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Updates from Upperclassmen by Makenzie Attig

As it is getting closer to the end of December, it is also getting closer to Christmas. Christmas is a major festive holiday celebrated worldwide on the 25th of December of every year. Christmas is such a special time, filled with joy, festivities and traditions. But it is celebrated to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

It’s more than just a holiday; it is a time to stop and give thanks for love, hope and joy found in Jesus, our savior. There are lots of different ways people celebrate this holiday in their own festive traditions.

Some traditions are making gingerbread houses, having a family holiday baking day, seeing Christmas lights, going to light shows, shopping, caroling, wrapping presents and baking a feast for your family. Some people often decorate their homes with lights, ornaments and a Christmas tree. Many try to decorate the inside and out to make it a very festive and magical atmosphere. They fill the Christmas tree with lots of ornaments, a tree topper and tinsel.

But the most loved Christmas tradition is the exchange of gifts with loved ones and spending time together, enjoying delicious meals and treats.

Christmas is known for Santa Claus, reindeer and the giving of presents. Lots of children are anxiously waiting for Santa Claus to come to their homes and leave gifts under the Christmas tree. I was one of those kids. I have four siblings, and we all would wake up super early because we couldn’t sleep. Our minds were so anxious and excited to go out to the living room and see what Santa Claus left us. The night before we went to sleep we would leave cookies and milk out for the reindeer and Santa. Not only did we celebrate the tradition of Santa, we also had a family baking day. It’s a day me and my family get together, and we bake a bunch of goodies for Christmas.

I would encourage everyone to embrace the season, to worry less about the pressures, the presents and trying to be perfect. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our savior and enjoying our time together. Merry Christmas, Albert Lea.

Makenzie Attig is a junior at Albert Lea High School.