Sophomore Michael Gutsche plugs his ears to Christmas music until finals are over.
Since the from Thanksgiving break, students have been serenaded by the Christmas music wafting from Zwemer Hall. But even though the Christmas spirit may seem to be pushed upon us, not all students are feeling in tune with the spirit of the season.
“I think that I’ve been too busy to even think about Christmas at this point. This is sad because Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, but the workload and pressure of finals is taking away my spirit for Christmas this season,” said freshman Aaron DeBoer.
Sophomore Keely Wright agreed that the stress of finals week brings down the Christmas spirit but says she tries “to make sure I give myself plenty of study breaks to enjoy some good winter activities with my roommate.”
On the other hand, some students refuse to let finals week bring them down. “Nothing can break my Christmas spirit! I look forward to it for way too long,” said freshman Jake Gilleland.
“It’s more that the Christmas spirit brings my mood up during finals week,” agreed sophomore Sarah Licius.
For some students, Christmas music helps aid the Christmas spirit even in a time of stress. Students disagree on when Christmas music should start playing. The general notion is that it should be played after Thanksgiving, but some students appreciate Christmas tunes year round.
Many students agree that Christmas music should not be played before Thanksgiving. Sophomore Michael Gutsche thinks that it should not be played until about two weeks before Christmas. “It’s okay for a day or two, but after that, you end up hating all things festive. At least I do.”
”Personally I believe that Christmas music should not be played until the day after Thanksgiving. While I do love Christmas music, I feel that listening to it on the radio takes my attention away from spending time appreciating the meaning behind the Thanksgiving holiday,” said senior Michelle Mether.
“My philosophy is, listen to whatever music makes you happy. If that happens to be Christmas music in the middle of spring, then so be it,” said sophomore Michelle Kraayenbrink.
The transition from the gratefulness of Thanksgiving and the greediness of Christmas is quick and sometimes we get caught up in the business of the Christmas season. “Focus on giving and not getting and on the true reason for the season, our Savior’s birth,” advised sophomore Jennifer Angus.
“I think about all of the people who can’t celebrate Christmas the way that I can, and it helps me not to get caught up in the greediness,” added sophomore Erin Ogden.
“I donate all of my gently used things to people who I know need it. If I get double of something for Christmas, instead of returning it to get something else, I donate it,” said sophomore Nicki Schlickbernd.
As we near Christmas time, it is evident that the Northwestern campus is getting in gear for the season. Christmas trees and lights are starting to crop up in various buildings, and students are starting to wrap their doors. Now the snow is officially here to stay, perhaps it’s time to embrace the spirit of Christmas and allow that joy to push you on through finals.
