By Kayla Raynak and Kailyn Turko
In about a week, the fall semester will be completed and students will be preparing to celebrate the holidays.
The Rocket was curious about how SRU students will be celebrating their time off.
A recent survey was conducted asking students how they will be celebrating during winter break.
Many students plan to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season.
“I will be celebrating with family and friends, opening presents under the tree on Christmas morning,” one SRU student said.
Baking cookies with family is another activity many students look forward to partaking in during the winter season.
“Spending time with my family, baking cookies and watching Christmas movies,” another student shared.
“I’m most excited to gift presents to my family and friends. I love gift-giving and the challenge of getting people meaningful, personalized gifts,” a third student said.
Students have various holiday traditions they partake in during the winter months.
“Every Christmas Eve, my brothers and I get one gift from our parents: pajamas. And we all have to change into them and we sleep in those on Christmas Eve,” a student said.
“My dad and I always bake my great grandma’s sugar cookies, and we always watch [A] Christmas Story after opening presents on Christmas day!” another student said.
Students shared their recommendations for other students to try during the holiday season.
“I would recommend giving back during the holiday season. There are so many people who aren’t as fortunate as we are, and it’s important to remember that and give back in ways that we can. Whether that’s an Angel Tree donation, Operation Christmas Child, volunteering at a shelter or tithing to your local church, we have the opportunity to make a difference in our community,” an SRU student shared.
“I always try to help support the local community. Whether that’s showing up to the free events or doing as much as sponsoring a kids Christmas through the Angel Tree. Also making my own decorations and gifts is so rewarding and fun!” another student said.
Various students shared that How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Home Alone are some popular favorite holiday movies to watch this season.
Songs such as “Silent Night” and “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” were mentioned among many others as favorite holiday songs.
Students also shared that cookies are a popular seasonal treat they enjoy, including gingerbread and peanut butter blossoms.
“I’m excited to spend time with my family. The older we get, the more I cherish times like these,” one student said.
