Williamsburg celebrates ‘Christmas in a Small Town’
The Williamsburg Independent School’s music department held its 27th Annual “Christmas in a Small Town” performance Sunday, Dec. 14 in the , where members of the elementary choir, middle school/high school choir, beginning band, middle school band and high school band filled the J.B. Mountjoy Gymnasium with sounds of the Christmas season. LEFT: Elementary Assistant Principal Dr. Steven Moses reads the classic Christmas story “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” surrounded by elementary students. ABOVE: The elementary choir sings “A Bit of Holiday Cheer.”
The history of Christmas:
How the cherished holiday began and how it evolved over the years
By Aksh Banker Senior
Christmas: it needs no introduction to anyone over the age of zero.
This special holiday has been one of the most significant days for thousands of years. And for millions of people, it is a time to come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But, how did this iconic holiday originate?
Christmas began to be celebrated during the third century in Europe after church officials appointed Dec. 25 as Jesus of Nazareth’s birthday, according to the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MAS). However, the actual birthdate of Jesus is unknown.
Just as we do today, the holiday was spent feasting and giving gifts, and people would decorate their homes with wreaths and other plant-related décor. Over time, other modern traditions, such as the use of mistletoe were adopted from the Vikings. The practice of trees being brought into the home was also adopted from the Saxons.
For a time, such pagan traditions and Christmas coexisted until eventually, they merged to become just Christmas. Over the centuries, the holiday would continue to change and evolve.
According to the MAS, Christmas during the colonial period in America was very different from what is celebrated now.
Some colonists, such as the Puritans, denounced Christmas altogether, claiming it was too pagan.
For others, Dec. 25 was still the first day of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Over those twelve days, there would be feasts, special mass/service at the church, visiting family and friends, and one or more parties, depending on where you lived and your social standing.
Usually, the last day of Christmas was seen as the prime merrymaking date. The focus of the holiday at the time was Jesus and parties. People did exchange gifts, but it was not considered crucial. In fact, most of what we would recognize as key points of Christmas were not around or were not practiced by a majority of Americans.
The only people who had Christmas trees were Germans, according to the MAS, and other groups viewed it as very odd. The same can be said for Christmas stockings and Santa Claus.
Christmas would remain largely unchanged until the Victorians came along.
The 19th century saw huge changes to Christmas.
Prior to the 19th century, the holiday, in large part, was mostly full of public or semi-public social activities. During this time, the holiday began to focus more inward to the individual family.
The parties stayed, but people began to associate Christmas with home and children.
A factor in this was the magic man himself: Santa Claus, who, before this period, had several incarnations.
Santa Claus, according to the MAS, had some popularity with the general population, but it was during the 19th century that it skyrocketed. Those incarnations of the magic man were grouped into one character by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822 when he wrote “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” which would later be renamed “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Santa Claus’ traits were established for American culture in Moore’s poem. Santa Claus was referred to as a “right jolly old elf,” and several of his most wellknown traits, such as being able to travel using a chimney, were established.
Germans had been using
Christmas trees for centuries by this point, but it had never caught on with the general populace. That is, until 1846, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who was German, were shown with a Christmas tree in a popular publication. This resulted in the upper and middle classes rushing to buy a Christmas tree to emulate the British royal family. Shortly thereafter, trees and ornaments became essential parts of the holiday.
The result of all the “new” traditions popularized during the Victorian Era was a Christmas that we could recognize.
In 1931, Coca-Cola commissioned Haddon Sundblom to create an image of Santa that would really embody the character. For the design, Sundblom took inspiration from Moore’s poem. The result was the classic Coca-Cola Santa that we all know today.
Christmas saw a boom in postwar America with a larger middle class and a larger number of children. As the middle class grew, more people were able to afford more things for Christmas. Many parents who grew up in the Great Depression were able to give their own children the idealized Christmas that the depression had prevented for many of them.
Parties were still popular and remain so, but for many people, Christmas Day became a time just for family. For the most part, Christmas has remained fairly consistent, and its advances in commercialization have not prevented the traditions formed in the Victorian Era.
Christmas has gone through many changes throughout the centuries; many of the things that Christmas is known for were not here originally. One thing that will never be changed about Christmas; however, is the goal of being around the people you care about most. Remember that.
Mrs. Shelley decorates the White House
By Chloe Sawyers FFA Reporter
“Christmas In a Small Town?” More like Christmas in the White House.
