It’s that time of the year again when the air is chilly, all families come together, and cheer and merriment echo. The time of the year that makes you go, “Man, did this year really go by that fast?” Humans, as a whole, are in constant need of social connections; and no matter one’s culture or background, the emotional attachment to holidays and the feeling of belonging to something bigger is a sentiment we all share. Though the holiday season is nearing its end, Kingsway students seem to have a pep in their steps– ‘tis the season all year round!
Mahi Mopal, for instance, celebrates the Hindu function of Diwali with her family during the holiday season, also known as the festival of lights. On Diwali, Mahi and her family “decorate [their] home with candles and lights, place rangoli (designs made with colorful powder on the ground), gather together for prayers, and make delicious food together”. This celebration helps Mahi bond with her family and culture. In terms of the New Year, Mahi aspires to learn something new every day. She believes that “whether it’s picking up a new activity/skill or learning another language,” there’s always something to be learned!
Nadia Esan enjoys spending time with her family during the holiday, including a tradition of hosting a party for all her relatives from different states to come visit. Her New Year resolutions are to go to the gym more and “improve [her] soccer skills.” Victoria Jacobs, on the other hand, likes keeping it simple; with a traditional hot chocolate by the fireplace, she enjoys watching holiday favorites (especially Home Alone!) with her family. She hopes to create and maintain a nutritional diet throughout 2025.
Patrick “Pat” Civaterese enjoys doing loads of festive activities to preserve the holiday spirit; on Christmas, he and his family greet the holidays at his grandparent’s house. On Christmas Eve, they love watching Christmas movies, with Christmas Vacation being an annual watch. Pat and his family also “always bake cookies on Christmas Eve”, savoring every last bite till the New Year. Pat hopes in this new year to become stronger and enhance his athletic performance; in academics, Pat wants to stay productive, motivated, and organized!
Some students even head to the Big Apple for festivities! Ryan Quadir and his family often visit Central Park to hang out with relatives while Femy Alam goes to Bryant Park to try out new foods and check out small businesses. Both look forward to the new year, and hope this new year will bring more productivity, new skills, and new accomplishments!
With the 2024 season coming to an end, Kingsway students have mixed emotions; this bittersweet place that’s in between a newfound excitement and regretful dread. Either way, this new year is a new chance; a new opportunity to grow, to learn, and to preserve. As the conductor in Polar Express says, “The thing about trains … it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” So, let us hop on the 2025 train with open arms while preserving the holiday cheer; new year, same spirit!
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
From, The Dragons