With the end of the Thanksgiving season and winter holidays just around the corner, the anticipation of winter break among Chamblee students has just begun. This time of year is quite exciting for many, as the leadup to the holidays signals the start of many traditions students have every year. What are these holiday traditions Chamblee students look forward to and what plans do they have for their break?
In order to get together and celebrate the holidays with family and friends, many end up having to travel great distances to see those loved ones.
“We drive around 12 hours to the Midwest to see my mom’s side of the family every Christmas. We used to go to Omaha, Nebraska, but recently we’ve been going to Kansas City which is where my aunt lives,” said Jackson Lee (‘26).
Traveling out of the country and seeing the world is another way some Chamblee students spend their break.
“One of my favorite memories has to be when I went on vacation to Australia for Christmas. I had a ‘Summer Christmas’ because it’s summer over there during December, and that was really fun for me. We went to the Great Barrier Reef, got to see the Sydney Opera House, and other sightseeing stuff like that,” said Tucker Peters (‘25).
Holiday preparations happen to be some of the strongest memories of some Chamblee students.
“Putting up the Christmas tree with family is always fun. Hanging up all the ornaments is great too,” said Brendan Barnes (‘26).
Going out and seeing holiday lights and decorations with family and friends is another highlight of some Chamblee students’ holidays.
“Going to the Botanical Garden lights is something my family always does. We try to do that every year… I remember when we went when I was really young, and we’ve gone about every year since,” said Tucker Peters.
A relaxing winter break is a common trend among students as well; the stress of exams tends to tire many students, so the time to relax is much needed.
“I really just want to rest up over break… I’m not really planning to do anything. I just want to relax. I think I’d rather be relaxing than doing any activities or stuff like that,” said Barnes.
The morning of Christmas day is often a special tradition for many students.
“One of my favorite traditions is Christmas morning. My mom would always make cinnamon rolls because my brother asked if we could get cinnamon rolls for breakfast one year. She said yes and everyone loved it, so we’ve done it ever since,” said Garrett Peters (‘26).
Many students have fond memories of the holiday parties that were held back in elementary school.
“I miss the little Christmas parties we’d have at school when we were younger in elementary school. Those were always really fun,” said Rashad Bijli (‘26).
Overall, Chamblee students seem to be set up to have a great winter break regardless of what they choose to do. The traditions students have will surely make for a worthwhile winter break regardless if the break is busy or more relaxing.
