December 2021

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2

December 2021

GIVING MAKES YOU HAPPIER MUST WATCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES SENIOR GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER PROFILES

I NEVER KNEW! SLEDDING AT GOLF COURSES?!

ASK TOMMY MYSTERY COLUMN!

December

FIRST GLANCE 2 P.5: FEATURED

P.14: STUDENTS

The Pinetree Post

STAFF

FOUNDERS Russell Kim, Felix Guo EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Shui, Kevin Fan

Crossover

Christmas Films

Christmas Activities

Senior Girls’ Volleyball

P.20: MYSTERY?!

P. 22: ART

ARTICLE EDITOR Jennifer Shui CONTRIBUTORS Kaylin Brereton-Stiles Bryan Chen, Jon Gough Sebastien Hernandez Jenny Hui, Na-Yeon Kim Amy Lee, Florin Lee Michelina Lee Kaleigh Morrow Shaina Rajwani Jennifer Shui GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Fan SPECIAL THANKS TO The Pinetree Administration, Ms. Rioux, Yoon Sang You, Jon Gough, Briana Ho Julia Ye

Mystery

Artist Showcase

GET INVOLVED IN THE PT POST! Although we at the Pinetree Post try our best to represent the voice of the everyone at Pinetree, we are only a small group of students. To find the most pressing topics and interesting avenues to explore, we rely on input from readers to curate relevant content only. Anyone is welcome to suggest a topic or provide an opinion for Pinetree Post writers and

contributors to look into further. Do you have something to say that needs your voice? The Pinetree Post also welcomes guest content, any time, of any kind. Feel free to submit an article on a topic you are passionate for, a comic you think everyone deserves to see, maybe even a letter to the editor!

You can submit your original content to us at thepinetreepost@gmail.com.

Have a question or a request? Contact us at: thepinetreepost@gmail.com

3

FIRST GLANCE

EDITOR’S NOTE

Never Gonna Give You Up Or let you down.

Jennifer Shui, Kevin Fan Editors-in-Chief

Hey Pinetree! It’s your favourite editors again… (tired as always). We hope you’ve been enjoying December, a time for celebrations, festivities, and overeating until you regret wearing those nice pants that definitely fit you before the meal. Given the new uncertainty around the pandemic (not again…), hopefully your holiday break was safe and restful going into the new year. Here’s to some sorely needed optimism!

We like to compare productivity over the break, but that doesn’t necessarily have to mean the number of university applications you’ve submitted, or pages of final exam review you’ve completed (Jennifer: none. Kevin: yes.). A successful winter break could include baking cookies, skating, and even rick-rolling (trust us on these ones)! What’s important is taking care of yourselves and your loved ones, making sure you stay happy and healthy - especially in stressful times like these.

Even though Christmas is officially over (making this technically twelve months early), we have some epic Christmas films for you to watch when Jennifer and I have gone off to sell our souls to a postsecondary institution (see November Issue for advice about that one). You can find the epic (Must Watch Christmas Movies) on page 7 (I especially love It’s A Wonderful Life!). On the topic of Christmas, we have another kind-of-st-of-maybe-a-little crossover with the Happy Healthy Club. Check out (Giving Makes You Happier, page 5) by Jenny Hui!

Now, I don’t know about you, but I do not know the first thing about volleyball - except that a

ball is involved. But HOLY, do we have a stacked senior girls’ team! The lineup that’s ranked fifth in the province belongs to the Timberwolves and that’s a flex! Anyways, for these wonderful athletes, we’ve had the pleasure of putting together individual player profiles - it’s almost as if they’re pros already. You can find that (Senior Girls Volleyball Player Profiles, page 8) also in this issue of the Pinetree Post!

Show of hands, how many people knew you could go sledding at golf courses in the winter?

Probably not that many… Well, that’s okay, because our December student interview with Ryan is the first time we’re hearing of that as well. You can find that in (I Never Knew! Sledding at Golf Courses?!, page 14).

What’s that we hear? An incoming Tommy?

That’s right! Ask Tommy! Is back! That’s a lot of exclamation marks… but Tommy’s returned and Tommy’s delivered in the December advice column.

Ever wondered what sort of New Years’ Resolutions you should set? Well, me neither, but Tommy’s gonna

The Duke of Christmas

Source: Kaylin Brereton-Stiles

FIRST GLANCE 4 help you set your first resolution - AND FOLLOW THROUGH ON IT. You can find this (Ask Tommy! on page 18).

