While the annual Christmas-related excitement among students grows in the month of December, the most prominent source of our anticipation stems from the promise of a well-earned, relaxing winter break. But with this year’s school schedule and Christmas Day falling on a weekend, our winter break no longer contains the full two weeks it has in previous years, and ceases to exist as a break—it has become a jam-packed eleven days of holiday stress, sports, and school work.

Students simply do not have enough time to relax and enjoy the season without the entire two week break, as it is filled with demanding practice schedules, part-time jobs, and family obligations. In past years, students could dedicate at least one week to their family and recreation, while still having another week at their disposal for school work, last-minute college applications, work, and athletics. This year’s break, providing only one full school week without classes, prohibits this kind of time delegation.

Christmas holds special meaning to many families, serving as a time for bonding and activities, and at a Catholic school especially, Christmas provides time to improve one’s religious life. This year’s shortened break draws the focus away from these important ideals because it diminishes the time we can commit to the actual holiday of Christmas and all it stands for. It seems wrong for a Catholic community to hinder its members’ ability to enjoy and benefit from one of the most holy days of the year.

Sports practices also aggravate the time issue, as a result of the shortened break. If the break allowed two full weeks, sports teams would have the opportunity to plan their Christmas practices for more convenient times. But, because of time constraint, necessary sports practices begin, for some teams, the day after Christmas.

Although no changes can be made to this year’s schedule, the administration should ensure next year’s students with a full two-week winter break. This will ultimately lead to less stress, more time to relax and enjoy the holiday, and a generally happier student body and faculty.