“I survived working Black Friday”
Real holiday confessions of retail workers
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, as most people know. Taking place right after (and sometimes during) Thanksgiving, most people find Black Friday as the perfect time to stock up on Christmas gifts for family members while they are on sale.
But not everybody is lucky enough to get to shop the night away. Millions of employees are scheduled all night to help manage the outlet stores and malls.
Lileigh Berling (‘20) works at Journey’s at the Tanger outlets in Sunbury. “Working Black Friday was absolutely insane,” Berling explains. “People were way more rude than on a normal day. People were rushing around like crazy, and me and my coworkers were just trying our best to make sure everyone had a good experience.”
Although it was a little nuts on her 7p.m. - 2 a.m. shift, Lileigh said that the rush “was exciting and kept her on her toes.”
“I don't know what I would have done without my coffee though,” Berling finishes.
Hannah Yebaile (‘19) also worked Black Friday this year at the GAP store. “I worked an 11-hour shift this year, as did many of my coworkers.” Yebaile says, “People were yelling at me when they didn't get the sale they wanted or when something was marked incorrectly, and pretty soon everyone was running everywhere.”
Although it was hectic at her store as well, Yebaile explained that, “One great thing about working Black Friday is seeing all the happy families getting together and spending time with each other.”
-Claire Wasem '20 is the (entertainment editor)
Real holiday confessions of retail workers
By: Claire Wasem
NORTHRIDGE - Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, as most people know. Taking place right after (and sometimes during) Thanksgiving, most people find Black Friday as the perfect time to stock up on Christmas gifts for family members while they are on sale.
But not everybody is lucky enough to get to shop the night away. Millions of employees are scheduled all night to help manage the outlet stores and malls.
Lileigh Berling (‘20) works at Journey’s at the Tanger outlets in Sunbury. “Working Black Friday was absolutely insane,” Berling explains. “People were way more rude than on a normal day. People were rushing around like crazy, and me and my coworkers were just trying our best to make sure everyone had a good experience.”
Although it was a little nuts on her 7p.m. - 2 a.m. shift, Lileigh said that the rush “was exciting and kept her on her toes.”
“I don't know what I would have done without my coffee though,” Berling finishes.
Hannah Yebaile (‘19) also worked Black Friday this year at the GAP store. “I worked an 11-hour shift this year, as did many of my coworkers.” Yebaile says, “People were yelling at me when they didn't get the sale they wanted or when something was marked incorrectly, and pretty soon everyone was running everywhere.”
Although it was hectic at her store as well, Yebaile explained that, “One great thing about working Black Friday is seeing all the happy families getting together and spending time with each other.”
-Claire Wasem '20 is the (entertainment editor)
Best Christmas gifts EVER
By: Madison Legg
NORTHRIDGE - Many people celebrate Christmas by opening presents on the morning of the 25th in December with family all around them. Here are just a few great presents people here at the Ridge say they have gotten in the past.
Erica Siegel (‘19) was about 4 or 5 years old when she received something that every little girl dreams about getting for Christmas: she unwrapped a giant dollhouse. This doll house was not just any dollhouse - in fact, it was a Barbie Dream House! It had many rooms including a bathroom, a bedroom, a couple of living rooms and many more rooms. It also had a bunch of little things here and there such as a working doorbell and a piano that actually played music when she played with it. Siegel claimed that this amazing doll house was “wild” and she loved it.
Jake Reese (‘20) said that he gets the same Christmas present from his parents every year. Even though some may say that this is cheesy, Reese says that the best present and the only present he wants any and every year for Christmas is … unconditional love from his parents! He says, “yes, my parents do buy me gifts every year, but this is just them showing me that they love me and they want me to have a great Christmas and them trying means more to me than anything they actually buy me.”
Olivia Good (‘19) said that her best present she ever got was a REAL LIVE HORSE! When she was 11 years old all she wanted for Christmas was a horse! She loved horses and wanted to ride them all her life, and then she finally got one. She said, “When my grandparents took me outside and showed me the horse, I almost cried because it was so amazing.”
Makenna Hale (‘19) says that she believes it's the simple things in life that are the best gifts. A few years ago, Hale was opening her presents one by one and as she came to he last one she opened a pair of dinosaur slippers, and she said it was by far the cutest and best gift that she had ever gotten. She has worn them for the last few years, and she says that they are especially nice in the winter when its cold.