Oh, and Merry Christmas! We’re excited to present a new mystery column in the Pinetree Post yet another anonymous one. We’re not sure what to call it yet, but we guarantee you won’t regret checking it out! See this surprise column on page 20 of the Pinetree Post!

As always, we have the talented Kaylin with another absolute banger of a photo on page 22.

Thank you for reading this issue of the Pinetree post, brought to you by our hardworking team. Remember to spread the word so that more people in our community can feel connected through the stories and experiences we talk about! Email us (thepinetreepost@gmail.com) if you have a topic you’d like us to address next month or if you’re interested in writing a guest article yourself !

If you missed our previous issues, read them at https://issuu.com/thepinetreepost.

Merry Crisi- Christmas!

Jennifer Shui & Kevin Fan Editors-in-Chief

5 FEATURED EDITORIAL

Giving is contagious, so is the HH club.

Happy Healthy Club

Not only will the giver become happier, the people who witness the act of giving or kindness will also be more likely to be motivated to give. Giving is a ripple effect, a virtuous circle, and a simple act of kindness that will make people’s day, and yours too. The Happy Healthy Club discussed the impacts of acts of kindness, and members agreed that even a small compliment or kind gesture could light up one’s day and create a tremendous ripple effect. Martina Yu and I founded the Happy Healthy Club because we noticed many students felt depressed, lonely, and unmotivated during the third wave of the pandemic. We believe that living a happy and healthy life is a choice and an essential skill going into post-secondary and beyond.

Giving Makes You Happier!

Jenny Hui Writer

If a stranger gives you 10 dollars, would you spend it on yourself or others? Although counterintuitive, spending the money on others makes you happier because your happiness increases much more when you give than receive.

Giving and happiness

Studies show that the act of giving activates regions of your brain that connect to pleasure, trust, and social connection. Giving triggers a release of oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, which helps decrease stress and make you happier and healthier. Research has shown that positive social interactions significantly improve mental and physical health. Also, giving often leads to others giving back, and these exchanges promote cooperation and social connection. In addition, the act of giving not only makes the recipient of kindness feel closer to us but also makes us feel closer to them.

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” (Amelia Earheart)

“Happy Healthy Club focuses on emitting positivity and happiness, so let your unique awesomeness and positive energy inspire everyone!” (Martina Yu)

Members of the Happy Healthy Club meet biweekly on Mondays during lunch in room A109 (next meeting on Jan. 17), where people connect, spread happiness, and learn how small routines and tiny shifts in perspective of life improve both physical and mental wellness.

Ways of Giving

“[Giving] may help you build stronger social connections and even jumpstart a cascade of generosity through your community. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself benefiting from a big dose of happiness in the process” (Greater Good Magazine, UC Berkeley)

FEATURED 6 So, what are some ways of giving?

1. Donate to charities with causes you support 2. Go a little outside your comfort zone to make someone’s day 3. Volunteer 4. Help raise awareness of issues you care about 5. Get your friend a Christmas gift The Art of Gifting

A thoughtful gift goes a long way. Don’t get me wrong, picking the perfect present for the perfect person is hard. I have been giving and receiving gifts for at least 10 out of 19 years of my life, and there were numerous occasions where I found or received the “perfect” gift. I summarized some common characteristics, and hopefully, you won’t get too frustrated when brainstorming the “perfect” gifts :) 1. Related to their interests, be it guitar, technology, fantasy, or carrots 2. Related to an unforgettable memory or a unique connection between you and them, be it surviving chemistry or the first kiss under the tree (editor’s note: awwww)

Christmas concert!

3. An inside joke 4. Ask them what they want 5. Or, if you want to go one level up, try an experiential gift (as opposed to material gifts) such as skydiving, kayaking, tickets to events, etc.

I know... you want an actual working list of Christmas gift ideas. Google has the answer for you, but remember those points above, and you will be fine!

Even if you bought chocolate and realize that they hate chocolate, the kind words in your Christmas card are there to save your day!

December is the month of giving, and giving is part of the holiday traditions. Whether you give by donating, volunteering, gifting, or just spreading kindness in general, you are making yourself and others happier! Let your joy ripple through to benefit the community!

