Winter break is supposed to be a time to relax, spend time with family and recharge before going back to school. With final exams just around the corner, it’s anything but relaxing. Students are stuck worrying about studying, projects and exams. A time of enjoyment and unwinding turns into a time of stress and worrying.
Ending the semester before going into break would allow for stress-free and enjoyable time off of school.
Ending the semester before winter break gives students the opportunity for a true fresh start. It’s hard to come back after the New Year and embrace the mindset of “new year, new me” when you’re still stuck in the same classes, finishing the same projects, and stressing over finals from the previous semester.
Senior Aya Aani said, “The couple weeks after break feel like leftovers.”
Those lingering weeks from the previous semester drag down the excitement of starting fresh and instead feel like an exhausting continuation of old stress.
By ending the semester before winter break, students would return in January with a clean slate—new classes, new goals, and a mindset that matches the energy of the new year.
Some might argue that winter break gives those students who are falling behind time to catch up and get their grades up. They also might argue that if final exams are before winter break, it gives less time for students to learn. While these are valid points, the benefits outweigh the challenges. With proper planning, schools could adjust their calendars to ensure students are prepared.
Let’s make winter break what it should be— a true break. It’s time to move finals to December and give students the chance to start the new year fresh.
