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In this article, Melanie discusses her opinion on why Christmas is the best time of the year.
Wonderful Christmastime--Opinion
Wonderful Christmastime--Opinion
By: Melanie Campbell
By: Melanie Campbell
There are many joyful seasons in the year, but none of them outdo the holiday season. The second the clock hits 12 on Nov. 1, the world hears Mariah Carey tell us that it’s time. Personally, I watch Home Alone the day after Halloween every year. Thanksgiving is too boring to pay much attention to, and some stores, such as Walmart, have Christmas decor out as early as September. Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s a two-month-long series of festivities. Why is that? That, my friend, is what I intend to share-- so grab a hot cocoa while I tell you why it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas is a time that fills many with hope-- from small children waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney to adults who just want to see a smile on their kid’s face on Dec. 25. According to Psychology Today, 75 percent of participants in a study experienced substantial positive emotion regarding Christmas. Most people are generally merrier around the holidays, and that is a fact. This is caused by the increased feeling of hope and joy, as well as the spread of gifts and cheer.
This season is so wonderful, in part, because there are many activities that people can do to celebrate the holiday. Some ideas include setting up and decorating the tree with siblings, purchasing holiday-colored bedroom decorations, buying Christmas slippers and PJs, drinking hot cocoa, and putting up Christmas lights. Some additional ways to celebrate include designing stockings to hang up, hanging cranberries and popcorn, baking Christmas cookies, watching Christmas movies, and listening to Christmas music. According to What to do in Southern Oregon, some GP-specific activities to do this holiday include attending Rogue Winterfest on Dec. 6 and 7, and attending the GPHS holiday concert on Dec. 16 and 17, and seeing the tree lighting on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
Picture of hot chocolate. Image from Delish
Many people in Grants Pass High School engage in various activities throughout the holidays that provide them with happiness. Gracelynn Yule, a GPHS sophomore, says that she enjoys playing in the snow. Christmas is often associated with snowmen and the cold flakes donning every roof, so many find snowday fun as a crucial part of holiday celebrations. Gabe Modison, a GPHS junior, says that his favorite part of Christmas is spending time with his family. For many, Christmas is an opportunity to get together with family and friends.
The world gets close to peace and happiness during Christmas. According to The History Channel, British and German soldiers met in no man’s land on Christmas Eve and held a ceasefire on the Western Front during World War I. Even in the trenches, these soldiers took a welcome break from the conflict to recognize the holiday and celebrate without arms. Christmas often comes before conflicts in the hearts of those who celebrate. It is not unusual for even the most dysfunctional families to find a way to put their differences aside and get along for the day. Many often acknowledge the peace and love that this season brings and translate it into the relationships within their life.
At Christmas, every house is adorned with sparkly lights to remind you to be jolly, Santa Claus parades down Sixth Street, you’re planning what to do with your friends and family, and you get two whole weeks off from school. The bells ring on every corner as you spend your time with the people you love the most. Remember to be full of cheer this season. I hope your holiday is full of happiness, and a merry Christmas to everyone this year!
Sources:
Sources:
Interview with Gabriel Modison
Interview with Gracelynn Yule
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