As the year ends, the air turns chilly, families reunite, and laughter fills the season. As social beings, we crave connection, and no matter our background, the emotional bond we share with holidays and the sense of belonging is universal.
Though the holiday season is winding down, Kingsway students carry that festive spirit all year.
Mahi Mopal, celebrates Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with her family. She said they gather for prayers and enjoy making delicious food together.
Samreet Kaur, on the other hand, celebrates Lohri, a Punjabi Indian holiday marking the harvest season. In 2025 Mahi aims to learn something new daily, while Samreet hopes to connect more with her community.
Nadia Esan enjoys spending time with her family, including hosting a party for relatives from different states. Her New Year’s resolutions? To hit the gym more and improve her soccer skills.
Victoria Jacobs keeps things simple, watching holiday classics like Home Alone. For 2025, she hopes to maintain a healthy diet.
Christmas lover Patrick “Pat” Civaterese, in contrast, enjoys loads of festive activities, including visiting his grandparents’ house on Christmas and watching Christmas movies, “especially Christmas Vacation”. Pat’s goals for 2025 are to enhance his athletic performance and stay organized and motivated in school.
Some Kingsway students even make their way to the Big Apple for holiday fun. Home Alone’s Kevin is not the only one up to New York shenanigans. Ryan Quadir visits Central Park to catch up with relatives, while Femy Alam explores Bryant Park, trying new foods.
Both look forward to the new year, hoping it brings more productivity, new skills, and fresh accomplishments.
As 2024 draws to a close, Kingsway students feel a mix of elation and nostalgia – anticipation for the future and some regret for the year gone by. But as the conductor in The Polar Express says, “The thing about trains… it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.”
So, let’s hop on the 2025 train with open arms, carrying the cheer of the season with us all year long.
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year,
From The Dragons
By Nethiri Umashanger