Christmas means many different things to different people, and every person wants different things for Christmas. The best Christmas presents are not necessarily the most expensive and the biggest. Sometimes they are just what you want and what means the most.
-Madison Legg [email protected] staff member
By: Madison Legg
NORTHRIDGE - Many people celebrate Christmas by opening presents on the morning of the 25th in December with family all around them. Here are just a few great presents people here at the Ridge say they have gotten in the past.
Erica Siegel (‘19) was about 4 or 5 years old when she received something that every little girl dreams about getting for Christmas: she unwrapped a giant dollhouse. This doll house was not just any dollhouse - in fact, it was a Barbie Dream House! It had many rooms including a bathroom, a bedroom, a couple of living rooms and many more rooms. It also had a bunch of little things here and there such as a working doorbell and a piano that actually played music when she played with it. Siegel claimed that this amazing doll house was “wild” and she loved it.
Jake Reese (‘20) said that he gets the same Christmas present from his parents every year. Even though some may say that this is cheesy, Reese says that the best present and the only present he wants any and every year for Christmas is … unconditional love from his parents! He says, “yes, my parents do buy me gifts every year, but this is just them showing me that they love me and they want me to have a great Christmas and them trying means more to me than anything they actually buy me.”
Olivia Good (‘19) said that her best present she ever got was a REAL LIVE HORSE! When she was 11 years old all she wanted for Christmas was a horse! She loved horses and wanted to ride them all her life, and then she finally got one. She said, “When my grandparents took me outside and showed me the horse, I almost cried because it was so amazing.”
Makenna Hale (‘19) says that she believes it's the simple things in life that are the best gifts. A few years ago, Hale was opening her presents one by one and as she came to he last one she opened a pair of dinosaur slippers, and she said it was by far the cutest and best gift that she had ever gotten. She has worn them for the last few years, and she says that they are especially nice in the winter when its cold.
Christmas means many different things to different people, and every person wants different things for Christmas. The best Christmas presents are not necessarily the most expensive and the biggest. Sometimes they are just what you want and what means the most.
-Madison Legg [email protected] staff member
Hallmark Christmas Movie
By: Emma Garee
You probably think that being around people you love is the best part of Christmas. You also may be looking forward to a tree lighting or a special tradition of drinking hot chocolate while opening presents in your pajamas. These things are all great, but what I’m personally looking forward to is something completely different … Hallmark Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.
You may be thinking that I am a terrible person for thinking that television is what makes the holiday season, but just let me explain. For those of you who don’t know, Hallmark Holiday movies are terribly cheesy love stories where the man and woman always end up together kissing while fake snow falls around them. Every Hallmark movie is can be predicted, and the ending is always the same … happily ever after.
So what makes these cheesy movies so special? Sometimes, Christmas is so rushed and busy. Crowds of people are all around, and I start to feel overwhelmed. It is nice to turn on the television and feel like I know what will happen. It is also fun to lie on the couch with your family and make fun of the acting or the fact that it just happens to be snowing inside a house. Also, every episode gives you the same message about the meaning of Christmas, which is love and family and friendship.
That it why I suggest you watch Hallmark Christmas movies this winter. If you feel overwhelmed and just want a good laugh, simply turn on the television.
-Emma Garee is the photo editor for the Viking Vault.
By: Emma Garee
You probably think that being around people you love is the best part of Christmas. You also may be looking forward to a tree lighting or a special tradition of drinking hot chocolate while opening presents in your pajamas. These things are all great, but what I’m personally looking forward to is something completely different … Hallmark Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.
You may be thinking that I am a terrible person for thinking that television is what makes the holiday season, but just let me explain. For those of you who don’t know, Hallmark Holiday movies are terribly cheesy love stories where the man and woman always end up together kissing while fake snow falls around them. Every Hallmark movie is can be predicted, and the ending is always the same … happily ever after.
So what makes these cheesy movies so special? Sometimes, Christmas is so rushed and busy. Crowds of people are all around, and I start to feel overwhelmed. It is nice to turn on the television and feel like I know what will happen. It is also fun to lie on the couch with your family and make fun of the acting or the fact that it just happens to be snowing inside a house. Also, every episode gives you the same message about the meaning of Christmas, which is love and family and friendship.
