As finals season draws near, students are looking forward to their plans for the three-week winter break that follows. Over the break, students will travel to new places, relax at home and participate in deep-rooted traditions.
Many students plan to go on various trip destinations including New York City, San Francisco, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. Other students also shared they plan to spend the holidays in their hometowns.
“Over break, I am going home to Manila, Philippines,” Notre Dame freshman Katharine Do said. Do said that she is most excited about “seeing friends and family after four months.”
Notre Dame sophomore Kieran Lobo shared he will also return home to Perth, Western Australia. Lobo explained that it will be summer in Australia, and he looks forward to spending the holiday season at the beach.
Students are also excited to celebrate their holiday traditions and visit relatives to spend the holiday season with them.
“For New Year’s in Mexico, it's a tradition to run around the block carrying a suitcase to symbolize future travel,” Saint Mary’s senior Andy Vera said, who plans to go back to her hometown in Mexico City over break.
This tradition begins when the clock strikes twelve, Vera explains, and that people pack winter items if they want to travel somewhere cold and warm items if they want to travel somewhere hot.
“A tradition I am looking forward to is seeing the little kids in my youth group perform in the Christmas play,” Notre Dame freshman Peter Nguyen said.
“One of my favorite traditions is going to my grandparents' house on New Year's Eve,” Notre Dame freshman Braden Jenks said. He looks forward to the opportunity to visit family over the break.
Saint Mary’s freshman Christiana Flynn plans to spend time with loved ones on the San Diego beach and in the woods.
“A tradition I am excited about is decorating the table with my grandma on Christmas Eve and cutting down our Christmas tree in the mountains,” Flynn said.
Flynn said she is also excited to visit with her pets and friends while she's home.
Many students also expressed excitement about baking with family and friends.
“One of my favorite holiday traditions is decorating gingerbread houses with my friends and family,” Notre Dame freshman Emily Rowe said.
This has been a tradition Rowe said she has continued since childhood.
“It is always such a fun time with my family, and I will always love decorating gingerbread houses no matter how old I get,” Rowe said.
