As the holiday mayhem has arrived, winter break is being spent in a variety of ways. Winter break has been the centralized idea of lavish trips and Christmas, yet it is important to note that not all participate in this idea. Some celebrate Hanukkah, or other winter holidays. Even so, this has become a time of gift giving, love, and time spent with family and/or friends. Though it seems less popular, many are going on vacation. Many are excited for the holidays, New Years, going on vacation, or just staying home and hanging out with their friends. Winter break is something all students have been waiting for, and many students are spending it in different ways!

     Whether at home or on vacation,  the vast majority of students at Ludlowe (about 92%) will be celebrating Christmas this weekend. Christmas, as the most celebrated holiday, is celebrated by some for religious reasons, symbolizing Jesus’s birth. Others celebrate because of the common traditions associated with Christmas such as the Christmas trees, feelings of love, hope, and giving, as well as receiving gifts. Starting last Sunday, a small percentage of students began the celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival that reasserts the morals of Judaism and specifically celebrates the reconstruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by lighting a candle each night, for eight nights. Traditions for Hanukkah include lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and receiving gifts. While these are the most celebrated traditions with students in our school, everyone has their own traditions during the season that makes their winter break special and exciting

Winter break vacations have many on the edge of their seats, waiting for a trip that has been planned months in advance. Many vacations have been somewhere hot and tropical; a place away from the cold and erratic New England weather. On the other hand, some vacations embrace the winter by going skiing. Either way, it’s time to get away from the chaos and take a break, experience traditions, or make new ones. Many students (about 43%) will be going on vacations, using the time to spend with family and sometimes with friends; an exciting time where many people make memories 

While the chaos of Holidays and winter break can be fun, it can also be a time where many feel alone. Many students may be burned out and need the break, yet it can still be lonely. For some, school is the way they socialize, being able to interact and see people. Especially as many highlight their break with elaborate plans, vacations, and experiences, most are not going on vacation (57%). For some, isolation within this short week can feel very real. This time could then be good for relaxation, something that feels impossible with how hectic school can get. To some, relaxing can seem more pleasurable than traveling, allowing for free time that isn’t always around. This time at home is used to regroup, do procrastinated taks, and time to spend with friends and family. 

    Whether it be the holidays celebrated, plans made, and the feelings surrounded by the break itself, every person’s experience is different. This time is a well-deserved break, and overall a fun time. Regardless of what everyone does over break, Prospect wishes everyone a good holiday season and a fun and safe break! See everyone next year!