Tis the season to rejoice and decompress

Holidays mean more to students than just getting to sleep late on a weekday. Holidays mean celebrations with friends and family, a time to relax and be thankful for what we have. Whether students have special plans or they are looking forward to watching the latest season of their favorite show on Netflix, winter break is definitely exciting.  
As older students come home from college for the holidays, many seniors at Hewlett High School are learning of admissions decisions from their first-choice schools. An exciting yet scary time for seniors, this holiday season will be very memorable. For some, it will bring celebrations and relief while others may choose to spend extra time during the break writing additional applications. On the other hand, all seniors are probably expecting lots of questions from family members about their place in the admissions process when celebrating the holidays.
“The holidays are a fantastic time to get together with family,” said Hewlett senior Chenab Khakh said. “For me, the holidays mean delicious food and decorating the house. It’s my favorite part of the year.”
Following the spirit of Thanksgiving, the holidays are also a time to be thankful and give back to the community. There are many opportunities at local charities for students to take part in community service during the winter break, including Rock and Wrap it Up’s annual events. It is important to help others who are less fortunate enjoy the holidays as well, perhaps helping them temporarily forget everyday struggles.
Another special event in honor of the holiday season is Hewlett High Chorale’s annual caroling tour on Dec. 22. Each year students prepare holiday-themed songs like Jingle Bells and Christmas From the Heart for the community. The students perform at the school district’s elementary schools, the middle school, then for senior citizens at the Bristal in North Woodmere and the Center for Adult Life Enrichment in Hewlett, and finally at the Woodmere Education Center.

“I like caroling a lot because I’ve always seen them carol since second grade, so I love going back to the younger schools and try to also inspire younger singers,” said Emanuel Cohen, who will graduate in June. ‘It’s always interesting to see who gets classic solos, stepping up and getting those large roles. For me, I’m the guy who rings the jingle bells.”
Holidays for millennials bring holiday colors and spirit not only in person, but also among online trends, like lists on Buzzfeed to honor special parts of celebrations or online sales at popular stores. Technology is increasingly prominent in our lives, even during the holiday season as friends share Seasons Greetings on Facebook, but the holiday spirit has remained the same.
Winter break is the perfect time for students to decompress, be thankful for time with family, and reenergize for the new year and the final half of the school year.