That it why I suggest you watch Hallmark Christmas movies this winter. If you feel overwhelmed and just want a good laugh, simply turn on the television.
-Emma Garee is the photo editor for the Viking Vault.
Students reflect on family Christmas traditions
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE- While some have simple traditions, others have traditions that are unique to their families. Simple and beloved traditions include spending time with family, putting up trees and decorations, and making Christmas cookies; however, some of the students below go all out with their own traditions while other have traditions a lot of us do.
Making cookies during Christmas holiday season is very common, but Carter Comisford’s (‘19) family takes it to a new level.
Comisford (‘19) states, “My mom throws a big cookie party during Christmas time. My whole family comes, and other families join us too. Everyone makes cookies and brings them so there are always a lot, there is hundreds actually. This has been a tradition since I was really little, and I think my mom plans to keep it going.”
Abby Beyer’s (‘21) family also gets together and decorates cookies: “My cousins and I all go to my grandma’s to make and decorate cookies, and then my grandma judges whose cookie is the best.”
Cookies are very a popular dessert during the holidays, but Jacob Smith (‘19) makes coffee cakes with his cousins every Christmas Eve for other people to enjoy.
Smith (‘19) claims, “I go to my aunt Wendy's house, and we bake coffee cakes and then wrap them up and hand them out to everyone on my aunt’s road. Everyone gets really happy when we give it to them.”
Many holidays are spent in family members’ homes. Sarah Moore (‘21) states, “My family goes to my grandma’s on Christmas Eve and then my other grandma’s the next day.”
While families like the Moores are spending their time near home, Nick Spinosi’s (‘19) family is away at a lake house.
Spinosi (‘19) says, “Every Christmas we go down to the lake house with most of our family and open presents there and have dinner.”
Christmas movies are often watched by families during the holidays, but Dustin Chalfants’ (‘20) watches the same one every year on Christmas Eve.
Chalfant (‘20) states, “My brothers, sister, mom and dad all get together in the living room and watch the movie Christmas Vacation every Christmas Eve. We make popcorn and eat Christmas cookies.”
Warm, fuzzy pajamas are super popular during Christmas and perfect for the cold weather, and Ashton Dick’s (‘19) grandma must agree because she gets Ashton and all of his siblings warm pajamas for Christmas.
Dick (‘19) says, “I know what I’m getting from my grandma every year: pajamas.”
Caily Thorpe (‘19) states, “My parents always get me comfortable pajamas and give them to me Christmas Eve.”
Traditions are typical for most families during the holidays, and whether they’re “traditional” traditions or wacky ones, most Vikings are ready to get started on the celebration!
-Anna Kohler (‘20) is a Social Media/ Publicity Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Anna Kohler
NORTHRIDGE- While some have simple traditions, others have traditions that are unique to their families. Simple and beloved traditions include spending time with family, putting up trees and decorations, and making Christmas cookies; however, some of the students below go all out with their own traditions while other have traditions a lot of us do.
Making cookies during Christmas holiday season is very common, but Carter Comisford’s (‘19) family takes it to a new level.
Comisford (‘19) states, “My mom throws a big cookie party during Christmas time. My whole family comes, and other families join us too. Everyone makes cookies and brings them so there are always a lot, there is hundreds actually. This has been a tradition since I was really little, and I think my mom plans to keep it going.”
Abby Beyer’s (‘21) family also gets together and decorates cookies: “My cousins and I all go to my grandma’s to make and decorate cookies, and then my grandma judges whose cookie is the best.”
Cookies are very a popular dessert during the holidays, but Jacob Smith (‘19) makes coffee cakes with his cousins every Christmas Eve for other people to enjoy.
Smith (‘19) claims, “I go to my aunt Wendy's house, and we bake coffee cakes and then wrap them up and hand them out to everyone on my aunt’s road. Everyone gets really happy when we give it to them.”
Many holidays are spent in family members’ homes. Sarah Moore (‘21) states, “My family goes to my grandma’s on Christmas Eve and then my other grandma’s the next day.”
