CMHS shares their Christmas traditions

By Winter Brooks

Editor in Chief

 Every family celebrates differently with fun traditions and decorations. The Crete-Monee community shared their stories on some of those traditions. 

English teacher Mr. Nielsen takes a picture next to the Christmas tree in his classroom.

 “The best part of the holiday season is the overall Christmas spirit and the joy of giving to others,” Social studies teacher Mr. Posey said. 

 Mr. Posey is a very Christmassy guy. He even came to work on Nov. 1 with a peppermint coffee from Dunkin Donuts. Though he has no unique family traditions, he will continue to spread the Christmas spirit.

 Meanwhile, English teacher, Mr. J., has a different outlook on the holidays. 

 “I’m a hater, and I’ll say that straight up: I am not a fan of the film Elf. I despise that movie, and I think it’s obnoxious noise. Its message is fine, but it’s very obnoxious,” Mr. J said when asked about Christmas movies. 

 However, English teacher Ms. Myhre and Mr. Posey agreed that Elf is their favorite Christmas film. English teacher Mr. Nielson named a few classics as his all-time favorites, though. He prefers A Christmas Story, A Christmas Vacation, and It’s a Wonderful Life. 

 Mr. J enjoys making tamales with his family around mid-December. It’s an intricate system of stations and preparation. Everyone participates and plays a role in creating the tamales, and if you sit out, you don’t bring home any tasty food. He enjoys being with loved ones during the holidays and not so much the gift-giving and materialistic part of it. 

 “I’m all about bringing folks in, the loving nature of it, versus the capitalist version of whatever this holiday is supposed to be,” Mr. J said. 

  Spending the holidays with people who may not have a family to go home to and celebrate Christmas with is something Mr. J enjoys. Spending Christmas with a chosen family can sometimes be more joyous than with a biological family. 

  “I would like to think after Thanksgiving is the time to maybe bring out the holiday cheer,” Mr. Nielson said after being asked what time of year Christmas music should start. 

  Ms. Myhre, Mr. J, and Mr. Nielson stated they think Christmas music should start after Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Mr. Posey says it’s fair game on Nov. 1. 

  “After Halloween is a little too early, and I think Dec. 1 is a little too late,” Ms. Myhre said. 

  Many families celebrate the holidays by decorating a big pine tree, whether synthetic or natural, is a personal preference. There are pros and cons to both types of trees. When asked which kind of tree each teacher preferred, Mr. J, Ms. Myhre, and Mr. Posey all said they preferred synthetic trees, while Mr. Nielson claimed real trees are the way to go. 

  The holiday season is something most families look forward to, especially when it comes to traditions. Whether it’s making cultural foods or playing a game, traditions will always be something special.