Mrs. Toraleah Shelley, Williamsburg Independent’s agriculture teacher and the school’s FFA advisor, was selected in October to help decorate the White House for Christmas—an honor earned by only 145 volunteers out of more than 12,000 applicants nationwide.
The opportunity came from an unexpected place: Facebook.
After spotting the application online, Shelley decided to take a chance on fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams. In October, she received her acceptance email and immediately spread the news—running through the halls to share her excitement with fellow teachers.
Her decorating days took place on Nov. 24, 25, and 26, where she worked alongside volunteers from across the country to transform the White House into a holiday showcase. The experience didn’t end there as she was asked to return the following Monday to attend a grand reception party with her proud. The reception was hosted by first lady Melania Trump, who was in attendance for the event.
Among the many highlights were some truly impressive holiday displays, including: a 300pound gingerbread White House crafted by the presidential culinary staff, LEGO, portraits of former presidents, and numerous themed trees and decorations that filled each room with unique holiday spirit.
Shelley described the experience as “unforgettable,” calling it a rare opportunity to contribute to a national tradition and represent both our school and the FFA community.
Her achievement serves as a reminder that big opportunities can come from unexpected places— and that someone from our own halls can end up decorating the most famous house in the country.
Photos courtesy of Carrie Mattingly
announcing your 2025-26 Jacket Superlatives
SENIORS
Top 5 Seniors:
Kianna Ballew
Taylor Ballew
Toby Downs Zaden Housekeeper
Candace Sutton
Mr. and Miss Jacket:
Toby Downs & Taylor Ballew
Best All-Round:
Aksh Banker & Giovanna Ballew
Most School Spirit:
Toby Downs & Taylor Ballew
Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Class: Noble Mattingly & Brianna Randle
Most Likely to Succeed:
Zyler Housekeeper & Chastity Fritts
Most Likely to be Late to Their Own
Wedding:
Holden Clark & Madelyn Weiss
Class Clown:
Holden Clark & Candace Sutton
Cutest: Peyton Hamilton & Maddy Weiss
Worst Driver: Aiden Brock & Emily Cooper
Best Dressed: Chase Grubb & Kianna Ballew
Friendliest: Ethan Moses & Makena Stephens
Best Hair:
Lani Couto & Giovanna Ballew
First Out of the Parking Lot:
Jake Taylor & Lynsie Durham
King & Queen of Drama:
Adrian Miller & Kylee Nantz
Biggest Flirt:
Caleb Grey & Jenna Prewitt
Best Comebacks: Aiden Brock & Candace Sutton
Most Talented: Zaden Housekeeper & Bella Morin
JUNIORS
Mr. and Miss Junior: Eli Meadors & Cash Barton
Most Likely to Become President: Dylan Petrey & Michelle Canada
Class Clown: Kaden Gilreath, Joe Partin & Bella Bowman
Most Athletic: Chase Meddles & Braylee Evans
Classroom MVP: Mason Rountree & Grace Meddles
Most Energetic: Noah Jones & Bella Bowman
Best Teammate: Connor Lee & Abby Moses
Most Creative: Gauge Stanley & Alex White
Best Style: Blaize Burdette & Rylee Spray
Champagne Award (Most Sparkling Personality): Jacob Jones & Kaylee Day
SOPHOMORES
Mr. and Miss Sophomore: Lane Jeffries & Sammie Phipps
Most School Spirit: Tripp Fields & Chloe Sawyers
Most Dependable: Mason Partin & Britton Evans
Most Likely To Secretly Be a Ninja: Pascual White & Hailey Adkins
Champagne Award (Most Sparkling Personality): Chris Ivory & Ellie Breeding
Smartest: Caleb Nichols & Tatum Croley
Gordon Ramsey Award (Brings the Best Snacks): Doug Wilson & Ashtyn Foley
The Megaphone Award (Loudest): TJ Cornett & Marissa Meadors
Cutest: Kevin Wells & Laylee Wyatt
FRESHMEN
Mr. and Miss Freshman: Jericho Howard & Madison Goodin
Most Likely to be President: Payton White & Ahna Marlow
Most Likely to Sleep Through an Earthquake: Sawyer Morin & Kendall Hamlin
Most Dependable: Brad Huddleston & Maci Wilson
Best Style: Blake Croley & Magomery Douglas
Book-Worm Award: Colin Jones & Kara Moses
The Snack Stash King & Queen: Cooper Daughtery & Mahi Patel
Dream Team First Pick: Joe Tye & Zoey Petery
Smartest: Brody Petrey & Brielle Evans
EIGHTH GRADE
Most Likely to Become President: Levi Frazier & Brayla Baldridge
Most Likely to Fall Asleep During Class: Masen Bisschop & Savannah Dabney
Bite-Size Reviews: Giving five classic Christmas movies another chance
By Bella Morin Senior
The Grinch (2018)
“The Grinch” takes the classic Christmas story and does absolutely nothing to positively change it.