Merry Christmas <3

Source: Jenny Hui

7 FEATURED

Must Watch Christmas Movies Relax and enjoy this holiday with the best Christmas movies.

Na-Yeon Kim, Nika Hesari Writers

Believe it or not, everyone’s favourite time of the year is fast approaching! It feels as though school has just begun, but alas, we have entered into the festive spirit for quite a while now: The good ol’ nostalgic holiday songs have begun began reclaiming their rightful place on the top trending chart on Spotify, the first snowfall of the season arrived, and houses are decorated lavishly with Christmas trees and dazzling lights. To celebrate the last few days of school, let’s explore some old and new movies to enjoy during the festive season! So, grab some hot chocolate, get comfy, relax, and enjoy!

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

This movie tells the tragic yet heartwarming story of George Bailey, a businessman burdened by his responsibilities towards his community. With age, he falls into a spiral of depression as he loses his will to live. Moments before he is about to end his dreadful life, he meets his guardian angel, Clarence. She shows George the significant influence he had on the town and the people, and how his absence from the world would have affected the town. If you’re searching for an emotional and touching movie for this Christmas, this one’s for you.

Home Alone (1990)

There is no one on Earth who isn’t aware of the legendary movie, “Home Alone,” featuring Kevin McCallister: the lovely, misbehaving boy who ends up being punished the night before a Christmas vacation.

On the day of the trip, the family accidentally leaves Kevin behind. Unfortunately, two robbers are planning to ransack McCallister’s residence, and it is up to Kevin to defend his family home. Sit tight with your loved ones and laugh along with them as you watch Kevin use his quick wits to protect his house.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The Grinch, one of the many symbols of Christmas, is a comedy-drama movie about a Christmas-hating cynic who comes up with a devious plan to ruin Christmas for the town of Whoville. It is difficult to comprehend the burning hatred of the Grinch, but don’t worry. A surprising twist at the end may just save Christmas for the Whoville. Watch this movie to get more in touch with the true spirit of Christmas!

Elf - Nika (2003)

Elf is a heartwarming comedy that takes place in New York, a densely populated city with an excellent Christmas spirit. Buddy, a young man raised in a foster family of elves, has spent his life in the North Pole.

He finds himself a misfit as; a gigantic human living amongst minute elves, eventually deciding to take on a journey in search of his biological family. Ironically, once in New York, Buddy once again stands out from the crowd. Will Buddy successfully find his parents?

Follow along with this movie and see for yourself !

Festive movies never fail to warm our hearts, and we’re certain our dear readers are yearning for that little spice to get the Christmas spirit going. So, unwind and take a minute for yourself. This list is merely a handy tool to save your time this winter break.

“It came without ribbons. It came without bows. It came without packages, boxes, or bags. Maybe Christmas…, perhaps, means a little bit more.” (The Grinch)

Here’s a kind reminder: Christmas means more than excess time to study for finals-it means taking time to rest our minds after long hours of tension and stress we’ve experienced these past few months.

Have a wonderful break everyone!

FEATURED 8

Senior Girls Volleyball Player Profiles Meet Pinetree’s stacked roster, ranked sixth in BC! Mattias Wong, Kyle Tsui Writers

Source: Hanny Jin

Let’s put a name to the faces!

2 Louise “Lou” Ho # A highly competitive and well-rounded player, PMSS took a fat L when Louise transferred to Pinetree in grade 10. Not only is she a beast on the court, but also a coding master. Ho is a double edged sword, both in play style and personality, as she excels on defense and offense. Despite an unconventional delivery, her spikes are explosive, accurate and always find a way to score.

On the flip side, she has great serve receives, digs and passing. While an extremely focused and hardworking individual, you’ll discover her comedic, friendly persona once you get to know her.

Louise lays down some heat.

Source: Jeff Yang

9 FEATURED

#4 Kimia “Kimi” Nazari Kimia’s volleyball career began when current teammate, Megan Jones, brought her to Mr. Lau in grade 9 and said, “Here, I found a setter.” Since then, she has developed into an excellent setter who is solid on defense. Being sidelined by a lower body injury this season, she has found a talent for assistant coaching and team managing alongside Coach Lau. As the designated hype man, you better believe she will play some bangers when given the aux cord. Her energy and cheerleading has proven an invaluable part of this team. Away from the court, she refrains from cheating the grind by getting mad gains at the gym.

has largely found success as a setter this season with her soft hands and high vertical. She is able to adjust to all of her hitters and has reliable court coverage. With a 4.0 GPA and some coding chops, not only can she make plays at the net, but also in the classroom.

