2 Kids rev up for a ‘Cars’ Christmas
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The Pixar film inspires this year’s Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton holiday event on Dec. 17. ANDREA CLEMETT Staff Writer
The Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton will host their 44th annual Holidays on the Highway holiday event where families can receive complimentary crafts, treats and toys in a socially-distanced drive-thru setting on Dec. 17. Alexa Schreiber, Boys & Girls Club membership director, said the event aims to give back to the community during the holiday season. The club, along with four of their sponsors, will be giving out goodies in a boothto-booth style event from the comfort of their vehicles. “A few of our locations are in low-income areas and so because of that, we really try to just give back and help as much as we can,” Schreiber said. “We know that some families struggle with Christmas presents for their kids.” After the success of last year’s event, the organization plans to mirror the drive-thru style event to ensure proper social distancing while getting people to enjoy gift giving. Families can sign up for the festivities on Eventbrite and will be allocated one time slot per family. Parents will be prompted to answer a few questions asking for the number of children in attendance and their ages when they register online. Children must be present in order to be given gifts. Sofia Pineda, area director of the Boys & Girls Club, said the 15-minute festive experience allows parents to share memorable moments with their kids and have fun. While some attendees may
not be familiar with the organization or hesitant to participate due to some fee-based programs, they hope to engage with families to let them know they are a resource as an organization, Pineda said. The Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit organization focused on programs for kids and teens in safe and fun after-school clubs. The organization has four locations in Fullerton, including the Richman Teen Center. The Boys & Girls Club offers transportation which is not a common amenity at all locations, Shreiber said. As many parents work, it can be difficult to pick up their kids from school, so the club intends to
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spread the word with promotional materials about their transportation programs at the event, Shreiber added. With a goal to connect with 1,000 kids, the club anticipates expanding their registration this year to about 600 cars with children ranging from toddlers to 17-year-olds. Last year they reached their maximum limit of roughly 420 cars with an average of two to three children per vehicle, Schreiber said. “We really focus on the teens with toys, or even just gift cards and stuff like that, because we know that a lot of the time teens are under-represented,” Shreiber said. “This year specifically, we actually have a good supply when it
comes to teen stuff.” This year’s toy drive theme “Holidays on the Highway” is based on the Pixar film “Cars” and event organizers are going all out this year, and there will be numerous references to the film throughout the experience, Pineda said. Beyond giving an outlet to the community, the organization has evolved throughout this holiday event. Shreiber said this year the organization has collaborated with their partners in order to grow their relationships. Since those working partnerships have been cultivated, they have found that both can give back in larger ways. “I feel like this year, more so than last year, we’re
meeting with our partners and we’re putting our heads together to find ways to work on something together,” Shreiber said. Cricket Wireless, a partner at the event, will provide Play-Doh for the children while bringing their own resources for low income families. They hope to connect to community members in letting them know about another business that can assist them with their needs, Pineda said. The Titan community can get involved by leaving toy donations at a donation box at the entrance of the Fullerton Community Center, neighboring the Boys and Girls Club.
Toys were handed out via drive-thru at last year’s Boys and Girls Club holiday event in Decemwber 2020. (The Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton)
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Mathematics department to receive 2022 award The American Mathematical Society praised CSUF’s work with underrepresented groups. ALONRA TORRES Staff Writer
Cal State Fullerton’s Department of Mathematics will receive a prestigious award from the American Mathematical Society for its history of mentoring and graduating students from underrepresented groups. The 2022 Award for Mathematics Programs That Make A Difference is given in recognition of outstanding programs that have successfully addressed the issues of underrepresented groups in mathematics, according to the American Mathematical Society website. The award ceremony will be held in Seattle, Washington on Jan. 5, where CSUF will receive the award along with a cash prize of $1,000. CSUF mathematics professor Bogdan Suceavă will attend to accept the award on the university’s behalf. Rana Masrourrod, a mathematics major at CSUF, said that the CSUF math department has really mentored her and that professors truly care about helping students. She said that this achievement is very rewarding and that the hard work that students and professors have put in is paying off and being recognized with this award. “It just motivates me to continue learning and continue working alongside professors and kinda develop my future skills as a teacher,” Masrourrod said. She added that the mathematics program at CSUF feels like a community where she’s able to build friendships and
(Left to right) Bogdan Suceavă, math professor, Tommy Murphy, associate math professor, Jasmine Camero and Roberto Hernandez, Cal State Fullerton seniors attend a lecture. (Department of Mathematics)
connections. In a press release for the American Mathematical Society, Claudia Gutierrez, a CSUF alumna now teaching mathematics at Moorpark College, praised university programs like the SMART Girls Club, Math Club, Math Tutoring Center and Supplemental Instruction. “All went above and beyond to support me as a student of mathematics, as a teacher of mathematics, and as a woman in mathematics. The CSU Fullerton math program truly makes a difference, and I am honored to be an example of such difference,” Gutierrez said.