While families like the Moores are spending their time near home, Nick Spinosi’s (‘19) family is away at a lake house.
Spinosi (‘19) says, “Every Christmas we go down to the lake house with most of our family and open presents there and have dinner.”
Christmas movies are often watched by families during the holidays, but Dustin Chalfants’ (‘20) watches the same one every year on Christmas Eve.
Chalfant (‘20) states, “My brothers, sister, mom and dad all get together in the living room and watch the movie Christmas Vacation every Christmas Eve. We make popcorn and eat Christmas cookies.”
Warm, fuzzy pajamas are super popular during Christmas and perfect for the cold weather, and Ashton Dick’s (‘19) grandma must agree because she gets Ashton and all of his siblings warm pajamas for Christmas.
Dick (‘19) says, “I know what I’m getting from my grandma every year: pajamas.”
Caily Thorpe (‘19) states, “My parents always get me comfortable pajamas and give them to me Christmas Eve.”
Traditions are typical for most families during the holidays, and whether they’re “traditional” traditions or wacky ones, most Vikings are ready to get started on the celebration!
-Anna Kohler (‘20) is a Social Media/ Publicity Editor for The Viking Vault. [email protected]
Not every Thanksgiving was a magical mouthful
By: Cole Fox
When asked about their Thanksgiving holiday, most people would say it was “great!” In addition, they would most likely tell you how they filled their stomachs and stuffed their mouths with various foods and desserts. However for a couple of people they had a “mouthful” in another way.
Sarah Moore (‘21) had an interesting experience over Thanksgiving, having her wisdom teeth removed. Before the big day of eating turkey and delicious desserts, Sarah was sitting in the good ‘ole dentist chair ready to have the dentist drill at her teeth. Along with Sarah was her younger sister, Alison Moore (‘22), who was there for moral support.
In addition to the drilling “it all comes with a huge bonus of laughs” Alison said of her sister’s experience. “The laughs we had just show all the crazy and odd-yet-funny things and actions Sarah did while under anesthesia!”
Alison said, “During surgery, Sarah kept calling herself indestructible and punching herself in the mouth. It was the funniest thing ever. The best part of it was she kept wanting to take selfies of herself.”
After the surgery, Sarah stated she “didn't feel much due to the fact the medicine hadn't worn off.” In addition, she said she didn’t remember much about the experience; however, she did recall “the pain that started and lasted a few days after the appointment.”
Sarah stated how difficult it was to eat on Thanksgiving, while everyone else was shoveling turkey and stuffing into their mouths as fast as they could. “It was hard because my mouth was extremely sore, and it was hard to chew. When asked if she recommended having the surgery during Thanksgiving break, Sarah said, “I don't recommend doing it over break because I was miserable for the first half of it.”
-Cole Fox (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault
By: Cole Fox
When asked about their Thanksgiving holiday, most people would say it was “great!” In addition, they would most likely tell you how they filled their stomachs and stuffed their mouths with various foods and desserts. However for a couple of people they had a “mouthful” in another way.
Sarah Moore (‘21) had an interesting experience over Thanksgiving, having her wisdom teeth removed. Before the big day of eating turkey and delicious desserts, Sarah was sitting in the good ‘ole dentist chair ready to have the dentist drill at her teeth. Along with Sarah was her younger sister, Alison Moore (‘22), who was there for moral support.
In addition to the drilling “it all comes with a huge bonus of laughs” Alison said of her sister’s experience. “The laughs we had just show all the crazy and odd-yet-funny things and actions Sarah did while under anesthesia!”
Alison said, “During surgery, Sarah kept calling herself indestructible and punching herself in the mouth. It was the funniest thing ever. The best part of it was she kept wanting to take selfies of herself.”
After the surgery, Sarah stated she “didn't feel much due to the fact the medicine hadn't worn off.” In addition, she said she didn’t remember much about the experience; however, she did recall “the pain that started and lasted a few days after the appointment.”
Sarah stated how difficult it was to eat on Thanksgiving, while everyone else was shoveling turkey and stuffing into their mouths as fast as they could. “It was hard because my mouth was extremely sore, and it was hard to chew. When asked if she recommended having the surgery during Thanksgiving break, Sarah said, “I don't recommend doing it over break because I was miserable for the first half of it.”
