For the students of ETHS, winter break feels slow approaching as many rush to raise their grades and prepare for finals. With the threat of a snowy season on the horizon, many students prepare to depart, leaving this chilly Chicago suburb for a relaxing break in a warmer climate. However, for some students, winter break will be spent within city limits, and venturing to warmer climates is a dream that can only be reached through their friends’ Snapchat and Instagram posts. Despite all this, while it may not be a sunny beach in Hawaii, there are several ways to entertain yourself this holiday season without a sun hat.
You are not alone if you intend to stay close to home this holiday season. A few Evanston students will be spending this break downtown, listening to holiday music, and ringing in the new year within the comfort of their comforter. “I’m not going very far.” Senior Sammy Joseph tells me. “I haven’t gone places for break the past few years, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I like spending time with my parents,” she says, smiling with a look of soulful recollection. Sammy explains that she and her family spend time in the kitchen over the holidays. Christmas for Sammy’s family is filled with the fragrant smells of thyme and cinnamon as Sammy assists her mother in baking amazing holiday treats. The holidays are a special time for families, whether you are baking or going down a giant hill on a sled, students at ETHS love nothing like time with their family.
For Senior Elijah Sutton, the holidays are bustling with endless activities and family fun. His house has many cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and family friends. “A lot of my family is at our house during the break. It can be overwhelming,” he shares. Because Elijah has so many family members coming, he likes to take a moment to step away and have some me time. “I like listening to music in my room. I’ll watch a movie with my family but I also like spending my break under the covers.” In hibernation. “Exactly,” he laughs. It can be hard to find activities to spend your time on during break, and the city of Evanston has made it its mission to spread a little holiday cheer by hosting different activities to help you bide your time.
If you feel that every holiday break is filled with the solemn silence of a house surrounded by winter flurries, you can set aside time to go out and enjoy a few gatherings and workshops hosted in Evanston. For students looking to colorize the white, snowy city, the Evanston Art Center will hold two winter break art camps for anyone interested. The art camps will center around developing student’s art skills and trying new and different art styles. You don’t need any prior skill to participate. The art camps will be hosted for three days each for both weeks of winter break. If you aren’t interested in the Arts, the Dawes House will host a Vintage Holiday Tea for Families on the 21st. Festive lights will be set up for the entire winter break at the Chicago Botanical Gardens if you’re looking to take a walk in the chilly air. In Evanston, there is something for everyone, and a break doesn’t have to mean being stuck inside.
Remember to keep in touch with your friends over break, and make this break enjoyable for everyone. “I’ll probably call my friends and see what they want to do. Last year we went sledding at Mount Trashmore– so that was fun.” Although Sutton perceives himself as a bit of an indoor bunny, he is looking forward to getting hot cocoa and spending time with his friends this holiday season. Sammy Joseph tells me she is also “looking forward to just spending time with the people I love.” For those staying close to home, remember to hug your loved ones tight.
By celebrating cozy traditions, indulging in festive activities, and cherishing the company of loved ones, you can turn even the coldest days into moments of joy. Whether sipping hot cocoa in a cafe, creating homemade treats, or painting portraits at the Evanston Art Center, this season offers endless opportunities to find warmth and happiness. After all, the holidays aren’t about where you are, but the memories you create and the love you share.