Suceavă said that it was the greatest joy he has ever had to receive the news of the award. “It’s a group of faculty who are converting their research agenda into something that serves our community when you are inviting your students to become co-authors,” Suceavă said. He said that he believes the talent of mathematics is distributed equally across the world in every possible group and that it is important to address the needs of underrepresented groups. Suceava has personally won two awards in the field of mathematics, the 2020
George Pólya Award, for an article published in the College Mathematics Journal, and the medal of honor of societal of mathematical sciences in Romania. “I think this is setting a very interesting and inspiring precedent because it shows them that our program is for them and it is open and all they have to do is be very stubborn and fight to succeed. That is if you have to solve 20 problems for your work do it, it’s for a good reason. This is a very solid program that actually turns you all of you into scholars into professionals of the major of your choice,” Suceavă said.
CSUF alumna Lindsay Lewis, currently teaching mathematics at Golden West College, said in the same press release that the opportunities at CSUF changed her life. “Without the talented faculty and variety of programs accessible in the CSUF Mathematics Department, I truly do not know where I would be today”. The 2022 American Mathematics Society Certificate will be displayed prominently in a place on campus where the incoming freshmen who come to CSUF orientation are able to see it for motivation and inspiration.
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Upcoming events for the week of Dec. 13 KASSANDRA VASQUEZ Asst. Editor
Looking for a fun way to enjoy finals week? Here are a few fun events happening in and around Orange County to destress after a long day. Enjoy a study session at George G. Golleher Alumni House, stop by the Santa Ana Winter Village for some holiday fun or even drive through Christmas lights that offer a performative experience.
Study Jam
Come to the George G. Golleher Alumni House from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15 to join the study jam. Enjoy the open space to study, along with outdoor games and free food. Stop by the event from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and finish those last minute assignments or prepare for finals.
Santa Ana Winter Village
The city of Santa Ana will host its first annual winter village in the heart of downtown Santa Ana. In a family-friendly environment local residents and visitors alike can enjoy an ice-skating rink, a trackless train and live entertainment. Every week features unique activities. This week features the following: a native harvest market on Dec. 14 and Dec. 16, a nutcracker craft on Dec. 15 and Friday night munchies on Dec. 17 and 18. The winter village will be open for festivities and fun until Jan. 2.
Night of Lights OC
Head to the OC Fair grounds to enjoy a one-mile drive through over one million lights. Also, enjoy holiday snacks or food from the various food trucks on-site. The light display includes live performances along the way.
Every Wednesday features a discount night for a different group of community heroes: teachers, military personnel, nurses, doctors, hospital workers, firefighters and law enforcement. The public can purchase a ticket for a specific time slot and enjoy this event until Jan. 2.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
Immerse yourself in a classical holiday performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet before the end of the year. The American Ballet Theatre, from New York City, just started their run of “The Nutcracker” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Join the performers in an enticing story filled with wonderment and adventure. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score and Alexei Ratmansky’s choreography work in tandem to transport the audience through colorful scenes with dancing snowflakes, mice and, of course, Clara. The last chance to catch the world renowned ballet company is this weekend, as they close the show on Dec. 19.
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Take a day trip to Laguna Beach to enjoy a Winter Fantasy weekend at Sawdust Art and Craft Festival. Shop local artisans, artists and business owners while enjoying live music. You can participate in festive activities while taking in the thousands of lights and holiday decorations. There will be community performances, holiday classes and visits from Santa Claus. The last weekend of this winter wonderland will be Dec. 18 and 19, so do not miss out!
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Deck the halls with these Trader Joe’s holiday treats Here are the eight best seasonal snacks for any Christmas celebration. MARIA MARQUEZ Staff Writer
Just when you thought you tried everything Trader Joe’s has to offer, their holiday snacks and treats arrive just in time for the winter celebrations. Trader Joe’s has become one of the top grocery store chains — and remains popular — due to it’s inexpensive products and unique store signs. Their frozen foods and prepackaged items are must-haves for college students. For the holidays they bring out their best renditions of holiday goodies like peppermint, shortbread and lots of chocolate. Like many holiday treats they are only available during the fall/winter season and when the time comes, some items are in high demand. Here is a list of Trader Joe’s holiday snacks and treats worth the hype this year.
brighten them up. This is truly a sweet treat to snack on this holiday season.
Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds - $3.99
This sweet and salty treat is made for almond lovers. The almonds are first dipped in a layer of dark chocolate and then again in peppermint-flavored white chocolate and topped with candy cane bits. Those craving a crunchy yet sweet snack have these to fall for as they are the perfect bites to munch on throughout the day. The eight ounce tub is available in the candy aisle.
Eggnog - $2.99
What better way to wash down all the delicious food than with a traditional holiday drink like eggnog. With three options to choose from: light eggnog, eggnog, and their new one joining the lineup, Trader
Joe’s O’ Nog, a non dairy option made of oat milk. All options are gluten free. The O’Nog is a perfect way to introduce someone to traditional eggnog in a light, smooth way.
Peppermint Brownies - $3.99
Brownie lovers will want to snag a couple of these peppermint brownies. The chewy and thick fudge brownie has a seasonal kick of white chocolate chips and a white ganache drizzle and peppermint. This sweet treat is perfect warmed up.
Hot Cocoa Ornaments - $6.99
If you can get your hands on these popular edible ornaments then you are in for a real treat. The ornament shaped hot cocoa bombs go right in a steaming cup of your choice of milk or dairy alternative where the chocolate shell
melts and unveils cocoa powder and marshmallow. This fun festive twist is glittery and colorful and well worth the hype.
Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars - $3.49
These dark chocolate covered shortbread cookies will have you eat ing them straight from the box. The cookies are a perfect snack on-the-go, or paired with your lunch or midnight snack. A dark chocolate covered shortbread is decorated with a sprinkle-like topping. The mini stars are small but mighty and infused with peppermint to give it that chocolate mint combination. Both are worth a snag to enjoy during the season.
Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint JoeJoe’s - $4.29
A Trader Joe’s classic with
its seasonal twist, these JoeJoe’s are dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkled with peppermint chunks. It’s a crunchy treat that pairs with your favorite dairy or non-dairy option. This delightful treat is perfect to leave out for Santa Claus. Some snack honorable mentions include the White Truffle Popcorn, Candy Cane Joe Joe’s Ice Cream, Sparkling Pomegranate Punch Beverage and the Wintry Blend Ground Coffee; they are definitely worth a try on your next Trader Joe’s run. Trader Joe’s loves its dark chocolate and peppermint flavors but be sure to snag these treats before they are gone. All these options are worth the penny and are perfect for snacking at home, platting to bring to a party or sharing with friends.
Candy Cane Joe Joe’s Dark Chocolate Bar - $1.99
A peppermint twist on the dark chocolate bar, this is a perfect sweet snack after a meal or for that sweet tooth craving. This treat is a combination that isn’t as strong as a mint chocolate bar but it’s just a perfect mix of holiday flavors.
Decked Out Tree Cookies - $2.99
These cookies are perfect to put out for Santa, bring to your holiday parties or put out as a table centerpiece. The tree shaped cookies are frosted with a milk chocolate creme with a white icing and some red and green sprinkles that
From Peppermint Joe-Joes to dark chocolate stars, grab this season’s tastiest treats from Trader Joe’s. (Maria Marquez/ Daily Titan)
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Five events to attend this Christmas in Orange County capacity to allow room for social distancing. Roame said she believes that the Newport Beach parade is a success due to the local community rallying behind the event. “It’s just a really fun thing to see so much of the community gathering together to have such a magical holiday experience,” Roame said. The boat parade will be available from Wednesday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 19.
ADRIANA LOPEZ Staff Writer
After a year of event cancellations, this holiday season will see the triumphant return of many Orange County events. With organizers dedicating themselves to bringing merriment back to the community, here are five events sure to make anyone feel holly and jolly this winter.
“A Christmas Carol” at the South Coast Repertory Located in Costa Mesa, South Coast Repertory will be presenting a play based on Charles Dickens’ timeless classic “A Christmas Carol,” the tale of a man named Ebenezer Scrooge who has a life-altering encounter with ghosts the night before Christmas. South Coast Repertory has been performing the play since 1980, only canceling last years’ performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The theatre will be implementing strict COVID-19 regulations, mandating that all attendees show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results taken within three days prior to theatre entry. All guests are also required to wear face masks. The event is open to anyone over the age of five, with tickets ranging from $26-$98. Brian Robin, the director of media and public relations for South Coast Repertory, believes that the timeless story of “A Christmas Carol” is a comforting, familiar story. “You’re seeing a story that’s timeless and that really shows the holiday spirit, and how people can change in good ways, and we really need that today,” Robin said. “A Christmas Carol” will
Holiday Festival at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center
VIVAN HAN / DAILY TITAN
be showing at the Segerstrom Stage at the South Coast Repertory from Nov. 27 through Dec. 26.
Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights will take place for its 113th year, which was canceled last year due to COVID-19 concerns. Attendees are welcomed to view the boats for free along the beach shore, but tickets are
also available to ride along in one of the decorated boats for $20. The boat ride is a 75-minute trip, and takes guests along the shore to view the multi-million dollar homes that are extravagantly decorated with lights. Jessica Roame, the education programs manager with Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker Whale Watching, said that guests will be asked to wear masks when boarding and deboarding the boats and while in the cabin. She also said that boats will operate at about 70%
Located in Fullerton, The Muckenthaler Cultural Center will be hosting an outdoor festival on their over 8.5-acre property. There will be live music, free art workshops, and arts and crafts sales. Ana Cottle, the communications director for the center, also said that children will have a modified visit with Santa Claus as a COVID-19 precaution. “Rather than having children sit on his lap, he’ll be handing out a small gift for each kid,” Cottle said. The event will be held at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center on Sunday, Dec. 19.
Casa Lumina Holiday Walk at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens Located in San Clemente, the historic Casa Romantica seaside home will be turned into a winter wonderland. There will be live entertainment from local artists, hot cocoa, cookies and wine for sale. Select days will have special themes, like winter themed
crafts to celebrate the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21. Hospitality staff will be wearing masks and gloves as a COVID-19 precaution. Ticket prices range from $8 to $12. Dominique Dinh, the marketing and PR coordinator at the cultural center, said that the location of Casa Romantica offers a unique view. “It’s on the bluff above the San Clemente pier, so you get a beautiful view of the ocean,” Dinh said. The festive events started Dec. 1 and will run through Dec. 22.
“The Nutcracker” at the Golden West College Theater Located in Huntington Beach, Golden West College will be hosting the ballet act, put on for the 45th year by the Ballet Repertory Theatre. Audiences will watch Clara, a young girl who is taken to a magical world, navigate lands that consist of life size dolls, colossal mice and waltzing flowers. Guests must wear face masks while in the theater, and tickets cost $25. Martie Engle, the chair of performing arts at Golden West College, said that the performance is a wonderful family-friendly event, especially great for children. “It offers an opportunity for children especially to get their first taste of a full length ballet, and they’ll see kids their own age up on stage so it’s really very exciting for them,” Engle said. “It’s very colorful. It’s live entertainment and live entertainment is so important for children especially who don’t see things live anymore.” The ballet performance will be running from Dec. 11 through Dec. 24.
8 Get creative this season with sentimental gifts
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These three artistic presents will bring joy to anyone on your gift list. ANDREA CLEMETT Staff Writer
Ever find that during the holiday season many of us wind up exchanging gift cards for more gift cards? Other times, it may be challenging to shop for loved ones when the gifter is looking to give something meaningful. Nothing is more sentimental than creating a gift with a little thought and charm. Get creative with a few do-it-yourself gift ideas that will capture a loved one’s personality.
Channel your inner Picasso If looking to get artistic at the end of the fall semester, grab your painting supplies. Translate a loved one’s special dog, sports team or hobby into a painting that they can hang in their office or at home. Michael’s has a large selection of canvases that are suitable for acrylic paints, which are very user-friendly, and oil paints for the more advanced artists. For entry-level creatives, students can choose the 4 x 4” canvas for a decorative size. The craft shop also carries introductory paint kits for $30. Begin by sketching out the design, such as a dog’s face. Include shading to add depth and detail. Once the draft is complete, paint directly over the sketch with the appropriate color scheme. If painting on a smaller canvas appears cumbersome, students can use paint pens instead. Curate a photo album It is common to have ample photos on your camera roll
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREA CLEMETT
that exceed your storage space. Make the lasting memories on your phone come to life in a customized photo album for a friend, family member or partner. Be creative and decide on a theme for the photo album. The possibilities are endless, with choices varying from comical, sentimental, travel-inspired or to simply recap the year. The amount of photos required will depend on the size of the photo album. Etsy has decorative albums that have a handmade and personal touch depending on the style preference. Students can choose from various options such as ‘90s-inspired clear, binder-like
albums or hardcover albums that resemble classic novels. For high-quality prints to fill the pages of the album, students can download the CVS photo printing app for Android and iPhone devices. You can choose the store location, photo sizes and quantities. F or the procrastinators who wait until Christmas Eve to buy gifts, you can rest assured that CVS has a one-hour processing time from the app. Mix up the photo album idea with a curated coffee table book from Chatbooks. Create a photobook worthy of accenting an Urban Outfitters staged room. Designs can be customized every step of the way with
custom colors, layouts, covers and captions. You can also bind your favorite photos of family or friends from Instagram or Facebook in books of assorted sizes. Personalize custom scents Ever notice the little details we know about our friends and family, such as their astrology sign, favorite sport, color, food and even preferred scents? Students can show loved ones how they pay attention to the specifics of their personality when customizing a signature scent as a gift. With retailers like Jo Malone, buyers can design
their final product by combining two scents to capture the essence of the recipient. During the first selection of scents, buyers can choose between automatics that consist of citrus, floral, spicy, fruity or woodsy. From there, buyers will be able to decide if they want to lighten or deepen their scent pairing. If buyers are struggling to pick just one scent, they can purchase a set of five mini bottles from the trending brand Le Labo. These elegant bottles all differ in scents depending on your mood. The sets come with customized labels to leave a special message for loved ones.
