As the crisp, frosty air enveloped Rochester Hills, RHS students eagerly anticipated the start of their winter break. This cherished time away from the rigors of schoolwork provided a much needed relief, filled with festive celebrations, cozy gatherings with family and friends, and the excitement of holiday traditions. For RHS students, this break was not just a pause in their academic journey, but a time to recharge and embrace the simple pleasures of winter. Here are some of our RHS students’ winter break highlights!
Many of the students I interviewed mentioned spending a lot of time with their grandparents during the winter break. This time for them was especially meaningful, as it allowed them to strengthen family bonds and create cherished memories. Charlee Poljanac, a Junior, shares how she had “countless sleepovers with my cousins at my grandma’s house,” while Lily Marticzak, a Junior, shares how she “celebrated Christmas with my grandma.” These moments with their grandparents added a special warmth to the season, just like how some students found comfort in spending time with their pets. One student, Junior Kaylin Nagaitis, mentioned how she “enjoyed cuddling with my cats” throughout the break. These cozy moments provided a sense of relaxation and joy, adding to the overall warmth and happiness of the holiday season.
In addition to spending time with family and pets, Poljanac enjoyed various activities around the area. For instance, she explains how she “went to see the Detroit Zoo lights,” marveling at the festive displays. Nagaitis took advantage of her new Kindle she got for her birthday, stating how she “read three of the Percy Jackson books.” Marticzak took part in a lot of social events attending “a lot of birthday parties” as well as having “a sleepover on New Year’s Eve with my friends.” These experiences made the winter break a memorable and exciting time for everyone.
Of course, there were a few unexpected moments too, like how Nagatis “got into a minor car crash” (don’t worry, everyone is ok!) and Marticzak’s dad managed to “set the oven on fire” while trying to cook. These little adventures just added to the fun and made the winter break even more memorable!
Beyond these adventures, many students also cherished family traditions. Nagatis expresses how she “did a lot of baking with family,” with the kitchen being filled with the aroma of cookies, pies, and other delicious treats. Some families, like Marticzak’s, have a tradition of “decorating their home together for Christmas,” turning the process into a fun and creative activity. Others, like Poljanac, “enjoy watching Christmas movies together,” complete with hot cocoa and popcorn. These traditions not only brought joy but also strengthened family bonds, making the winter break a truly special time for everyone.
Overall, a lot of time was spent with loved ones, making the winter break a mix of fun, excitement, and a few unexpected surprises. Whether it was through festive outings, new gadgets, or cherished family traditions, everyone found a way to make the most of their time off and create lasting memories.