The holidays are the time for students and teachers to take a break from all the work and relax. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s, everyone decides to celebrate them differently. Some spend time at home with their families while others like to travel.

Senior Gabriela Sanchez looks forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas because it’s the time when her family visits or she drives to visit them. Junior Nabetse Melendez, whose favorite is New Year’s, said, “Every year I look forward to setting goals and watching myself grow into a better person.”

Of these three popular holidays, everyone has their favorite. Senior Dayana Estrada likes New Years, because not only is she with her family, but it’s like having a fresh start for the year ahead.

Jalen Applewhite, a senior, likes Thanksgiving the most because he can eat all he wants, without his parents nagging about it.

Senior Leilani Agha said that she loves all the holidays equally. “These three months are pure happiness for me,” she said. “I give thanks in November, I receive gifts in December, and in January I celebrate a new year and the birth of my sister.”

While most students typically spend the holidays with their families, at dinners and parties, others have unique traditions. Sophomore Melody Huete said that every year her family travels out of state to go hunting. “We don’t really hunt for anything in particular. We do it for fun,” she said.

Armando Casanova, also a sophomore, said that he usually goes to New York with his family, and although his parents don’t approve, he and his brother run out in the snow with “summer clothes.”

Senior Antony Reyes says that during Thanksgiving his family have a big dinner and before they eat, each person must say one thing they’re thankful for. “When I was younger I used to hate it, but now I appreciate these traditions,” he said.

Holiday time is not just about family time. “During holiday breaks I like being around my family but I also take the opportunity to hang out with friends, since I barely see them outside of school,” said Senior Leilani Agha.

Students aren’t the only ones at Miami High to enjoy the holidays. Fashion design teacher Ms. Belony enjoys when her family spends quality time together. She said that they have family dinners where the table is set with nice decorations and everyone dresses for the occasion and takes pictures. She also said that she remembers Christmas when she was younger gathering around with her parents and siblings, opening gifts, and drinking Haitian hot chocolate and warm Haitian bread.  “Our family traditions are 35 years in the making and counting,” she said.

French teacher Mr. Fertil says that after church on Christmas Eve, he and his family get together and have a party. His favorite thing about the holidays is not just receiving but also giving. He says that holidays are a time to share and reflect on what the holidays are truly about, “because here in America we are very fortunate compared to some in other countries.”