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Theatre and Dance Department prepares for spring productions following casting audition cutoff MARIA MARQUEZ Staff Writer
As the fall semester ends, the Cal State Fullerton Department of Theatre and Dance wil prepare for the spring by wrapping up musical auditions for the spring productions and the 12x16 dance production. The spring calendar is packed with dance, theater and musical guest artist performances. The department has finished up their auditions for its 12x16 dance production that will take place the first weekend in March at the Grand Central Arts in Santa Ana and auditions for the Spring Dance Theatre will take place the first week of classes. Josh Grisetti, an assistant professor and co-head of musical theatre, said that musical auditions are finished for the spring, but plays will be auditioning in January or February. “In March, we will be producing “Cabaret” in the Little Theatre, and a workshop of a world premier musical called “The Family Man,” based on the movie, in the Arena,” Grisetti said. This semester, students were able to experience musicals in person following the university’s mask mandate for indoor spaces, some were also live streamed. Joshua David Estrada-Romero, an adjunct faculty member, will be coordinating the Spring Dance Concert. Estrada-Romero, who took on a coordinating role last spring, said that last year’s protocols called for no
(Joshua Estrada-Romero / CSUF Department of Theatre and Dance)
audience members and performers had to record their pieces and broadcast it. Estrada-Romero said that the last spring concert was only solos and duets, but this year may allow for more dancers to participate depending
on auditions and who is selected to do multiple pieces. “The first Thursday of every semester we audition dancers. We usually have four faculty/ guest choreographers and four student choreographers, we try to balance it out that
way,”Estrada-Romero said. The faculty pieces are in the concert right away while student choreographers will have to audition their pieces about four to five weeks after. Students must present about three minute of their
choreography for their auditions. As for faculty pieces, these are pieces that are choreographed by faculty members, but set the work on the student or students. Estrada-Romero will also be assisting in the 12x16 production which will be directed by Courtney Ozovek. “The space is literally 12x16, so it’s a pretty tiny intimate space. I believe that it is prepared to be in person,” Estrada-Romero said. “It’s usually solos and duets, maybe trios but again it’s a very small space so not much room for a really big cast.” Despite the size of the stage, Estrada-Romero describes the shows as very energetic and sprite. Debra Noble, vice chair of the department and dance coordinator, said that the cut-off date for accepting applications is 10 days prior to the audition or until the audition is full. “At the audition, faculty and student choreographers teach phrase work to the students. They then choose performers for their choreographic process. These rehearsals take place all semester where the pieces are created and polished,” Noble said. Noble also mentioned that aside from the 12x16 and the Spring Dance Theatre, there will be some guest dance artists scheduled for next semester like Angelica Burgos, Erica De La O, Stephanie Liapis, Fran Kirmser and Clarence Brooks but dates are to be determined. The Spring Dance Theatre Production is scheduled to run for two weekends in May.