Benedict Cumberbatch, voice actor for this iteration of the Grinch, does well, but is unable to create a unique character or bring the classic back to life. Instead, Cumberbatch’s version creates an idiotic flanderization of the goofy villain that is nowhere near Jim Carrey’s level, who managed to be more animated in his live action than the actual animated movie. 1/5 stars
The Holiday (2006)
Two women swap houses across continents to escape their relationship problems, and both find ridiculously charming men waiting for them.
Kate Winslet and Jack Black are adorable, Cameron Diaz cries in a mansion, and Jude Law plays a hot single guy.
The movie does a good job showing that what you need most might not be where you feel most comfortable and that the holiday season is full of love and miracles. 4/5 stars
The Polar Express (2004) Short synopsis: Tom Hanks plays approximately 47 different characters in a movie with a slightly vague plot and uncanny, almost terrifying animation style.
A group of kids board the Polar express train on its way to the north pole. Once arriving at Santa’s workshop, the main character, who is never actually given a name, is given a bell that only people who believe in Santa can hear.
It’s also revealed that was the lesson he was supposed to learn all along. The other kids had lessons as well but didn’t really learn them.
Overall, an odd but enjoyable a Christmas cult classic. Also, that train ride is legitimately spectacular and the hot chocolate scene slaps. 3.5/5 stars
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Chevy Chase loses his mind trying to create the perfect family Christmas and instead creates utter chaos involving exploding trees, kidnapped bosses, cat food jello, and a SWAT team.
The movie is hilarious but is still able to cover serious themes like financial troubles, family conflict and resolution, marital stress, and
PHONE: (606) 549-6044
FAX: (606) 549-6015
Most Energetic: Bryson Hamby & Ellie Ball
Class Clown: Gabe Meddles & Sofia Hall
Best Style: Austin Davis & Bella Jeffries
Best Teammate: Landen White & Zimmrie Housekeeper
SEVENTH GRADE
Most School Spirit: Eli Russell & Ellea Russell
Most Likely to Become President: John Creekmore & Ally Ballew
Most Energetic: Jace Morin & Keylee Bustamente
Class Clown: Blake Hall & Gloria Weddle
Quietest: Alex Ferrell & Mya Osborne
Best Teammate: Isaac Quant & Heaven Croley
SIXTH GRADE
Most School Spirit: John White & Averee Reeder
Most Likely to Become President: Benaiah Stephens, Christopher Baatz & Norah Young
Most Energetic: Colten Brumley & Cierra Willis
Class Clown: Brody Peters & Ashanti Molina
Most Fashionable:
DJ Weiss & Harper Christie
Best Teammate: Cayson Harrell & Allyson Brimm
wage cutting in a flattering and classy manner. The movie is an extremely accurate representation of the holidays with a large family and covers the point of view of several characters.
Every single disaster feels earned, every character is quotable, and it’s the ultimate proof that the holidays are survived, not enjoyed.
This movie is flawless. 5/5 stars
Scrooged (1988)
In this unique and very clearly ‘80s retelling of Charles Dickens famed novel, Bill Murray plays a cruel TV executive who, in short, gets terrorized by Christmas ghosts until he finally stops being terrible. Honestly, watching him be a complete jerk for an hour before his meltdown is worth the price of admission.
It’s like if someone took “A Christmas Carol,” gave it an espresso shot and a leather jacket, then let Murray loose on it. And that is not a complaint.
The movie was original and unlike other retellings of the original story in a way that can’t go unappreciated, similar in value to the beloved “Muppets Christmas Carol.” 3.5/5 stars
By Aksh Banker Senior
1. Be nice to your parents, classmates, siblings, and teachers.
2. Give gifts to your loved ones. It does not need to cost much.
3. Don’t be rude to anyone for whatever reason.
4. Don’t lie to anyone.
5. Be responsible.
6. Help others without being asked.
7. Take care of your belongings.
8. Share with others.
9. Say “please” and “thank you.”
10. Be positive and encouraging.
Full list of Jacket Games events and shedule released
Annual competition set to take place Dec. 19
By Lilliana Mosley Sophomore
It’s the best time of the year. That’s right, it’s time for Jacket Games.
