In the midst of the winter season, with the arrival of the holidays just shortly around the corner, I’ve noticed that, for me, the excitement and joy of the holidays seem to be disappearing. The overwhelming but enticing spirit that I was so full of this time of year as a kid seems to be slowly slipping out of my grasp. 

A contributing factor could be the stress of finals, which has been on an upward trajectory the past few years. The overwhelming rush of stress that engulfs students once December first arrives is honestly like no other. 

Students hurry to get grades changed and stay up late reviewing, reteaching themselves material from the very beginning of the school year. The internal fire of persistence and grit that drives students during finals season leaves little to no time during the holiday season to celebrate and spend time with loved ones, and they can only really do so when the weight of final exams is lifted off their shoulders. 

Next year, in the 2026-2027 school year, finals will be pushed back to Jan. 19-21, long after we return from winter break–a one-time change required due to Project 2 construction. This change will possibly offer relief, but at what cost? The opportunity for study time over the break could lower students’ stress levels. But for the procrastinators, this change might not be the best. The stress of the upcoming finals season could put a damper on the holiday season for some, as the two-week break period could have students wrapped up in their studying. 

Any way you look at it, December is stressful for students. But over the last few weeks, I’ve found some ways to be able to give into the holiday spirit a bit more. Picking out and decorating a Christmas tree helped. I had fun accessorizing it with all sorts of ornaments and a variety of brightly colored lights strung with somewhat of a precise attitude, with gentle jazz Christmas music playing in the background. Additionally, singing and performing a variety of holiday songs with my choir really draws in the spirit and joy to the fullest. Music is a great way to set  the holiday mood during any setting. Taking any amount of time to step back from your pile of work can help set your mind at ease and incorporate the joy of the season into your life.

But it’s not like it used to be–which makes me wonder about the inevitable changes that happen when we grow from children into teenagers. Oak Park and River Forest High School has plenty of holiday cheer, but it can’t compare to the classroom holiday parties we had in elementary school, when we made paper snowflakes with pictures of our faces on them and brought them home to display in the perfect spot on the mantle or the Christmas tree. 

But maybe that’s okay. As we grow up, our idea of what makes a memorable holiday season changes forms, and maybe for the better. Rather than having holiday parties in classrooms, we can now celebrate the holiday season by exchanging gifts with friends, and spending quality time with those who matter most to us.