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Elf on the Shelf tradition encourages lazy parenting Tricking children with surveillant toys creates distrust. JAMES JOSLYN Staff Writer
Santa’s little helper, the Elf on the Shelf is counterintuitive to the Christmas spirit. Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition in which parents sneakily place a toy elf in different spots throughout the house. Essentially, the elf is utilized as a scare tactic to coerce children to behave appropriately. Parents usually tell their children that the elf watches their every move and eventually reports back to Santa whether the children have been naughty or nice. The children cannot touch the elf, or else its magic will disappear. The
underlying goal is that by being knowingly scrutinized by a toy elf, kids will purposefully behave better to obtain Christmas gifts. This Christmas tradition is not as cute and playful as it may seem on the surface. A mini spy dangling off of a child’s bookshelf that promises gifts for good boys and girls is not only bizarre, but reinforces the reliance on prizes in exchange for excellent behavior. The Elf on the Shelf emphasizes surveillance over kids, instead of injecting feelings of love and togetherness. Not only should the whimsically packaged toy be sealed shut, but parents must implement practical parenting methods that could positively contribute to their child’s development. In an interview with
Psychology Today, David Kyle Johnson, a professor of philosophy, said the expectation to stop bad behavior while hanging rewards in front of children’s faces is a harmful practice. “It’s just lazy parenting — the easiest, but worst, way to get your children to behave,” Johnson said. “Children need to learn self-control and to do the right thing for its own sake, but a child who behaves because the Elf on the Shelf is watching and will tell Santa — that child is learning the exact opposite: that how they behave should be dictated by the rewards they receive.” The deceitful message that the Elf on the Shelf sends to kids is that if they display angelic behavior, they will be rewarded with gifts. This is not an effective way to teach
GRISELDA RUIZ / DAILY TITAN
acceptable behavior. Children should be taught to internalize integrity and act accordingly even when no one is watching. Eventually they would learn that the self-satisfaction felt from doing good is the reward, not material items. Although Elf on the Shelf may be worthwhile in tricking children to be good, it is for the wrong reasons. While incentives can sometimes be a useful tool to keep kids’ behavior in line with the elf’s watchful eye, it is only a temporary solution. The child may be well-behaved for one month to strategically attain their reward, but when Christmas ends they will regress to old behaviors because they know there is no reward on the line. Sooner rather than later, parents will have their hands tied trying to get their children to properly behave for the rest of the year because disciplining their kids with a mythological character extends the assumption that when being observed, good behavior leads to immediate gratification. Although Elf on the Shelf is meant to be a light-hearted joke, it can unintentionally be stressful for some children. After all, having a spy in the house who stares while some are sleeping can cause uneasiness. Overanalyzing every move and mistake that is being monitored and reported can heighten childrens’ anxieties. No matter what, a child should feel secure and comfortable in their home, not paranoid. Elf on the Shelf is not an ideal method to discipline children. It is just a flat out lie. Johnson said lies like this threaten parental trustworthiness. “Your children rely on you to give them accurate information about the way the world
is, and you should want them to trust and believe what you say,” Johnson said. “But finding out that you have been lying to them — and even been playing an elaborate joke on them — has the possibility of significantly eroding their ability to trust you.” Pranking children with a toy elf is irresponsible and childish. Instead, parents should establish healthy behavioral boundaries as their children age. One practical method parents can utilize is consistency. Structure would mold the social, cognitive and emotional aspects of their children. Consistency would not allow any behavioral rules to slide, including disobedience. Additionally, incorporating natural consequences into parenting underscores the fine line between what is morally wrong or correct. Clear communication between parent and child creates a mutual understanding about respect and trust, consequently forming a strong relationship. Overtime, children would become accustomed to routines and exhibit good behavior. The magic of the holidays comes from quality family time, not about influencing child behavior by giving gifts. Rather than tricking children into listening to a toy elf, parents should implement healthy disciplinary methods that would weave throughout everyday interactions even after the holidays. The Elf on the Shelf is solely an imaginative and erratic tradition that would keep children wondering if their name was scribbled under the “nice” list. Avoiding the silly little elf will drop the illusion of being good due to expectation, allowing growing children to focus on being good for goodness sake.
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Avoiding toxic relatives creates happy holidays Gatherings with problematic family worsens one’s well-being. SPENCER OTTE Asst. Writer
The holiday season doesn’t always live up to the Hallmark ideal of families with coordinated red and green sweaters who sit around sipping hot chocolate in front of a roaring fireplace. The expectation that holidays should be spent with family is reinforced everywhere this time of year, from cheery Christmas songs to family-oriented television commercials, but for those who constantly engage with abusive, estranged or otherwise toxic family members, the holidays and promise of family get-togethers can be anxiety-provoking. Last year, the pandemic and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations against family gatherings offered an easy excuse for avoiding familial obligations. However, a simple exit is not evident this year, as the Transportation Security Administration expects passenger volumes to be close to pre-pandemic numbers during the holiday season. If the thought of family dinners is enough to fill one with dread, this year may be the time to reevaluate the decision to plant oneself back home for the holidays. Fueling the trip out of guilt more than love is not worth the emotional and financial burden. As blasphemous as it may be, no one is under obligation to visit family for the holidays. Emotional health comes first and if your Christmas dinner is likely to escalate into another painful memory, consider staying in your personal safe haven. The decision to opt out of
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family gatherings during the holidays is bound to trigger some drama, but there is nothing wrong with setting firm boundaries and sticking to them. Preparing some stock responses to control conversations with more persistent relatives could be useful, but it is vital to remember that one’s own emotional well-being is sacred.
