Having trouble figuring out what to buy your teenagers for Christmas? Don’t worry ; we have the top 10 gifts for boys and girls straight from the mouths of KHS students.
Girls may seem complex but gifts for girls are quite simple.
1. Money, everyone loves money.
2. Can’t go wrong with jewelry for a girl, diamonds are girl’s best friend
3. Most of the people we interviewed are new drivers, so of course they ask for a new car.
4. New clothes, New Year, New wardrobe
5. With the new iPhone coming out everyone wants one, so they ask for a new phone.
6. Headphones- most recommend Beats
7. A puppy, because everyone loves puppies.
8. An apple laptop
9. New phone case
10. A gift card to their favorite store.
Now for the boys.
1. New shoes- Jays, Kobes- any new shoe coming out basically they will love.
2.Money, of course
3. The new Ps4 4.
4.The new Xbox 1
5.Beat headphones
6. Loui Vuitton belt, so they can stay in style
7. New clothes, new year new wardrobe
8. A flat screen TV for their room
9. A car, since most of them just got their license
10. A girlfriend (haha a little humor). That should help you narrow down what to buy your high schooler for Christmas.
Christmas Gifts
by Chris Adams, Alex Henry, and Mauricio Cornejo
Christmas Traditions
By Rachel Long
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and to get you in the Christmas spirit. Here are some interesting traditions to try out:
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Go Caroling. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear,” as Buddy the Elf says in the iconic Christmas movie, Elf. So go get your singing voice along with your friends and family and go sing Christmas songs through the street.
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Tree Picking. Go with your family and pick the perfect tree and decorate it as a family.
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“On Christmas Eve, my siblings and I all sleep in one room and watch a Christmas movie,” sophomore Katie Adkison said.
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Presents. It’s hard to wait until morning to open all your presents. So open one gift on Christmas Eve.
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Watch Christmas movies. Nothing beats hanging out with friends and family and watching a movie. Who doesn’t love White Christmas? Or The Christmas Story? Or How The Grinch Stole Christmas?
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Don’t forget to give back this holiday. Start a tradition of helping others in need by donating clothes or toys as well as volunteering at the soup kitchen.
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“At my great grandmother’s house she has miniature stocking for all her great grand kids with names on them and always has a candy cane in it,” sophomore Samantha Schmidt said.
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“My family is starting a tradition where on Christmas Eve, we go to church. After that we have a family white elephant. Then we have a ginger bread house decorating competition. Finally at midnight Christmas morning, we open presents,” senior Matt Miller said.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
The Top Ten Holiday Movies
By Marielle Mabilangan
10. A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a visually stunning animated movie presented by Disney. It tells the classic story of A Christmas Carol with a new visual update.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This is a classic story by Dr. Seuss that tells the story of a grouchy creature that hates Christmas; this is a heartwarming story for any family.
8. The Polar Express
The Polar Express is yet another animated movie presented by Disney. They keep their reputation for having very beautifully animated films. This is a sweet Christmas story about the belief of Santa.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas
This is the movie for any Christmas loving child at heart. It shows the values of the holidays, from friendship to family.
6. Santa Claus
The chance for a man to become Santa alongside his son, set off on a magical journey, encountering many obstacles in their hometown and at the North Pole.
5. A Christmas Story
Considered to be a classic by many, this is a story that tells of a child and his adventures during Christmas time. This is a must see for any family.
4. Santa Claus III
This is a family movie with some mild action; Santa Claus and Jack Frost go on the adventure of trying to win over the Scott Calvin’s place as Santa. Through a whimsical journey, they finally reach the true meaning of love and the warmth of Christmas.
3. Elf
This is a comedy about a very large elf. There are many laughs to be had in this film and any family should watch it for a good time.
2. Home Alone
A boy is forgotten at home on the day of their flight for a warm Christmas vacation. Any child would have wanted to be the boy, due to his whimsical and unplanned actions as to the “evil” men that try to take him away.
1. Frozen
This shows the true love of being sisters when one of them has to face a death. They both endure an incredible, magical journey when facing their biggest fears in life. This is a must watch for the holiday season of 2013.
Holiday Traditions
By Eman Elkhader, Marilla Flores, Gabriella Gaibort
The Holidays are coming and many people already know what they are going to be doing. Holiday traditions are just another big thing people look forward to during December.
In Kempner high school, the students are involved in many unique and different traditions during the holidays each year including, secret Santa, candle lighting, and gift hunts.
According to the survey, people enjoy doing secret Santa with their friends and family.
Other students participate in lighting of candles. They light up candles and say prayers to lighten up themselves. They want a new beginning and with the candles and prayers, they believe it will lift all the bad off themselves.
