Greendale students have recently wrapped up their time being at home for winter break. The hallways of GHS were buzzing with excitement the first few days back, as both teachers and students came back to school ready to show off their new presents.
From basic gifts to the biggest heartfelt surprises, these gifts not only reflect people’s interests and what they like to do but also shows how they are cared for and loved. The holiday season allows everyone to get together and reminds us the importance of being appreciated and showing appreciation.
It’s very common for families to head out of town and get together with other relatives for the holiday season.
Senior Marissa Toupal left the state to celebrate the holidays with family.
“For break I go up north to Minnesota to visit my family. On Christmas Eve we have an annual hockey skate and then we go to our aunt’s house for dinner,” she said. “For Christmas my best gift was the Burberry Blush perfume because it smells so good. I gave my older sister a new pair of shoes because she constantly takes mine.”
Freshman Claire Hegedus stayed more local for her break, traveling to Kiel Wisconsin.
“For winter break my family and I go to my grandparents house,” she said. “My favorite gift I got this year are my Apple headphones. I’ve wanted these for a couple years now because they are good for noise cancelling and they don’t hurt my head. Plus I have a new pair of headphones for going on planes now.”
New technology comes out every year, this influences teenagers heavily to ask for the newest gadgets out there for a present.
“My favorite gift I got this year is a new JBL speaker because I can take it anywhere and the bass is really good. I also really like this lifting belt I got for the gym,” junior Sebastian Langenfeld said.
Senior Lukas Gamroth got a unique gift.
“The best gift I got was a tattoo for my aunt. I also got new airpods. I broke and lost my airpods a couple months ago so now I finally have a pair of earbuds to wear,” he said.
During the break, teachers at Greendale like to exchange gifts with fellow colleagues. It’s important to build connections and express your appreciation for the people you work with.
Math teacher Jeffery Dedrich participated in a very common holiday tradition.
“We do a white elephant gift exchange and I got a vast selection of Cudahy HS gear from Mr.Hansen. My boys got me a Jordan Love Packer jersey, that was pretty cool.”
Social Studies teacher Nicole Mobley and math teacher Amanda Hauser also exchanged gifts with each other this holiday season.
“I got a gift from Mrs. Hauser and it was a candle, a Bath and Body Works lotion, and a little chapstick. I got her a little sign with a phrase she says all the time that says “I’m fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” Mobley said. “I usually get her Dr Pepper because she drinks that when she’s stressed out and peanut butter cups, her favorite candy.”
Some of the best gifts to receive are the smallest and seem to mean the least, but they hold a special place in our hearts.
Finance teacher, Mary Guida, got a memorable gift from her husband.
“My husband and I are big Summerfest people so I have a bucket hat that has every Summerfest pin they’ve ever had for every year starting at 1990 but I was missing one from 2011. My husband magically found it and he has completed my pin collection. By far my most favorite, exciting gift I got,” she said.
As the halls start to quiet down and everyone is brought back to reality by being at school again, the cheer of the recent holiday still lingers. The different types of gifts that were exchanged over winter break brought a sense of enjoyment to our school. The memories of these presents and being with the ones we love will still have a place in our heart even after the holiday season has passed.
