Anticipation Fills Hillgrove as Winter Break Approaches By: Priscila Roque

As December approaches and the weather begin to change, the countdown until winter break begins. At Hillgrove High School, students get two weeks off of school, starting from December 22nd  to January 5th . The month of December is filled with a lot of different emotions, like stress due to finals, excitement from knowing that there is a break coming, and worry because of the next semester. The hallways start to buzz with different conversations surrounding upcoming tests, plans, and hangouts. For most students, winter break is not only two weeks off of school, but it is an opportunity for relaxation and time to spend on themselves.

Many students agree that the break offers more than just time off, even giving them a chance to reset and not have to worry about school. The CollegeRaptor website even acknowledges this, saying, “Winter break is one of the most exciting of the year, it gives students a chance to take time off from classes, relax, and spend quality time with friends and family. Whether you travel, play in the snow, or just catch up on rest, winter break is a great time to pause during the school year.” For Hillgrove students, winter break allows them to take a rest from worrying about schoolwork and academic pressure they may be receiving. Alex Melendez, a current Junior at Hillgrove High School explains why he thinks a break is important. “Because winter break is the end of the year, you get to think about what you did this year so you can think about next year and reflect on what you want to do for next year. It lets you clear your mind; it lets you calm down and prepare beforehand for the next semester.” Ultimately, winter break serves as an essential reset, allowing students to recharge in many ways before the semester ahead.

Although many students take advantage of spending time with themselves, it is important to still spend time with family. In between the two weeks off of school, Christmas is celebrated. Christmas is an amazing time to come together as one and celebrate in a group. The Lead4Life websites says, “During this festive period, many of us gather to celebrate family traditions, strengthen bonds with friends, and extend a helping hand to those in need. This season, as we prepare to give and receive, it’s important to remember the deeper significance of spending time with our families, supporting local charities, and fostering unity within our communities. These special moments of connection can be very important, as celebrations and traditions vary with each family. Katerine Montoya, a Junior at Hillgrove High School shares her family tradition,” We do Posadas, where we go outside, and we like, sing songs and stuff, and we pray and give thanks to God, and we tell him happy birthday and stuff like that." This tradition shows the importance of coming together and appreciating each other, especially family. As the break approaches, students look forward not only to relax, but to the meaningful moments that make the holiday season unforgettable.