For many students, coming back to school after winter break means a lot of new beginnings. With different courses, a fresh gradebook, and new looks, many students experience a shift when second semester begins. From staying in bed and watching the ball drop, to partying into 2026, many students at Chamblee are ready for the new year.
Many believe that the new year marks a fresh start and the beginning of new goals and resolutions to be fulfilled throughout the year.
“I’m looking forward to improving myself, my habits and bettering my life overall,” said Jackson Jordan (‘27). “I’m going to lock in, get all A’s, go to the gym more, and get ripped. I’m also going to become a better person, a healthier person, a happier person, and make new friends.”
Other students gave themselves time to complete such lifestyle changes.
“One of my current resolutions is to become vegetarian by the end of the month,” said Vera Kurbatova (‘27). “I also want to read more. I actually started that resolution during winter break, in December, and I got some books from the library.”
While many students focus on academics or health for their goals, some students believe that there can be whimsy within their resolutions.
“I shared a goal with my mom to pet more dogs,” said Sabine Cook (‘26).
Although some people think resolutions are a worthwhile tradition, others don’t find them very realistic.
“You see people make new years resolutions, but almost everybody doesn’t stick with them,” said Aaryan Aayan Ali (‘26). “If you want to form a habit, there shouldn’t be a specific time for you to do it.”
When it comes to celebrating new years, there are many traditions and superstitions that revolve around the holiday. For example, in Russia, New Year’s is notoriously one of the most important holidays according to NPR.
“We have a Russian version of Santa Claus come to our house, whose name is Grandpa Frost, which is actually just my dad dressed up,” said Kurbatova. “You have to put a little performance on for him… my sister and I did karaoke because we are lame and we didn’t want to do anything super crazy. In previous years, I would play my saxophone, recite a poem, or sing a song, and then once you do, he’ll give you a gift, so I got some money.”
On the other hand, some people use the new year to start fresh, whether it’s starting a new diet, getting rid of old clothes, or deep cleaning.
“New Year’s Day is when we take down our Christmas decorations, and we try to get the house clean to start out the new year,” said Cook.
While most students spent their New Year’s celebrating with friends and family, some students had other plans. For example, Omandee Karunanayake (‘26) got her wisdom teeth taken out on New Year’s Eve.
“I got out of the anesthesia, and I started crying, and I was in pain for so many days… Everyone was having nice parties and eating meals, and I was in bed eating applesauce, yogurt, and ice cream, and I got so sick of it,” said Karunanayake. “I was up for New Year’s, but I was suffering.”
Whether students started the new year by setting goals, celebrating, or getting teeth pulled, many feel ready to make this new year better than the last.
