As the days get colder and the sun sets earlier, students are anxious while counting down the days until winter break! The excitement buzzes through the hallways as students talk about mornings with no alarm clocks and making plans with friends for winter break! The long months of early mornings, homework, non-stop testing and studying, and the thought of a break from all of that is a dream come true.

 I interviewed some students to find out exactly what they were excited for this winter break, and their answers definitely capture the mix of relief and anticipation that comes with the season! Some students can’t wait to travel and relax with no responsibilities. Junior Brooklyn Botts is one of them! “I can’t wait for the extra week we get this winter break, I might be able to go to Florida!”  With a smile, she stated, “I’m excited to see my grandma down there and go boating!” For students like Botts, the break isn’t just about relaxing; it’s about reconnecting with family and making new memories.

For most students, winter break isn’t just a vacation. It is an earned pause for all the hard work put into school. Between juggling schoolwork and social lives, many are just ready to breathe again. “It’s been such a long semester,” senior Dylan Chahmirian said. “I just want to wake up late and not think about homework for a few weeks.” 

With the academics on hold, others like to take this time to reconnect with things they enjoy and focus on things they have passions for, such as painting, sports, or simply unwinding. Senior Emil Santos De La Cruz says, “I am excited to try snowboarding and begin to focus on club soccer.” Winter break can mean something different for anyone. Some students see this as a time to rest, while others use this time to explore their passions or try new things out. The important part is that students get a chance to reset. It’s a moment to slow down, reflect, and come back refreshed for the upcoming semester. Senior Jackson Robert shares that he plans on hanging out with family and sees that this break is “a time to relax.”

For some freshmen, the appeal for this upcoming break is mostly about stepping away from school work and waking up early. Freshman Belle Bonser is looking forward to “not going to school” and having the freedom to relax and scroll on her phone, and, as she likes to say, “snuggle up in my bed.” She also hopes to see her family more, explaining that she wants to reconnect and “communicate more with my family and catch up!” Freshman Ainsley Lacadie is heading somewhere warmer, Mexico! She is excited to walk the beaches, explore open shops, and pick out “pretty jewelry, necklaces, and bracelets.” Laughing, she says, “I’m a gold girlie,” and adds that she is also looking forward to relaxing and scrolling on her phone.

Freshman Chloe Champlin plans to use her break to sleep in, spend time with her family, and watch Christmas movies together. Champlin says she will be using this time to relax, and her favorite movie is The Polar Express, which she loves watching every year. Sophomore Chase Premo will also be watching Christmas films, especially Home Alone, but he is using his break for more than just downtime. Premo says he wants to focus on basketball, adding, “I love basketball,” and plans to use this time to improve and stay fit. 

Junior Cash Scott is looking forward to spending time with family and friends as well, especially while watching Christmas movies like the first Home Alone. But he also sees winter break as a chance to reset academically. Scott plans to work with friends and study, hoping to improve specifically in math as the new semester approaches.

So as the snow begins to fall and the semester comes to an end, one thing is clear: students are ready for a break, and they have earned it. Whether it’s through sleep, celebration, vacation, or just simple moments of peace with no responsibilities. This winter break promises to bring the joy and renewal that every one of these students deserve. 

Bailey Hendrix, Staff Writer 

Junior Bailey Hendrix is a staff writer for the 2025-2026 Colonel News site. She likes tennis, pretty flowers, and going to the beach to watch the sunrise.