This one’s for you, reader.
As we get closer to the end of another year, there are many things to celebrate and be grateful for: ending another school semester, graduating, or even simply making it through this very unpredictable year. You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to enjoy winter break and spend it with the people you love.
The Independent would like to end this year on a positive note, so in a similar manner to Thanksgiving’s editors’ roundtable, this time we asked our writers about the ways they plan to honor this winter break, holidays and beyond.
Alexa: What is your favorite celebration or event during this time of the year?
Marija: Christmas – I especially love attending Christmas events in downtown Chicago.
Asher: Zoo Lights, Ice Skating at Millenium’s Park, Chicago Christkindlmarket
What is your favorite holiday-themed flavored drink? (i.e peppermint mocha, eggnog, coquito, etc)
Rollie: Hot Apple Cider
Prajwal: I am not used to the extensive variety of drinks and snacks available in the US.
Alex: Does Hot Chocolate count?
How do you spend your new year’s?
Marija: I normally go to a friend’s house and celebrate or to a Balkan concert at a banquet hall for whichever singer has been flown into town.
Asher: It varies. Sometimes we invite people to our apartment and celebrate there. Sometimes we go to Logan Arcade during the midnight countdown. We usually change our traditions every year.
Sana: With family.
Do you have a favorite holiday song? If so, which one and why?
Marija: My favorite holiday song is Last Christmas by Wham because it reminds me of my childhood.
Alex: This Christmas (I’ll burn it to the ground)
What is your favorite memory of 2024?
Asher: Attending the “beer garden” at the Latin Expo and getting drunk too fast that I skipped my class, but I talked and spent time with friends that day.
Alex: The beginning of semester Fall Festival, and the first article Dan helped me edit.
Prajwal: The day my Visa to the USA was approved.
What would you like to leave behind in 2024?
Asher: I would like to leave behind grievances and grudges that I have against others and vice versa. I would like to leave behind mistakes that I may have made as a president of a club and learn from them.
Sana: All my worst memories and failures. I want to start fresh with all the good vibes and positivity.
What are you looking forward to in 2025?
Sana: I am preparing for a competitive exam, and I failed twice. I am looking forward to pass in 2025. I am looking forward to Success, discipline and lots of motivation to keep going. And no stress, mental health comes first.
Marija: I’m looking forward to graduating in May and finding a job that will make me happy.
Prajwal: A chance to better myself and thrive.
Best of luck to all in this new year!
