A beep echoes through your kitchen, and a tray of freshly baked cookies is revealed from the heated depths of the oven. Children and grandparents make their way to the dining room, crowding the warm sugary treats to select the perfect one. Families share laughter and sentimental gifts with one another to celebrate the holiday season.
Holiday festivities have evolved over the years, allowing families to celebrate in their own unique ways. Even Oak Park High School students partake in specialized traditions. We interviewed five students to discover how they celebrate.
“On Christmas morning, I head over to my friend’s house to celebrate with her mom, stepdad, and brothers,” senior Anusha Pandey said. “We decorate vegetables and play board games together before lunch. Last year, we glued eyeballs and pipecleaners onto eggplants and mine looked like a porcupine.”
By spending time with family, many seniors escape the stress and anxiety that school and college applications have been consistently inflicting on them.
“My family and I are going to Hawaii for the first week of winter break and I hope to enjoy the warm weather and beach there,” senior Joanna Hong said. “When I come back I will probably just sleep and finish my common apps before enjoying the rest of my break.”
Additionally, seniors are spending special moments with friends and family as they will part ways after graduation. Hong values every moment she has with her loved ones because after she leaves for college she doesn’t know when they will next meet. While Hong is traveling away with her family, some students have their family come to them.
“For winter break, my Guatemalan family comes to visit us in the U.S.,” junior Camilla Luissi said. “On Christmas Eve we open all of our gifts, it’s the Guatemalan way. We spend as much time together as we can before they return home after New Years.”
Luissi’s family traditions date back farther than she can remember. She takes advantage of the time by hanging out with her family, and is very excited to see what she will receive for Christmas this year.
While many students utilize the opportunity to be with loved ones, others enjoy having some alone time from the chaos of the winter season. Senior Audrey Fu escapes the Christmas busyness by playing her favorite games and eating some vanilla ice cream.
“I normally go to my cousin’s house for Christmas. Spending time with family opening presents is fun and the food is good, but the highlight of my time there would be playing candy crush on the couch for an hour,” Fu said.
Whether gathering with loved ones, embracing long cherished traditions or enjoying quiet moments alone, OPHS students celebrate the holidays in ways that represent each of their unique personalities and values.