The Java Queen’s setting in action.

Source: Jeff Yang

#6 Christine “Chris” Lee For the most part, Christine is bubbly, cheerful and always smiling but when she steps on the court, her game face comes out to play. Hardworking, determined and fearless, she possesses all of the qualities required to be an unwavering defensive player. As a libero, Lee can cover a large amount of the court with her speed and will never let the ball drop, even if she has to sacrifice her body to make the play. If anyone is going to get a pancake, it’s this gym rat!

Kimia hops in a drill to keep her setting skills sharp.

Source: Jeff Yang

#5 Chloe “Chlow” Yip If you see Chloe in the hall- no, you probably missed her.

At 5’4”, Yip is one of the most adaptive players on court who wears her heart on her sleeve. In fact, according to her teammates, she does 10 push-ups for every serve she misses. A dedicated teammate, her big brain and volleyball IQ make her a Swiss-Army knife in Pinetree’s arsenal. Able to play multiple different positions, Chloe

Lee hunts down a loose ball.

Source: Jeff Yang

FEATURED 10 #8 Malika “Maligma” Ouch There are two things in life you should never wish for, 1) getting hit in the face by one of Malika’s spikes and 2) being forced to recieve one of her tricky spin serves.

Tough, strong and buff, Malika is an absolute BOMB dropper. What’s her secret? Lots and lots of naps; you can always find her asleep somewhere, recharging her monster spikes. Despite being an absolute beast on the volleyball court, Malika has a kind and chill personality.

But put on some music and she might show you she could be the next Michael Jackson.

Yang’s rock solid defence.

Source: Jeff Yang

#10 Megan “MJ” Jones Meg. Megatron. MJ. MVP. These are all names Jones has rightfully earned throughout her tenure as captain of the Senior Girls Volleyball team. A consistent player across the board, she dominates the court with explosive spikes that manage to get around tough blocks. When the team is down, you can count on her to step up with clutch points and bring some much needed energy with her trademark 100 WPM communication. Despite her knack for picking up new injuries, Jones has continually developed all areas of her game and her hard work was rewarded when she received an offer to play for the Douglas Royals next season.

Malika lines up her trademark spin serve.

Source: Jenny Hui

#9 Emily “Em” Yang The epitome of true swag, Emily is easy to vibe with and brings a high energy game to the table. As a multisport athlete and defensive specialist, she is quick on her toes and calm under pressure. You can rely on her to make consistent passes and serves that are right on the money. Her quick feet also come in handy when she executes the irish jig on the dance floor. Beware, Yang can also probably roast you like a marshmallow over an open fire.

Calm, cool and collected, Jones prepares to serve some heat!

Source: Jenny Hui

11 FEATURED #12 Donya “Don Don” Keshavarzi Not to be confused with Kanye’s latest album, Donya Keshavarzi has a fiery personality, which pairs well with her red hair. A scrappy libero, she is great at digging and hustling for the ball, and usually comes out of every game with a new bruise. Her hardworking and stubborn nature allows her to stay focused and communicate well with her teammates, even after a long rally. You won’t catch her lacking on the court, and you certainly won’t in the classroom as she also sports a 4.0 GPA.

Miheret shows off her big hops.

Source: Jeff Yang

#16 Binta “Big Block” Jalloh Don’t let Binta’s quiet nature and height fool you.

Silent but deadly, the B in her name stands for BLOCK and even though she’s under 6-foot, her presence at the net is that of a giant. She has a deadly strong swing, is reliable at the service line and her blocks can get the team out of a jam. As a middle, she is observant and can see the ball extremely well, allowing her to get in position fast. Her balance of agility and strength makes her a reliable player up front.

The last person to give up on a play is Donya.

Source: Jeff Yang

#13 Miheret “Big Man” Lamb If anyone could do standup comedy, it would probably be Miheret. Sarcastic and always cracking jokes, she’s bound to get a laugh out of you. On the court, she brings a similarly positive energy and is known for her strong hitting. Even after a bad play she will never get frustrated, but rather bounce back twice as strong and can always find a way to score. Dedicated to improvement, she has consistent defense and court coverage. Scouts, keep an eye on this one (or maybe don’t, she’s very good at staring contests)... the rumour around town is that she has lots of potential for her senior year!