This year’s games are scheduled to take place on Dec. 19, with the first contest, Jacket Game Decorating, set to kick off at 9:10 a.m. In the first game, eight students from each grade will have 30 minutes to decorate their provided space.
The second game will be Scavenger Hunt. In this contest, items will be called out, and students must pass down the item to their runner. The runner will run the item down to the judge who will determine whether it passes.
The runner will be the only person permitted to get up from their seat and approach the judge. The items must be passed down, not thrown. The first runner to the judge with the correct item will give their team five points per item.
The third game will be Dizzy Bat, which will pit four students from each grade against one another. Two students from each team will be on the opposite ends of the basketball court. The first team member will put their forehead on the bat with the bat on the floor the entire time, then spin ten times. That student will then run to the opposite side and pass the bat to another member of their team.
Each member of the team must do this to win. The bat must stay on the floor. The student’s forehead must stay
Lon the bat and complete all ten spins. Teacher judges will be counting each spin. The first team done will receive 20 points, the team that places second will receive 15, third will receive 10 points, and fourth will receive five points.
The contests will continue with Snowball Fight, which will require ten students from each grade level to participate. Each team will compete in a “snowball fight” (dodgeball).
The “snowballs” will be placed at half court while player get behind the baseline. The game will start when the announcer signals. All the normal dodgeball rules apply to this snowball fight, except if a ball is caught then no one may re-enter if they were out. If the announcer says you’re out, then you’re out.
You are out if you are hit by a ball before it touches the ground. If you try to catch a ball but miss, and if you block with a ball but drop the ball you blocked with, you are out. Potential points are 35 points for first, 25 points for second, 15 points for third, and five points for fourth.
The current bracket for the snowball fight is as follows:
Round 1: Seniors vs. Freshmen
Round 2: Juniors vs. Sophomores
Round 3: Losers of R1 and R2 (3rd/4th place)
Round 4: Winners of R1 and R2 (1st/2nd place)
Round 5: 1st place vs. teachers
The fifth game will be Hobo Santa. Four students from each grade will play this
game. Two students from each team will be on the opposite ends of the basketball court. Player one will be the first to participate. They will put on all the clothes, get the all clear from a judge and then take all the clothes off before passing them on to player two, who repeats the process.
Players are allowed to turn clothes the right way and hand the clothes over to the next player, but they are not allowed to help the other player get dressed. All clothing items must be on correctly and a judge must approve it before the player run to the other side.
Items cannot be carried to the other side. Potential points for this game are 20 points for first, 15 points for second, 10 points for third, and five points for fourth.
The sixth and final game is Tug of War. Six students from each grade will participate in this contest. Each round will include the same six students (or the signed-up alternate). There will be 35 points awarded for first place, 25 point for second, 15 points for third, and five points for fourth.
The current bracket for tug of war is as follows:
Round 1: Seniors vs. Freshmen
Round 2: Juniors vs. Sophomores
Round 3: Losers of R1 and R2 (3rd/4th place)
Round 4: Winners of R1 and R2 (1st/2nd place)
Happy Jacket Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!!
By Bella Morin Senior
Do not take snow days for granted
By Caleb Nichols Sophomore
Every student knows the feeling: expecting a day of productivity and schoolwork, just to wake up to a winter wonderland with no school. With this winter season, snow days are sure to come, and there is a wide variety of ways to spend them.
Snow days provide students with an opportunity to relax, refresh, and recuperate. The pressure of schoolwork can build up, and an opportunity to have a break certainly should not go unappreciated. Enjoying snow days starts with enjoying the cherished activities they bring.
Winter brings a lot of outdoor, snow-related activities. Snowball fights, sledding, and building snowmen are a couple staples of snow days. Snow forts and sculptures are also fun. Enjoying the outdoors is an exceptional way to appreciate a snow day, but there are also many indoor activities for snow days.
Imagine this feeling: watching your favorite show or movie with hot chocolate, truly the indoor snow day experience. Board games, cooking, and baking are also great ways to spend snow days indoors, for those of us that want to enjoy the weather without being in the cold. Hibernation is valid, too; who doesn’t want to sleep through half of any day they can?