Lots of families enjoy the bonding time, so they make cookies together. Cookies are everywhere during this time of year, gingerbread and sugar cookies especially. Some still enjoy making gingerbread houses; they’re caring on the tradition from times as a child. A little help from grandma or you can try it on your own and you’re set! Some families even have decorating cookie contests.
A tradition for the Hispanics in Kempner is Kings Day. Kings Day is where they celebrate the three kings that came to Jesus’ birth. It’s celebrated on Jan. 6 and the children who celebrate it give a shoe and three presents for the three kings.
Now for the teens who feel like they are too old to be hanging with their family, and who just want to have fun there are other plans. They like to hang with friends and count down to the new year without parents. Teens just want to live their life and have fun, and when it comes to the holidays they don’t miss out on the parties.
The rare cold winter that Houston gets during the holidays doesn’t prevent those who are obsessed with sports. Grace Bodas and Sam Griffin play football with their families during the holidays and come in for some hot coco later on.
Asma Maredia and her family like to paint a piñata every day for a week until Christmas. Each day a different child paints it. The painter of the piñata hangs it up and all the family members fill them up with money. On Christmas Eve, they open the piñatas and collect their money.
Last but defiantly not the least common, we have the hanging and decorating of the tree. Most families like to keep it simple and they feel that a family can bond greatly through just a tree. People design their tree with things of their interests. Families decorate the tree and like always they open their presents on Christmas and feel like that’s enough.
Some families are thrilled about all the traditions and games, while others like it nice and simple. But no matter what it is, the kids at Kempner enjoy their traditions, whether it’s decorating a tree or painting piñatas.
AMERICA’S FASCINATION WITH HOLIDAY SONGS
By Favour Adetona
You hear them on the radio, you hear them in commercials, you hear them inside department stores and on your favorite holiday CDs. Christmas songs have played a huge part in our culture during the holidays since the age of time. Churches sing them in their candlelight services and carolers go around neighborhoods singing Christmas songs. It’s obvious the huge impact Christmas songs play in our culture, especially around the holidays.
When interviewing fifteen students in Kempner High School about their favorite Christmas songs were, the answers ranged from the Christmas classic Jingle Bells to carols such as O Holy Night and even a Danish Christmas song called Jul Det’Cool. The most common answer was Jingle Bells, a song which conveys the merriment of Christmas. The song, like many other Christmas songs was sang for centuries until it was so well accepted that it was sung on Christmas day as well. Other songs, such as All I Want for Christmas is You are much newer and are made popular by famous artists such as Mariah Carey and Michael Buble.
Why do people love Christmas songs so much? Maybe it is the silly, fun lyrics in the songs or the beautiful melodies that draw people in. Maybe it is the catchy tunes and the memories of Santa and reindeer that the songs provoke. All in all, Christmas songs play an important role during the holidays. They help produce that cheery spirit that we all experience during the holidays. Christmas songs become old in the hearts of many, whether young or old.
KHS’ Top Holiday Songs
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Jingle Bells
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Jingle Bell Rock
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All I want for Christmas is You
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Silent Night
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O’come, O, come, Emmanuel
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Joy to the World
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Deck the Halls
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Rockin around the Christmas Tree
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We Wish You a Merry Christmas
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Santa Baby
Christmas Gift Ideas
By Ann Johnson
It's that time of year again! Time for family, friends and of course…presents, perhaps the most stressful and rewarding part of the holidays. Here are some tips to help your holiday gift-giving just a little easier.
When shopping for your loved ones, first think of present ideas. Think of things that they are interested in or something that they will use every day. But, be creative! Think of way to make the gift original, or add your own little touch. Try to make a list before you head to the mall and don't get distracted! Look online or ask people for gift ideas.
One of my favorite gift ideas is a goodie bag filled with some of my favorite things. Small, simple and inexpensive, goodies bag are definitely the way to go. For girls, fill it to the top with little bottles of her favorite lotion, perfume, or body spray. You can also put in some cute jewelry, maybe a ring or earrings. But, whatever you do, don't forget the chocolate! For guys, start with a bottle of favorite cologne, or spray. Next, add in little trinkets relating to his interests, either it be sports or cars. If you want to go the extra mile, make him a mix CD with some of his favorite songs or singers. And of course, boys like candy too! But remember to put a nice bow on your goodie bag before you give it away.
For the tech lovers on your list, there are plenty of ideas out there. The iPad Air and Kindle Air are among the best tablets out there this holiday season. For your gamers, the Xbox One and Playstation 4, are definitely the way to go. On a budget? Get your loved one a set of quirky headphones or ear buds. Or, better yet, get them a mobile app!
If all else fails this holiday season, don't panic. Run by your local drugstore and grab gift cards or some chocolates. Here's hoping that this Christmas is less stressful than the last!