Preparing for the holiday season, Mr. Peden decorates his French tree for his classroom. Although he is not traveling this Christmas, he looks forward to celebrating at home with family. Photo By: Brandon Heims

By: Brandon Heims

The holidays are still ahead and PHS is preparing for their break from school. Students and staff will either stay home and relax or travel and celebrate with Christmas joy.

Jingle bells and decking the halls, Plymouth is being decorated and planes are taking off in  which passengers will be going to far places or starting their engines to only travel a few miles to family. French teacher, Mr. Monty Peden is staying home as his family comes to his house and stays for a few days. He sets out nativity statues from France and nutcrackers from Germany. On his tree hangs ornaments from different countries and on Christmas Eve, oyster soup is served. “Going caroling with church choir and playing Santa in the Argos community” is what Mr. Peden is looking forward to doing over Christmas break.

Unlike Mr. Peden, Sociology and History teacher Mrs. Allison Hargrove is going a little distance to her parent’s home, where the rest of her siblings and their families stay as well. “Each year we all sleep at my parent’s house with all the grand kids on Christmas eve. We wake up and unwrap our presents.” Mrs. Hargrove said. “It is a tradition that is very special to us.” While visiting family, she helps her mom cook a huge meal. “We normally cook for two or three days. It is awesome.” She said. “I would never want to spend Christmas at another location. My family is the most important thing in the world to me. Christmas is our favorite day of the year. We make sure to make it last, including opening one present at a time.” It is noticed that Mrs. Hargrove would not wish for anything more or anything less when it comes to Christmas. She is happy with how things are as long as she is with family. “If I didn’t have these traditions, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas.”

Sophomore Morgan Hite is having a couple people come to her home, which is usually what happens every year. She starts the holiday off early as well, even on Christmas day. “We all wake up really early, about 3 or 5 a.m and open gifts and watch Christmas movies.” Like Mrs. Hargrove and Mr. Peden, Hite has preparations of her own for the holiday. “Clean a lot, and put up more decorations. I also go on a baking spree and bake for two days.” She said. Like most people, Hite looks forward to something special this holiday. “I will be over at my boyfriend’s house, opening gifts with his family for the first time.” Hite seems to have a busy and exciting holiday ahead for her.

Like Hite, sophomore Cody Poczik is as well looking forward to spending time with his girlfriend. He mentions that family is coming to his house, which is usual for him. “I wake up and wait for everyone to come over, then we eat a huge breakfast.” Poczik said when asked what his traditions are. Along with his girlfriend, Poczik also looks forward to seeing his great grandma and the rest of his family that is coming this holiday.

Traveling or staying home in pajama pants, this holiday season will be something to look forward to, for all PHS students and staff.