Jalloh makes a huge rejection.

Source: Jeff Yang

FEATURED 12 #18 Hana Nouri Everyone needs a Hana in their life. The best teammate you could ask for, Hana Nouri is supportive, hardworking and cheerful. A glass half-full kind of person, Nouri is always willing to learn and can control her emotions well. The team receives a huge boost from her uplifting team spirit and great defensive plays. Her persistent energy motivates everyone to play their best and hanging out with her is time well spent.

Nouri showcases her laser focus.

Coach “Coachie” Lau Coach Lau brings everything that’s expected of a good coach. He is dependable, patient and knowledgeable.

But he goes above and beyond that expectation, as a coach, teacher, father and master chef. Committed to the success of every one of his players, “Serene the Bean” provides honest, unsugarcoated feedback paired with his encouraging and supportive nature. His technical knowledge of the game gives him the ability to tailor his critiques specific to every player and write scouting reports to help the team prepare for upcoming opponents. As a calculus teacher, his analytical mind allows him to predict outcomes, not only in volleyball, but also in battleship and fantasy hockey. Yet, he somehow still pronounces triangle as “triango.”

Source: Jeff Yang

#24 JC “Mom” Juatco Excuse me? Mommy? Sorry. 5’11” knitting god with blue/green hair? Sorry. The certified “mom” of the team, JC Juatco’s maternal qualities extend past the fact that she is great at knitting. She is dependable, supportive and a leader on the court. As a middle, she can turn the tide of a match with her clutch blocks and slide kills, and can pull the team together with her strong communication. While bringing height to a relatively undersized team, she has also improved her passing and court vision. Catch her changing her hair colour every two weeks!

JC displays her slide kill and amazing flow.

Source: Jeff Yang

Coach Lau gathers game footage to analyze later.

Source: Jenny Hui

13 FEATURED

Pinetree’s Sr. Girls Volleyball team pose with their hard earned 6th place and sportsmanship awards.

Source: Jeff Yang

I Never Knew!

Sledding at Golf Courses Making the best of the holidays.

Kaleigh Morrow Writer, Interviewer

Winter holidays are here! When there are so many activities to choose from, it can be hard for students to decide what to do in only two weeks. This year, the Pinetree Post interviewed students about the best things to do, places to go, and insider tips on how to optimise the holidays and make the best of winter break time. The Pinetree Post also asked students for opinions on Christmas songs, holiday chocolates and cookies, and Christmas movies.

STUDENTS 14 not work, so you have to keep adding snow to the ball.

PTP: What do you use for a snowman’s nose?

G: I poke holes into the eyes, nose and mouth. They also have arms, no hats or scarves.

PTP: Where are the best places to go sledding?

G: There was a ditch behind my house where I grew up. It was like a sledding hill, so I would go sledding down there.

PTP: Where is the best place to go tubing?

G: Winterlude in Ottawa. It is a festival that happens every year, and there are these giant man made tubing hills. It was very fun.

PTP: What are your plans for winter break?

G: I am going to Whistler, and I am going to go snowboarding.

PTP: What is the best holiday drink?

G: Hot chocolate, even though I am lactose intolerant.

It is okay to suffer sometimes.

PTP: What is your favourite cookie?

G: Chocolate chip. Gooey, [with] chunks. I bake them.

I am really bad at baking, but I just follow a recipe that I find on Google. It turns out okay and I do not burn my kitchen down so…

PTP: What is on your Christmas wishlist this year?

G: My birthday is two days after Christmas, so I am getting a phone for my birthday. Either the iPhone 11 or 12.

PTP: What was the best Christmas gift you have ever gotten?

Giann (Grade 10)

PTP: Do you have any pro-tips for making a snowman?

G: You have to wait until the snow is very sticky, and then you roll the snow into big balls. You have to slowly build them up. You cannot roll them because it does

G: When I was nine, I got a Barbie Dreamhouse. It was the best day of my life. I was obsessed with it, and then it sat in my basement and collected dust after that… It was a good experience, I loved it for a good two years.

PTP: How do you usually decorate your tree?

G: Ornaments. White, red and silver colours.

PTP: What is the best type of chocolate?

G: Dark chocolate is disgusting. Milk and white

15 STUDENTS chocolate are pretty much the same.

PTP: How do you feel about chocolate sets?

