The Christmas season hasn’t officially started yet (according to some), but it is easy to feel the shift in the NAHS holiday spirit. Students are filling the halls with chatter about upcoming exams, break plans, and their preferred Christmas aesthetic. Discussions range from wishes for a snow-filled season to chaotic, tacky decorations and a cozy, candlelit night. Together, these opinions create a school filled with many different holiday aesthetics, each shaped by memories, traditions, and personal taste.
One of the biggest wishes people living in the south have is for a white Christmas. What’s better than waking up on Christmas morning and looking out the window to see the streets covered in snow? Living in Georgia certainly makes this an extremely rare occurrence, but that doesn’t destroy the hopes and dreams of our dubs. Jennifer Page, known for her large Christmas blow-up marking her classroom location, is a part of the many hoping to wake up to snowfall. “I would love a winter wonderland type of Christmas with snow everywhere,” said Page.
In contrast to those who enjoy the cold, some people opt for the cozy vibes. Staying in, sitting by the fire, and having a warm mug of hot chocolate, this is the perfect Christmas for homebodies. While some people might love the cold and the snow, junior Jaelynn Wright prefers to be lying on her couch wrapped in a blanket while watching Christmas movies. A cozy Christmas brings all the relaxation a break should. “For me, a cozy Christmas is the best kind. It’s warm, relaxing, and the vibes are always good,” said Wright.
For many people, Christmas is a time that brings back old childhood memories. Many high schoolers look back to when they were little, wishing they could relive building gingerbread houses in class and watching The Polar Express rather than studying for exams. The tacky Christmas is a fan favorite due to its allowing teens to feel like they are back in elementary school. This funky vibe also brings families together, reminding teens of crowded living rooms, mismatched ornaments, and the way their parents or grandparents decorated without worrying about making anything aesthetic. “It always reminds me of how my mom would decorate the house when I was little,” said sophomore Leo Jones.
While some students enjoy the bright chaos of a tacky Christmas, others prefer a more classic approach. For these teens, elegance, tradition, and coordination mark the holiday season, creating a calm and timeless atmosphere in their homes. Sophomore Sara Phillips still loves the memories a tacky Christmas brings, but has, over time, started to shift towards more classic decor. “I love tacky Christmas because it reminds me of my childhood, but as I’ve become older, I like more of the classic, Ralph Lauren vibe,” said Phillips.
No matter the style, snowy, cozy, tacky, or classic, Christmas at North Atlanta High reflects each student’s memories and traditions. Each approach brings its own magic, showing that the season is about more than decorations; it’s about what makes it meaningful.
