Listen to this story!

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s one of the most demanding and exhilarating times of the year. As soon as Thanksgiving ends it’s go-time for a lot of people. There is so much that goes on during this season, from getting Christmas presents on sale during Black Friday, to giving the presents to your loved ones on Christmas day, the holiday season never calms down. 

Christmas is most often referred to as “fun” and “nostalgic” for most children and pre-teenagers. To them it’s all about receiving presents, waiting for Santa Claus to come, and celebrating Christmas traditions. 

The holiday season is more frazzling for adults. Once you have kids you are in charge of buying gifts for them. Some parents have the tradition of telling their children about Santa Claus. The parents have to then have gifts from Santa and from them. Lots of gifts!

Christmas is about a lot more than gift giving and gift receiving. It involves movies, decorations, Christmas light viewings, jolly Christmas sweaters/clothing, and featured holiday drinks. Starbucks is KNOWN for their iconic holiday drinks. Their Peppermint Mocha is a fan favorite that sells out fast! Recently this year Starbucks sugar cookie latte has been the new holiday flavor favorite. 

Having decorations up for any holiday increases the spirit. Christmas decorations usually include a Christmas tree, lights, ornaments, garland, and stockings. Each year there is a small controversy whether someone has a real or fake tree. 

“Fake trees are what I prefer, because that’s what I have always had.” said Sarah O’dell. “We also have probably seven [Christmas] trees.” 

Christmas movies are often the most exciting and nostalgic time of November through December. There are so many different options of movies to watch, from comedic classics like Elf, to romantic adventures like The Holiday. The Hallmark channel does it all!

“The Grinch makes me feel ready for Christmas, I like the live action one. The music just hypes [you] up, and you get ready for Christmas.” said O’dell. 

Although the holidays are fun, festive, and filled with family and friends, they can also be stressful. Some have the responsibility and pressure of buying gifts for people, making their house look presentable, preparing for the company of in-laws, and so much more. 

O’dell agrees, “The most stressful thing is [buying] gifts. I really want to make sure they’re going to like their gifts. I want them to have a good gift.”  

The holidays move faster than expected. It seems like it takes the longest time for Christmas to come around, but then once it comes, it’s gone too soon!