As 2018 nears its end, the holiday season is upon us. People everywhere are gearing up for traditions and creating meaningful memories. No matter how diverse the holiday traditions and celebrations are around the world, one thing for sure is that things get more hectic and people get busier at this time of the year. We all know that everyone is excited for the lights, gifts, trees and of course, Santa, but I wanted to dig deeper to find out what is truly behind everyone’s holiday bliss.

I asked, “What is the most important part of the Holiday Season to you?” Here are some of the responses I received from students and teachers.

5th Grade:

Libby Smith– “To be with my family playing games and laughing and telling jokes.”

Jay Mohrbacher-”Celebrating Jesus’ birthday, spending time with my family and, of course, dancin’ to my favorite Christmas carols.”

6th Grade:

Beau DeThomas-”The quality time spent with family during the holiday season.”

7th Grade:

Mrs. Hartman-”To me, the most important part of the Christmas season is God.  We always look forward to and enjoy celebrating Christmas at church.  Something that really makes me happy is my children coming home to spend some time during the holidays.  Because Ryan and Miranda are both in graduate school in different parts of the country and they don’t get home often we really have a wonderful time together.”

Alyssa Grunnagle– “The most important thing to me during this holiday season is spending time with my family. I love just being with everyone and exchanging gifts.”

8th Grade:

Vincenzo Fiorenza-”Being happy with your family, and not having a care in the world! And spending time with family and friends.”

Troy Pawlowski-”I would say the best thing about the holiday is seeing my family and spending time with them.”

Maddy Sanders-”Getting to spend time with my family and friends who have become family.”

Notice that there is not one mention of toys, electronics, games or Santa in all of the responses. FMS students and teachers know that there is so much more to the holidays than just those material things. In spite of all the hoopla surrounding a commercialized Christmas, I am proud to be a part of a school that puts family, God, love, and time together as the most important part of their celebrations. Wishing you an abundance of love, laughter and joy this holiday season.