As we draw closer to the holidays, Corvallis students are putting down their pencils, closing their textbooks, and gearing up for two whole weeks of winter break!  This time of year is a season of celebration for many people, evoking memories and nostalgia for years gone by: the ground crackles with frost in the morning while the indoors heat up with the scent of baked goods and a fire in the woodstove.  City sidewalks and streets become hectic with shoppers and sightseers; country roads and hillsides begin to fill with skiers, snowboarders, and hikers, all looking to enjoy Oregon’s dazzling snowy wonderland.  With so much to do this winter – or in some cases, (blissfully) so little – students of CV and CHS were excited to share their plans for the coming vacation.

What are you most excited about doing this winter?

• I am most excited to sled and go to the mountains for a long weekend.
• I’m looking forward to giving gifts and watching movies.
• Snowboarding.
• I’m excited to hang out with my friends and family.

What holiday plans do you have?

• I don’t have a lot of set plans, but I’m going to a family friend’s house and will be watching lots of Christmas movies.
• I’m going down to California to visit my cousins and see a show.
• My family is going to Hawaii.
• I don’t have much in the way of holiday plans besides spending time with friends.

What is your favorite festive food?

• Christmas cookies.
• Homemade pumpkin bread or pumpkin pie.
• Eggnog.
• I’m not really a fan of festive food, but hot chocolate is probably my favorite.

What are your favorite outdoor winter activities?

• Sledding and snowball fights.
• I like downhill and cross country skiing at Willamette Pass.
• I enjoy snowboarding and winter hikes.
• I really enjoy taking walks in the cold and going to coffee shops.

What is one thing you’re looking forward to or hoping for in the New Year?

• I’m hoping for there to be more snow than there was last year.
• I am looking forward to a trip my family is taking in the New Year.
• I’m hoping that my classes don’t get harder and that I do well on AP exams.
• I’m looking forward to potential snow days!