-Cole Fox (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault
Seniors recall playground days
By: Mackenzie Holder
ALEXANDRIA - Thinking back to the days of Northridge Primary School, an instant happiness comes over many of us as those memories come to the front of our minds. Alexandria was a happy place for many and a place where all of the memories were made. It was our foundation as Vikings. Sitting in your chair, you probably counted down the minutes until recess, thinking about all of the fun you were going to have on the playground.
The hard decision became upon you when the teacher told you it was time to get on your coats and go outside. Are you going to play tag today? Play basketball? Swing on the swings? There were many options, and picking the wrong one could ruin the rest of your day.
Audrey Holt (19’) states, “One of the many days that I had to spend standing on the sidewalk, I began to spin around since there was nothing better to do for the 30 minutes outside. I did not stop spinning until I found myself on my hands and knees hitting my head on the sidewalk.”
This was only one of the creative ways that Primary kids recall spending their recesses. Another popular way to spend recess was on the teeter totters.
Megan McCament (19’) states, “One day I was on the teeter totter with Jacob Stocks (19’) and as we were teeter tottering, he decided to cherry bomb me. Since I was so tiny, I went flying in the air and fell on my arm. It hurt at the time, but now I look back and laugh.”
Others spent their time at recess playing intense games of basketball. Thinking back to it, Jackson Wilson (‘19) says, “Those were the good old days.”
Even though everyone spent those times differently, all of these memories are the ones we will remember when we look back on our years at the Primary School.
-Mackenzie is the print editor for the Viking Seniors recall playground days
By: Mackenzie Holder
ALEXANDRIA - Thinking back to the days of Northridge Primary School, an instant happiness comes over many of us as those memories come to the front of our minds. Alexandria was a happy place for many and a place where all of the memories were made. It was our foundation as Vikings. Sitting in your chair, you probably counted down the minutes until recess, thinking about all of the fun you were going to have on the playground.
The hard decision became upon you when the teacher told you it was time to get on your coats and go outside. Are you going to play tag today? Play basketball? Swing on the swings? There were many options, and picking the wrong one could ruin the rest of your day.
Audrey Holt (19’) states, “One of the many days that I had to spend standing on the sidewalk, I began to spin around since there was nothing better to do for the 30 minutes outside. I did not stop spinning until I found myself on my hands and knees hitting my head on the sidewalk.”
This was only one of the creative ways that Primary kids recall spending their recesses. Another popular way to spend recess was on the teeter totters.
Megan McCament (19’) states, “One day I was on the teeter totter with Jacob Stocks (19’) and as we were teeter tottering, he decided to cherry bomb me. Since I was so tiny, I went flying in the air and fell on my arm. It hurt at the time, but now I look back and laugh.”
Others spent their time at recess playing intense games of basketball. Thinking back to it, Jackson Wilson (‘19) says, “Those were the good old days.”
Even though everyone spent those times differently, all of these memories are the ones we will remember when we look back on our years at the Primary School.
-Mackenzie is the print editor for the Viking Seniors recall playground days
Ways to give back this holiday season
By: Olivia Humes
NORTHRIDGE: Imagine the perfect Christmas morning: snow is falling, and there are plenty of presents under the Christmas tree. The fireplace is crackling in the background, and you are enjoying the time spent with your family opening gifts that are purchased for each other.
However, the sad reality is that many families are not fortunate enough to celebrate the holidays in this manner. There are plenty of families in need, along with multiple ways to give back and donate time to help these families during the holiday season.
The students at the Ridge are doing just that by assigning each grade level a family to bring donations in for to help improve their holidays. If you wish to donate gifts, descriptions of the families and gift ideas can be found throughout the hallways and in classrooms. Senior Hunter Henson (‘19) explains, “I think it’s a really cool thing that we are doing this through the school because a lot of people want to give back during the holidays but don’t know exactly what they want to do.”
Besides donating at school, here are a couple examples of actions you can take in order to help individuals in the holiday spirit.
Senior Jessica Koehler (‘19) explains, “Usually around the holidays my dad and I make a tradition of volunteering at the local shelter, passing out food to the people that need it.” The holiday season can make people greedy - happy with all the presents asked for and received. This is a reminder that this season is just as much about giving as it is receiving, so give back some time and help people in need.