While family members may attempt to guilt-trip relatives or other members for formally uninviting themselves to the gathering, one’s happiness and security supersedes. Even if the decision to avoid family during the holidays is finalized in a matter of seconds, that doesn’t signify that the festive day should be spent alone. Reaching out to some supportive friends and planning a
Christmas get-together would likely amplify one’s energy. There is also a likelihood of being invited to someone else’s home for holiday festivities. Choosing to spend the season with one’s family of choice rather than family of origin is perfectly valid. Keep in mind that the entire family doesn’t have to be cut off if a few family members are creating tension. Be open
with trusted family members and vent out all of the bottled emotions. There is a chance that they might not be aware of the dysfunctional family dynamics and once they are caught up with the dilemma, they may offer genuine support. Being forced to visit family when it will inevitably lead to strife could do more harm than good for family relationships. Distance may be the best method for maintaining peace. Initiating a family Zoom party or scheduling a one-on-one phone call with family members that bring comfort would be practical in lieu of an in-person visit. Snapping the cord from family may not be an instinctive choice to settle on. Instead, it is important to set time limits for interaction. Communicating with family and asserting that you can only stay for a certain time or that you have to leave after dinner establishes healthy boundaries. When chatting with family members, it is best to stick to neutral topics of conversation and be deliberate about the level of emotional engagement that is willingly being invested. In the event that a brief amount of time proves to be too triggering, stepping out from the overpowering and draining atmosphere provides a breath of fresh air. The holidays are stressful enough as-is. No one should feel obligated to pressure themselves to absorb the negativity just for the sake of those who can’t respect boundaries. Although distancing yourself from family during the holidays can be a painful decision, you have every right to nurture your mental and emotional well-being.
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Holiday cravings hinder addiction recovery Commercialization of holidays and celebrations fuel addictive behaviors. DARIUS JOHARI Asst. Editor
The winter holiday may seem like a time for merry gatherings and gift-giving but the commercialized festivities make it difficult for some folks to function. Masked behind the jolly mall Santas and 24/7 loop of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” is a period of struggle for people with addictive traits. The holiday season can cause a lot of pressure, stress, anxiety and sadness for many and may be a cause for relapse for people with addictive personalities who are looking to stay sober. America’s mass-produced Christmas makes it especially difficult for people who struggle with compulsive shopping, substance abuse or other mental health problems. Adding to that, with the world trying to recoup and adjust to the coronavirus pandemic, the added pressures pose a potential for disaster and relapse in addictive behavior. While everyone else is caught up in the spirit of the season, folks with addictive personalities are neglected by mass society and need to find support through this difficult period. If you feel that you or a loved one might be struggling with compulsive shopping or spending, just know that you are not alone and there is help. Oniomania, also known as Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD), is a behavioral disorder characterized by an insatiable urge to buy things. Compulsive shopping can lead to issues of incurring debt and becoming dependent on spending as a coping
mechanism for issues like stress or depression. To add insult to injury, the holiday season encourages shopping and sales which make it difficult for compulsive buyers. Aside from fueling spending habits, the holiday season also makes it difficult for people who have a history of substance abuse. Temptations and triggers are around every corner with situations like boozy Christmas parties and dysfunctional family gatherings. It would be difficult as a society to make a revolutionary change in our celebration habits but we need to be more considerate of people with addictive traits and support them instead of tempting them. If you are someone who is struggling with addictive traits, it is important to know that you are not alone and there are resources to help you safely navigate the holidays without feeding into addiction. Sean Hogan is a tenured associate professor in the department of social work at Cal State Fullerton whose areas of expertise include welfare reform and social welfare policy analysis. Hogan also occasionally teaches the addictions course that trains Master of Social Work (MSW) clinicians how to provide substance abuse treatment. “The holidays are the worst period of time for people who are trying to stay clean and sober and it’s because of all the triggers that exist,” Hogan said. “There’s no bigger trigger than family when it comes to alcohol and drug use because most of your trauma, most of your maladaptive coping mechanisms were all developed during your formative years, while you were at home