G: I think they are nice. They are fun to give to someone. If I do not like any of them, I do not eat them. My brother will eat it, he will eat anything.

PTP: When did you find out that Santa was not real?

G: When I was seven, I found my mom dressing my dad up as Santa. I think that I cried watching my parents put the gifts under the tree, and I was like, “Santa’s not real?”

R: Hot chocolate, but I like it with peppermint.

Sometimes I put candy cane in it. Marshmallows are also good. I like mini marshmallows, not big ones. I avoid whipping cream.

PTP: What is your favourite cookie?

R: I think that gingerbread is good during Christmas.

Gingerbread cookies are pretty good with icing. I use Smarties and the icing that is provided [to decorate]. I like to make it simple, so that it tastes good.

PTP: Do you eat the head or the arms and legs first?

R: I go for the head first, and then later arms and legs.

PTP: What do you do during winter break?

R: I usually hang out with my family, take a break to relax, and watch lots of Christmas movies.

PTP: Do you have anywhere that you would recommend people go during winter break?

Ryan (Grade 11)

PTP: Do you have any pro-tips for making a snowman?

R: You should make sure the snow is compact, so that the stone and carrots can stick in. Make sure it is nice and sticky.

PTP: When you make a snowman what do you use for the nose?

R: I typically use a carrot, because that is the traditional way. Usually I have carrots lying around at home, but sometimes I buy carrots. Large carrots, not baby carrots.

PTP: Where are the best places to go sledding?

R: Usually I find that golf courses are really good, because they are very bumpy, and they have big hills that are covered in snow. I often go with friends or with family.

PTP: What is the best holiday drink?

R: I think around your local park, like Lafarge is pretty good for the lights. Stanley Park has a pretty cool train that goes around their lights, and that is pretty nice.

PTP: What is on your Christmas wishlist this year?

R: I usually like to get books. I like bookstore gift cards.

I think gift cards are really good, because you have your own choice to choose whatever you want. It is nice and thoughtful in my opinion.

PTP: Do you have tree decorating tips?

R: Icicles make it look nice. You can buy icicle ornaments. I like one-colored lights personally, so I do not like rainbow lights. I just like white lights, one colour traditional lights.

PTP: What is the best holiday chocolate?

R: Peppermint bark is very good. I like it a lot. Milk chocolate is the best.

PTP: How do you feel about pre-made chocolate sets?

R: I think that you can find some gems in them, but sometimes it is really hard, because you have a mix of good flavours and bad flavours. Choosing your own chocolates is easier.

STUDENTS 16

real?

PTP: When did you find out that Santa is not

R: I probably already knew when I was born, but my parents never told me, so I probably found out in elementary school. I didn’t really get sad [when I found out], because I probably already knew my parents were Santa.

E: Hot chocolate with marshmallows. The bigger the better.

PTP: What is your favourite cookie?

E: I am okay with every cookie. I do not really have a favourite… oatmeal raisin?

PTP: Do you bake or buy your cookies?

E: I do both. I bake burnt ones and then I buy good ones.

PTP: What is the best holiday dessert?

E: Cakes. Log cakes. Vanilla log cakes.

PTP: What do you recommend doing during winter break?

E: Sleep. Hibernate. Go to my grandma’s place. I play games and eat hot pot.

PTP: What is on your wishlist this year?

E: Good grades. I do not really want any material objects.

PTP: What is the best gift you have ever gotten?

Elaine (Grade 12)

PTP: How do you build a snowman?

E: Use snow, and then stick a carrot on it. And then you have a reason to not eat your carrots during Christmas.

PTP: What consistency of snow do you prefer?

E: I got a punching bag once. Probably when I was ten or eleven-ish. I got good at punching the punching bag.

I actually destroyed it by punching it. A very sad story.

PTP: Do you have any tree decorating tips?

E: Make it light up. I think it looks nice when it lights up. Get your sister to do it.

PTP: Do you use Google Santa Tracker?

E: Stickier. Not the shaved iced snow, the fresh one.

PTP: When you make a snowman what do you use for the nose?

E: I look at it sometimes. It is kind of fun. My favourite game is the one where Santa flies around and collects coins.

PTP: When did you find out that Santa was not real?

E: Whatever I can find. Sometimes I end up using buttons, sometimes I use carrots.