- Olivia Humes ('19) is the web editor for the Viking Vault.
By: Olivia Humes
NORTHRIDGE: Imagine the perfect Christmas morning: snow is falling, and there are plenty of presents under the Christmas tree. The fireplace is crackling in the background, and you are enjoying the time spent with your family opening gifts that are purchased for each other.
However, the sad reality is that many families are not fortunate enough to celebrate the holidays in this manner. There are plenty of families in need, along with multiple ways to give back and donate time to help these families during the holiday season.
The students at the Ridge are doing just that by assigning each grade level a family to bring donations in for to help improve their holidays. If you wish to donate gifts, descriptions of the families and gift ideas can be found throughout the hallways and in classrooms. Senior Hunter Henson (‘19) explains, “I think it’s a really cool thing that we are doing this through the school because a lot of people want to give back during the holidays but don’t know exactly what they want to do.”
Besides donating at school, here are a couple examples of actions you can take in order to help individuals in the holiday spirit.
- Operation Christmas Child: This organization sends specialized care packages to children across the world who may need the basic necessities like toothbrushes, but also little toys to make their holidays a little brighter. You can either create your own care package, or simply donate a monetary amount to the organization Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child. Several local churches participate in this, including the Croton Church of Christ. Just call to find out how you can get involved!
- Support our troops through a USO program: This program delivers care packages to soldiers across the world that aren’t able to be home during the holidays. You can include presents, or just overall necessities. This is a way to make soldiers feel at home and be able to celebrate away from their home.
- Donate to a local animal shelter: This is a different way to give back, especially if you are an animal lover. During the winter months, the shelters can become very cold and animals can be harmed. A good way to help is to bring things like blankets for the animals. You can also donate toys and treats for the animals in need.
- Donate your time and money to a local food bank/homeless shelter: It is common for food banks to run thin on food and employees during the holiday months. You can help organize and hand out food along with donating money for any use. You can even make this a family tradition every year!
Senior Jessica Koehler (‘19) explains, “Usually around the holidays my dad and I make a tradition of volunteering at the local shelter, passing out food to the people that need it.” The holiday season can make people greedy - happy with all the presents asked for and received. This is a reminder that this season is just as much about giving as it is receiving, so give back some time and help people in need.
- Olivia Humes ('19) is the web editor for the Viking Vault.
Christmas Music: when it’s okay
By Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - As the holiday season creeps upon us all, many Christmas music lovers are making special Christmas playlists with all of their favorite holiday songs and switching their radio stations to 92.2 to get into that Christmas spirit! Is there really a specific time to start listening though? Some begin in early November while others wait up until a week before Christmas …
Some may also love to listen to Christmas music but struggle not to have overplayed the genre by actual Christmas. Mandy Shults (‘19) may have a solution! According to Shults, “On November 1st, I start to listen to the Pentatonix Christmas album so that way I don’t get tired of all Christmas music, and then during December I listen to the classic stuff like Bing Crosby.”
Shults also explains how she has used this method every year and has yet to over-play any Christmas music because, “Its only on once a year, and it’s my favorite!”
Still, others may say that the beginning of November may be a little too early. Dustin Chalfant (‘20) explains how his family doesn't listen to Christmas music that much. “I usually listen to Christmas music for about a solid week before Christmas and up until the day, and that’s all.”
Others depend solely on mother nature. Jacob Smith (‘19) explains how he decides when to begin listening to the holiday music. “Once the temperature hits 32 degrees and I see snow, it's time for the Christmas music to come on to really get me into the holiday spirit!”
Smith also explains how Christmas Music has to be his favorite part of the holidays all together.
-Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
By Ali Zigo
NORTHRIDGE - As the holiday season creeps upon us all, many Christmas music lovers are making special Christmas playlists with all of their favorite holiday songs and switching their radio stations to 92.2 to get into that Christmas spirit! Is there really a specific time to start listening though? Some begin in early November while others wait up until a week before Christmas …
Some may also love to listen to Christmas music but struggle not to have overplayed the genre by actual Christmas. Mandy Shults (‘19) may have a solution! According to Shults, “On November 1st, I start to listen to the Pentatonix Christmas album so that way I don’t get tired of all Christmas music, and then during December I listen to the classic stuff like Bing Crosby.”
