Winter break is a time for relaxation and fun as students take a much needed respite from school. However, winter break also coincides with many major holidays, which gives Wolverines an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family.

Christmas Day falls on the 25th of December and is a major holiday in Christian religion, as it represents the birth of Jesus Christ. However, not all who celebrate Christmas celebrate it religiously, as it has become a commercial and cultural staple of American society. Traditions include giving and receiving gifts, as well as decorating a Christmas tree. For many people, celebrating with family is the best part of the holiday. “My favorite part of Christmas is being able to hangout with my family that is out of state,” said junior Logan LaForty.  According to a 2019 poll by the website Gallup, 93% of American adults celebrate Christmas.

Another holiday celebrated during winter break is Kwanzaa, which occurs between December 26 and January 1. Based on traditions from West and Southeast Africa, it is a relatively new holiday, as it was first created in 1966 as a celebration of African-American culture.

The celebration of Hanukkah goes on for eight days and nights, and is celebrated mainly by those of Jewish faith. Observers light a candle on a menorah each night, as well as partake in other traditions such as spinning a dreidel and eating traditional foods like latke, which is a type of potato pancake usually eaten around Hanukkah. “Hanukkah is important to me because it brings me back to my connection to Judaism and connects me to family. Hanukkah is a celebration of gratitude, so it really reminds me to take a break and have gratitude,” said senior Skye Kimbrough.

For many different faiths and people, winter break is more than just two weeks off from school. For Woodgrove students, it can be an important opportunity to celebrate meaningful holidays with the people that matter the most to them.