Enjoying time with others is also an incredible way to spend snow days. Whether it be with family, friends, or both, snow days can bring a wide variety of group activities. Sledding races, game tournaments, and movie marathons are sure to spice up any snow day.
Though it is important to enjoy and appreciate snow days, it is also important to complete all necessary NTI work. For a day with NTI to count as a valid school day, a certain percentage of students must complete their work. It is not just a personal obligation, but it is a group responsibility for the school to complete NTI work. Incompletion of NTI work can mean more school days in the spring, later graduation, and less summer, which no student wants.
Snow days bring a lot of strain upon certain jobs and people, and it is important to understand and appreciate their work. Despite its beauty, a winter wonderland’s weather is harsh, and it can shut down roads, interfere with the electrical grid, and inhibit workflow. The people who work hard to fix these problems should not go unappreciated, as they allow for society to run despite harsh conditions.
Snow days are incredible, and this winter season is sure to bring its fair share. With so many fun opportunities, snow days should not go unappreciated. Students should use snow days as a time to experience what snow days have to offer, have fun with others, and recuperate from schoolwork and productivity. So, students, when you wake up and look out the window to a winter wonderland, remember what a snow day is good for, and seize the day.
W illiamsburg C hristmas C ross W ord
Second grade Angel Play celebrates 30th anniversary
By Kara Moses Freshman
The angel play is a lovely performance put on by the second graders at Williamsburg City School each year as Christmas approaches, and it has been that way for 30 years.
For some people that have been at this school for years, the annual performance is something that is more than just a play, but it is a memory. This play means something different to everyone.
Mrs. Karen Fields, art teacher at Williamsburg, said that, for her, the angel play is “the kickoff to Christmas.” For Aksh Banker, a senior, the play brings back fond memories.
“When I see the angel play every year, I am constantly reminded of my role in the play. This was a decade ago. I was the candle boy, and I was so bad at it, and I kept on forgetting my two lines in the play. I was so scared during the actual performance but looking back, it was a very fun time. It was a good bonding experience with the rest of my classmates and I enjoyed it,” said Banker.
“I also enjoy seeing it every year. It does feel kind of bittersweet while seeing it every year. I would say that it was a big part of my big ‘career’ at this school.”
Every song means another memory, and everyone has a different favorite.
Freshman Zoey Petrey said her favorite was one that allows audience participation.
“My favorite song is ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ because we all sing the extra parts in the song and my favorite memory is when I was a snowflake spinning around with all my friends.”
Meanwhile, Chaz Jarboe, science teacher at Williamsburg, said his favorite is one that brings back a fond memory.
“My favorite song is ‘Angels Among Us’ and my favorite memory is singing in front of our parents.”
To the second graders who participated in this year’s play, everyone is so proud that these little jackets get to keep up Williamsburg’s traditions. And to every boy and girl who has ever participated in the angel play over the years, this year was a big one.
The importance of giving
By Savanna Bryant Sophomore
Christmas, the season often thought of for having twinkling lights and festive gatherings, carries an important message at its core: the importance of giving. It is more than just an exchange of gifts; the act of giving during Christmas symbolizes a spirit of goodwill and deep connection from both the giver and receiver. This spirit is deeply-rooted in the principle of treating others as we ourselves wish to be treated–or the Golden Rule.
The Golden Rule encourages empathy, reminding us to consider the needs and desires of others and to act accordingly. That is why it is important to give thoughtfully and with understanding of the receiver, so you know what might bring joy and comfort to them. We are essentially extending the same kindness we hope to receive.
This act of selfless giving goes beyond just a material exchange; it’s building bridges of understanding and reinforcing human connection.
Christmas giving is an essential demonstration of love and generosity. The season provides a natural motivation to express affection and appreciation for loved ones, friends, and even strangers.
Generosity, in this kind of context, is not solely about the price of a gift, but the intention behind it. A heartfelt, personalized gift, or gesture of kindness can convey a deep emotional feeling. This feeling of love and generosity creates an atmosphere of warmth and goodwill, making the holiday season a period of high emotional connection and shared happiness.
It is through these acts that we actively pursue a more loving and caring society.
The practice of giving during Christmas plays a vital role in strengthening relationships and encouraging a sense of community.
Sharing gifts and participating in charitable acts often involves shared experiences, whether it’s shopping for presents together, wrapping them, or donating to a cause. These things create opportunities for connection and shared memories, deepening bonds between people and families.