Shults also explains how she has used this method every year and has yet to over-play any Christmas music because, “Its only on once a year, and it’s my favorite!”
Still, others may say that the beginning of November may be a little too early. Dustin Chalfant (‘20) explains how his family doesn't listen to Christmas music that much. “I usually listen to Christmas music for about a solid week before Christmas and up until the day, and that’s all.”
Others depend solely on mother nature. Jacob Smith (‘19) explains how he decides when to begin listening to the holiday music. “Once the temperature hits 32 degrees and I see snow, it's time for the Christmas music to come on to really get me into the holiday spirit!”
Smith also explains how Christmas Music has to be his favorite part of the holidays all together.
-Ali Zigo (‘20) is the Junior Print Editor for The Viking Vault.
Funny Christmas stories
By: Shelby Yorde
We all know that sometimes family holidays don’t go as planned. Every once in awhile something goes terribly wrong, and you can’t help but laugh a little because your expectations of perfection didn’t quite work out. Christmas just happens to be one of those holidays.
For instance, one time I woke up Christmas morning SO excited to open my presents. My mom puts all of our presents in sections to make them easier for us to find. When we all gathered in the living room, I noticed that all my presents were wet… ONLY my presents. There ended up being a leak in the ceiling right above my stuff. Not only did I get to not open these soggy gifts, but my mom had also lost my stockings.
Jake Reese (‘20) said that one time on Christmas Eve when his mom was wrapping the rest of the presents, he found himself sleepwalking. This lead to him falling down the stairs and landing on his mom … “It made a HUGE noise, and I woke everyone up. Let’s just say there were presents still unwrapped when everyone came down …”
Kennedy Neumeyer (‘21) said that one time they had their tree fall over. “We had like a 15 foot tree and my brothers were wrestling, and we all told them to stop. They ended up hitting the tree and knocked the whole tree over.”
Ashton Krotzer (‘22) has an elf on the shelf much like a lot of people. For those who don’t know, an elf in the shelf is a “magical” elf that comes the day after Thanksgiving and spies on you for Santa. Every night, he moves to another place and you have to find him. “One time Kole was moving the elf, and he dropped it. It fell in the lamp and burnt up over night.”
Next time something crazy happens on Christmas, just know you aren’t alone and the best thing that you can do is laugh and tell the story in holidays to come.
- Shelby Yorde ‘20 is a junior editor for The Viking Vault [email protected] .
By: Shelby Yorde
We all know that sometimes family holidays don’t go as planned. Every once in awhile something goes terribly wrong, and you can’t help but laugh a little because your expectations of perfection didn’t quite work out. Christmas just happens to be one of those holidays.
For instance, one time I woke up Christmas morning SO excited to open my presents. My mom puts all of our presents in sections to make them easier for us to find. When we all gathered in the living room, I noticed that all my presents were wet… ONLY my presents. There ended up being a leak in the ceiling right above my stuff. Not only did I get to not open these soggy gifts, but my mom had also lost my stockings.
Jake Reese (‘20) said that one time on Christmas Eve when his mom was wrapping the rest of the presents, he found himself sleepwalking. This lead to him falling down the stairs and landing on his mom … “It made a HUGE noise, and I woke everyone up. Let’s just say there were presents still unwrapped when everyone came down …”
Kennedy Neumeyer (‘21) said that one time they had their tree fall over. “We had like a 15 foot tree and my brothers were wrestling, and we all told them to stop. They ended up hitting the tree and knocked the whole tree over.”
Ashton Krotzer (‘22) has an elf on the shelf much like a lot of people. For those who don’t know, an elf in the shelf is a “magical” elf that comes the day after Thanksgiving and spies on you for Santa. Every night, he moves to another place and you have to find him. “One time Kole was moving the elf, and he dropped it. It fell in the lamp and burnt up over night.”
Next time something crazy happens on Christmas, just know you aren’t alone and the best thing that you can do is laugh and tell the story in holidays to come.
- Shelby Yorde ‘20 is a junior editor for The Viking Vault [email protected] .