to slow down and think about the importance of the break. It is not just three weeks off; it is time to rest, spend time with family and friends, and make unforgettable memories.
During fall and winter break, life calms down, leaving plenty of time for quality family time. Mariana Lanz, a Spanish teacher at CHS, emphasizes the importance of family. “It is the time of year I get to see them, because we don’t all live in the same city,” Lanz said. “My family lives in Las Vegas, and I live here.” Fall and Winter are exciting seasons for many families, not only at CHS but across the country. “Family is the most valuable thing we have in our lives,” Lanz said
During these weeks of break, many are refreshed by the time off, but for CHS upperclassmen, it can be overwhelming. As juniors and seniors begin to think about life after high school, they are feeling the suspense now more than ever. Trina Nguyen, a senior at CHS, emphasized her feelings regarding the holidays being bittersweet. “Whenever Christmas came, I was always really happy,” Nguyen said. “But now that I am a senior, it is like I do not have anything to do right now other than college applications.”
Despite the work upperclassmen have, it is still important to take part in traditions during the holidays. “I love decorating my home,” Lanz said, “Last year, I had a total of seven Christmas trees.” The holidays are a chance to reconnect with the people who make life meaningful. Decorating or even just speaking with family and friends can bring comfort in the midst of a hectic life. The weeks go by quickly, but they are also an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. This holiday season, CHS students and staff are reminded to hold onto the people they value most.
