Winter Vacation is a favorite to students and staff alike all across the country, delivering a much-needed break in the middle of the school year.
This break is not only marked by the absence of school but also through the participation in whatever holiday festivities students celebrate over the break (and any social or familial get-togethers they have planned).
But all of this raises the question of, “Is a winter vacation necessary?” Rather, is a winter vacation overall beneficial or does it damage students’ educational development?
There have been arguments on both sides of this question, but overwhelmingly the opinions of students shift largely towards a favorable opinion of our winter vacations.
According to West Salem High School Student Tommy, winter breaks make school “more engaging for students” due to the decorations the school has around, and how it gives students a mental break from the stresses of school.
Student Aya backs this up by stating “I believe it makes it more interesting,” relaying how a school’s winter vacation benefits a student’s school life by breaking up routines.
Whether or not a winter vacation harms a student’s academic career, it is clear that it benefits the mental health of both students and staff giving them time to spend with family and friends without having to worry about the stresses of school.
Winter Vacation allows students and staff to take a figurative breather from deadlines and work which allows them to focus on future studies, college and work. Ultimately, the break allows them to focus on their future rather than projects from the past.
It has been argued and proven that winter vacation benefits students and staff alike with mental health and wellbeing through the relief of a stressful environment. A break from all of that stress is one we all can be thankful for.