On a broader scale, community-wide charitable drives and events bring people together, uniting them in a common purpose of helping those in need. This collective spirit of giving not only supports those less fortunate, but also reinforces the community, which creates a stronger, more interconnected, and supportive community for everyone.
Archery team currently seeking more students interested in competing
By Kara Moses Freshman
Have you ever thought about joining archery?
Maybe you have, but you’re too scared to join because you think that you won’t know what you’re doing? Well, don’t worry, Jackets, because you get taught everything you need to know the second you join.
The coach, Mr. John Young, and other students will help you learn all there is to know—from knocking your arrow to making sure you can hit that bullseye. Mistakes will be made, and targets will be missed but archery is fun and teaches you focus.
By joining archery, you can also help the Williamsburg Jacket Archers compete in the KHSAA tournament this year. The tournament requires that there are at least 12 archers there to compete, which the team still falls short of.
Practices are on Mondays and Thursdays at 3:15 p.m. According to the day, practices can last until 4:45 or 5:30 p.m. (times do change, so you will want to make sure to join Young’s archery Rooms group). So, please, Williamsburg Jackets, if you are wanting to learn archery and go to a competition with your friends, then please join. We want you to join archery today.
Behaviors that make you a ‘Holiday Grinch’
By Marissa Meadors Sophomore
Picture this: everyone gathered around the Christmas tree opening gifts and being grateful for the thought others put into selecting them, then you see someone throwing a fit because they didn’t get what they wanted.
These types of people often make Christmas all about them instead of letting people enjoy their holiday. This behavior makes you a Holiday Grinch.
Here are some tips to help you identify if you’re being a Holiday Grinch and how to avoid it:
1. Being unappreciative of gifts you receive because someone put enough thought into you to buy you a gift. The least you can do is be grateful.
2. Being a “Negative Nancy.” When you’re negative, you ruin the holiday spirit.
3. Not participating in the events that are taking place. For example, if everyone is playing a holiday game and you think you’re too cool for it, you’re being a party pooper.
4. Being disrespectful to people and their belongings. During the holidays, you should try not to make someone feel uncomfortable. Also, when you go to someone’s house, you need to have some etiquette.
5. Being sensitive about someone’s emotional state. Sometimes people are grieving over something, and you don’t need to expect everyone to be holly jolly.
6. Being the “Drama Llama” at the Christmas party. Who wants to be having to listen to Aunt Susan’s drama when they are trying to celebrate the holiday with their family and friends?
7. Bringing guests that are not invited. If you’re going over to someone’s house and you think it is okay to bring someone that wasn’t
planned for, it’s not. One reason you shouldn’t do that is what if they’re not expecting that many people? Second, what if they are not comfortable with that person coming into their personal space?
8. Acting like you are allergic to the family Christmas pajamas. When grandma is wanting that good picture of everyone wearing the same pajamas, then that one person has to ruin it all by not wanting to participate in this simple task.
9. Being a grouch when people go all out for Christmas. Why should you poop on other people’s parades during the holiday season?
10. Complaining when people turn on holiday movies. It’s the month of Christmas for crying out loud, let me enjoy “Polar Express” for the fourth time.
11. Acting like Christmas music is cringey. I don’t care who you are, you are not too cool for Christmas music.
12. Complaining when they get woke up early on Christmas morning. It’s Christmas and everyone wants to open their gifts, so don’t make it awful for everyone else because you’re a “night owl.”
13. Acting like it’s a big deal when people put their Christmas decorations up early. Who wants to put in all that work just to enjoy it for a couple days?
14. Saying things such as, “I’m bored,” “My feet hurt,” “Do we have to?” and the like. When someone’s planned out this whole event to make them have fun during Christmas, try to appreciate it.
15. Begging to open gifts early. You can be excited over gifts, but why can’t you just wait till Christmas Day.
That’s things that you shouldn’t do during the holiday season because you’re being a fun-killer.
W’Burg Ind. participates in annual Christmas parade
Several Williamsburg Independent School teams and clubs had a strong presence at this year’s Feels Like Home Williamsburg Christmas Parade. The parade, held along Main Street in downtown Williamsburg on Saturday, Dec. 13, was among the largest in the city’s history. Several student-made floats were among those in the parade, including one for the FFA (above) and PTO (right). According to Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison, the FFA and PTO placed first and third, respectively, in the school division.
Photo by Kara Moses
The Williamsburg Elementary School’s second grade class performs the angel play during an in-school performance for the entire middle school on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Photos by Timothy Wyatt