The anticipations of the holidays throughout the school year are not only because of the fact that school will be out, but also because of the traditions that come along with it.

Coming back to school after a break full of food, family, and sleep is not something most teenagers of this generation look forward to. However, the Marionette decided on the top 5 enjoyable and non-enjoyable things that the holidays bring.

1. No School

Pros: Every one loves not having to wake up early in the morning to go to school for eight hours then return home to continue to work on homework for eight hours. The stress that Harding brings to students can be overwhelming and a break is definitely something we look forward to. During this time, we have time to relax and de-stress from the calamities of managing life and schoolwork. Along with this, we get to hang out with our friends and our conversations won’t be entirely about homework!

Cons: Well, when you attend Harding. . .there is always one teacher that decides the word break is imaginary and will smile as they drown you with “holiday homework”. Doing the homework at the beginning of the “break” would be the smartest thing to do, but who really does that? Of course, we’re going to procrastinate and wait until the last minute to read all 512 pages of Great Expectations. The stress and lack of sleep could possibly drive you crazy.

2. Food

Pros: Who doesn’t love tasty homemade food? From turkey and dressing to the honey-glazed ham and mashed potatoes, holiday food can leave a feeling of nostalgia once the season passes. In most cases, everyone will bring something they cook from their house and Grandma definitely knows you have a thing for her pumpkin pie, so that is something to look forward to. Waking up in the morning knowing that delicious food awaits you is one of the best feelings about the holidays.

Cons: Despite the delicious pies that your grandma bakes, there is always that one relative that decides to bring something that nobody has ever even heard of. Or when that one person that is in charge of the ham cooks it too dry… they had one job, and they messed it up.

3. Decorating

Pros: Usually at this time of the year, stores are packed with the traditional decorations that come along with Holiday cheer. Decorating the house can be a great way to spend time with family while also having fun in the process. 

Cons: Even though decorating can be enjoyable, it is still a disaster to take it all down just to repeat the same thing next year. The struggles of boxing the decorations back up or having to rearrange the living room are real and you just decide to be one of those people that leave the decorations up all year, because every holiday is basically the same… right?

4. Holiday Movies

Pros: There’s nothing better than relaxing on the couch while watching your favorite holiday movies. Wrap up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy your time on break. The Marionette agreed that “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is our favorite movie during the holidays but there are others that definitely deserve recognition, such as “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and many others. (Comment your favorites below.)

Cons: ABC Family premieres the “best” holiday movies, however if you don’t like holiday movies, this could be horrible because almost every channel is streaming basically the same thing. So either way, you can never escape the Grinch.

5. Family

Pros: When you haven’t seen some of your family for over a year, it’s nice to be able to visit with them and spend time with each other. It may be awkward and awful in some aspects, however sometimes it could be a good refresher to get caught up with life and relax.

Cons: Of course, it is always great to see relatives you haven’t seen a while. However, there are those certain relatives that you honestly have no idea who they are. For example, when you discover you have an aunt named Betty and she can’t stop telling you about how you’ve grown so big but you swear you haven’t seen her in all of your life. Then she proceeds to plant a slobbery wet kiss on your cheek — leaving her cherry red lipstick as evidence — and in response you give that same universal reaction: The awkward smile as the life leaves your eyes.

With this said, we’re sure everyone could agree with at least some of these. What do you like or dread about the holidays? Feel free to comment and give your opinions.