The arrival of 2021’s holiday season has been marked with fallen leaves, chilly days and cozy homes. 

New traditions were made, and immediate families were brought closer because of the extra time brought by COVID-19. 

However, last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became more common for people across the world to be separated from their families and be unable to partake in their usual holiday traditions. But despite the inability to share holiday memories like usual, many are finding it easier to stay thankful when keeping the little things in mind. 

Travel restrictions were lifted in the U.S. amid a lull in COVID cases in early November 2020, right before the holiday season. And now, again, people are finding they have more opportunities to meet with their extended families again. 

In many cultures major holidays take place in the winter, including Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa and Chinese New Year’s. 

In the new holiday spirit, the students and staff are thankful for many things.  

Math teacher at PHS, Craig Fredrickson, says he is grateful for his family.  

“[I’m thankful for] the support they give me, the interactions we have, [and] the love we share,” Fredrickson said.  

Students are also thankful for the special people in their lives. 

“[I’m] thankful for my friends and family,” said sophomore William Lowery. 

Sophomore, Elexus Sumner, says that she has a lot that she is thankful for and one of those things is food. 

“I’m thankful for my teachers…for working so hard to ensure that we have a pleasant learning experience. I’m also thankful for my friends and family because they push me to be better.” said Shantanu Adekar, a junior.