As we enter the holiday season, certain traditions or plans are in full swing. This season is, to some, a very joyful season full of presents, cold weather, hot chocolate and special moments shared with close ones, but we all have different ways of celebrating, as well as our own unique traditions. Some go somewhere hot and get away from the frosty air, while others go skiing in the bright white snow. Wherever you are or whatever you do, we all have our own special routines.
At Bard, we have many different students as well as many different cultures, religions and celebrations. After having surveyed 18 people around the hallways of Bard, it was deduced that around 48 percent of students and teachers at BHSEC celebrate Christmas, 20 percent celebrate Hanukkah, and the other 32 percent either celebrate other winter holidays or none at all. Bard is a very diverse school, and the holiday season has everyone in high spirits. Whether people in the hallways are running around with santa hats or playing holiday mixes in their earbuds, the vibe is clearly there.
Not only does BHSEC have spirit, but much of New York City does as well. Crowds of people are decked out in holiday colors near the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller center. Cars are blasting holiday music and lights and decorations have been hung all over the city. Part of the center of this is the Holiday Market at Bryant Park. There are shops selling everything from plushies to jewelry, and a bunch of hot chocolate and waffle stands surround them. Holiday activities are scattered throughout the big apple and are popular amongst tourists as well as residents of NYC. Some holiday spots include the decorated and cheerful Christmas houses in Jackson Heights, the ice skating rink in Central Park, the Christmas windows in manhattan, or even local hot chocolate stores. These are few of many places some people enjoy visiting, but we all have our own ways of celebrating – or even not celebrating.
Now others may celebrate Hanukkah, a jewish tradition created to commemorate the recovery of Jerusalem. Whether you celebrate it at home with family or alone, it is a worldwide celebration. The Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting and the Fifth Avenue Menorah Lighting cause huge crowds to come and watch, in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. There are museums and campfires around New York dedicated to celebrating this holiday, and people come from all over to value this.
For some, Winter may just be three cold months. People’s ways of celebrating could just be picking up a book and reading it and curling up with some tea on their couch. Some may enjoy binging shows at home, and enjoying their own traditions and activities that are special to them and are equally as important.