Lauren Root – Features Editor 

Being a university student has brought back the holiday joy I lost as a child. Growing up, Christmas was my favourite time of the year, just like so many children around the world. I remember the days of panicking to make sure that Santa got my list on time, and trying to stay on my best behaviour for the months leading up to Christmas. Somewhere along the way, and I’m not quite sure where, I began to lose some of this excitement. Now I’ve realized that university has brought it back. 

Image courtesy of Lauren Root

The month of November is a disaster for every university student. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who looks forward to November (unless it’s their birthday), but even then, I can guarantee they’re still stressed about assignments. The weather takes a turn for the worse, and winter is knocking on the doorstep. While I don’t despise snow, I hate everything that comes with snow, like the wind and darkness. It’s so hard to feel productive when the sun starts setting at 4 p.m. 

Heading into the last few weeks of the semester, studying for exams and finishing term papers takes priority over everything else. You see fewer people out and about; instead, everyone is hibernating in the library or in their homes. Overall, it’s not a fun way to close out the semester. 

So, enter the return of childhood excitement. Christmas time brings decorating, lights and cozy nights full of  watching movies and drinking hot chocolate. It shows you who your closest friends are, and who the people you want to cuddle with under a blanket while watching “Home Alone” are. 

Going home, wherever home may be, brings you closer to the friends and family you’ve had to leave to come to Bishop’s. It’s a good reminder that life does, in fact, expand past the Lennoxville/Sherbrooke borders, and that you have people from all over who love you and cheer you on.

As for me, one thing I really love about the holiday break is the lack of work. Even over reading week, there are always things that need to get done, like studying or writing papers. Over the December break, the only thing that needs to happen is sleep, and that’s something I’ll never complain about. 

The joy of cozy nights, going home and a desperately needed break from work all bring back the childhood excitement that I took for granted, and that’s been missing in my life. With a few short weeks left in the semester, I can’t wait for the upcoming break!