with parents and siblings and other family members.” Hogan went on to say that, during the holidays, all the trauma and bad coping mechanisms resurface and the holidays create cravings for people who are addictive or dependent, eventually leading to relapse. Dealing with trauma and triggers during the holidays can be difficult if you aren’t already seeking help. One of the many ways to combat substance abuse is through therapy. Hogan said that the primary therapy to use is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps anticipate triggers and gives people a coping mechanism for dealing with those triggers. When the holidays come around, a person who struggles with substance abuse should consider their options when it comes to attending parties. Hogan advises people to avoid triggering events and ask themselves, “Do I really need to go?” Hogan said that if you do feel obligated to go to an event, it might be ideal to leave early before everybody gets drunk because the longer you stay, the worse it is going to get. “We’ll often advise people to take someone with you who’s also clean and sober. You guys can support each other and if you got to exit and you get out of there,” Hogan said. Another avenue of help for people with substance abuse is turning to a 12-Step Program. During the holidays, Hogan said that there are marathon meetings for 12-Step Programs, allowing anyone to show up at any time and drop in on a meeting. In that group setting, everyone is there for the same reason, sharing their stress and
anxiety brought on by the holidays. These meetings provide great support to recovering addicts because they can find comfort in the fact that they are not fighting addiction alone. If you are someone who struggles with compulsive buying disorder, there are a few ways you can keep from overspending like shopping early to avoid the holiday shopping chaos, leaving your credit cards at home and spending with cash or your debit card. Another way to keep from overspending is to review your
holiday gift list and weigh the necessity of purchased gifts. Instead of feeding into spending habits, it’s best to make a homemade gift or consider offering services like cooking or babysitting. If you are seeking help from outside sources for substance abuse, consider joining Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The Counseling and Psychological Services at the Student Wellness Center on campus is also another resource. The seemingly downcast holiday season can be combated with a heap of therapeutic resources.
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Children deserve to know the truth about Santa PAUL MAGDALENO Staff Writer
With Christmas quickly approaching, decorations are being put out, lights are being hung and people are starting to get in the Christmas spirit. Kids are busy writing their wish lists to Santa Claus, eager to send them off to the North Pole. Children will spend the entire month of December anticipating the arrival of Santa and the gifts he will deliver on Christmas Eve. Despite the long-followed tradition of leaving out a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa, parents should not guide their children down a road that ends in disappointment. Instead, parents should tell their kids that Santa doesn’t exist. Exposing the truth about Santa can be controversial, as it may be seen as killing kids’ spirits and imaginations. However, the way around this is to not lie in the first place. Christmas can be a time where families give gifts to one another and truly enjoy each other’s company. After all, Christmas is the season of giving, not receiving. Holding the possibility of being put on the naughty list over a child’s head is no way to encourage good behavior. Aside from bribing children with gifts, Santa Claus’ existence encourages materialism. Shiny cars, pretty dolls and game consoles wrapped up in tidy bows light up children’s eyes. Kids will spend more time worrying about what gifts they will excitedly unwrap on Christmas morning rather than spending precious time with family. Instead of glorifying a mythical figure, showing
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children that the gifts they receive are from their beloved family members creates meaningfulness. Not only will it make them appreciate their family, but it also instills important values about love and giving. Furthermore, the belief in Santa can stress out parents. Not only do they have to worry about Christmas shopping, but they also have to hide the gifts to keep the mystique of Santa alive. On Christmas Eve, they have to worry about sneaking
around the house with gifts while their kids sleep. Although there is a long-standing concern that a child can spoil the myth for others who do believe in Santa, the parents ultimately decide whether they will allow the truth to crush kids’ fantasies. Despite spilling the truth to kids, Santa’s image will never fade away. He is a classic merry character, and there will still be decorations of him all over the place.
People will continue to snap pictures with him at the mall and his jolly face will still be plastered on holiday goods. There are still countless movies and shows around Christmas time that showcase Santa, but parents shouldn’t have to avoid them. Kids can be entertained by them while admiring Santa’s uniqueness. The magic of Christmas is not gone without Santa - it is instilled in family love. Even if Santa Claus is pulled out of the equation, parents should still tell their kids to
make a list of all their desired gifts and wait until Christmas. The holiday season is a perfect time to strengthen bonds with family and friends, while cherishing every second with them. Exposing the fabled Santa can create a sense of relief for parents. They do not have to fret about slipping up, and instead, get to enjoy Christmas time with loved ones. Christmas should be a time of love, joy and spending time with family.
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