PTP: Where are the best places to sled?

E: When I had to go put my sister’s present under the tree and write “from Santa.” Sad experience. I was like six or seven years old.

E: When I was younger I went to Walton to sled, but now they built a portable there, so I cannot go there anymore. Sometimes I go to Town Centre Park, it is closer [to my home].

PTP: What is the best holiday drink?

17 STUDENTS Lightning Round!

PTP: Who is the best snowman?

G: Frosty.

R: I think I would have to say Frosty the Snowman.

E: I like the snowmen that I built.

PTP: Do you think a snowman should be of a snowball form or human form?

G: Ball shaped.

R: Snowball form.

E: Well I go for the snowball one at first, but then I just end up piling snow.

PTP: Are you for or against wrapping paper?

G: For. I think it looks nice.

R: I like wrapping paper, but I personally like gift boxes or gift bags more.

E: Against. I like bags. But I do not have bags, so I use wrapping paper.

PTP: What is your favourite holiday movie?

G: Elf. R: Home Alone. I really like Home Alone personally.

I think the first one is better than the second one, but both of them are very good.

E: Elf, just the classic movies.

PTP: Which Grinch movie is the superior Grinch movie?

G: The original animated one.

R: The classic one, the animated one. It is pretty good.

It takes me back to my childhood.

E: I think I have only watched the old animated movie, but I think that one was the best though.

PTP: What is the best holiday pop song?

G: I hate all of them.

R: I think a classic, All I Want For Christmas Is You, is a pretty good jam.

E: Last Christmas and All I Want For Christmas Is You.

PTP: Do you like carols?

G: …

R: I like them in movies, but not in real life.

E: They are okay to listen to, but I do not like singing them.

Oldest surviving image of Santa Claus, 1872.

Source: Public Domain, L. R. Bronk

ADVICE 18 ADVICE COLUMN:

Ask Tommy Tommy Sharpe

Hi everyone, My name is Tommy Sharpe, and welcome to the December edition of Ask Tommy! As most of you have experienced first-hand, December does have a feel to be one of the most busy months of the year. Many are scrambling to complete their university applications, cramming their Winter Breaks with preparations for Finals, or rushing to punctually complete Christmas errands at the last minute. I’ve felt that pain too. Perhaps high school is really the first exposure most of us have towards undertaking a greater amount of obligations and responsibilities in our lives (after all, these four years are meant to be the formative periods that prepare us for post-secondary studies). I guess that’s a good enough reason for us all to shut up and take the hits.

That being said, this month I had one inquiry to which I think I could give a very universally applicable response for both the inquirer and anyone else who happens to read it.

It’s something I get asked frequently, especially at this time of year (can you guess why?), though I wasn’t expecting to be asked for advice on this (probably because I didn’t get this question last year). Well, without further ado, c’est parti!

Dear Tommy, “What sort of New Years Resolutions should I set for myself ?”

-K. Interesting question, K., though since I don’t know anything of your circumstances my response will be as general as applicable for everyone who reads to be able to apply something for themselves. I suppose if I were to be especially snarky, I would straight up just advise you not to bother making resolutions anyway. I think it’s a rather foolish tradition and a rather mundane and cliché part of culture to write something out when a good majority of us end up taking shortcuts or just abandoning them outright (don’t lie, I’m sure you’ve done this before). Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean not to bother trying to make changes to yourself or improve as a person. It really just means to try and integrate your ways of improving into your daily routines subconsciously and to apply them subconsciously, too, and not to actively worry about them. That in itself is a skill that one obtains naturally, but like everything else that follows, it comes with time. You could say that it’s the key to all the other goals or desires you have in life about changing yourself. Maybe that would make a good New Years resolution, for a starter!

Especially at this time of year the omnipresent media tells us to consume and indulge (as the spirit of Christmas does) inducing stress via the compulsion to go out and buy bigger and more costly goodies for “that special someone”, it’s important to remember to sit down and have a moment to breathe even when we feel besieged on all sides by all the constant first-world strife we compel ourselves to submit to. Really all I have to say about that is not to let yourself be overwhelmed by the cacophonic

19 ADVICE inane noise like that and really to take it easy in life (which is easier said than done). Nonetheless, whatever it is, especially around this time of year a lot of people (with whatever little free time they have left over) spend a bit of time to reflect (as much as I hate using that word) and ponder on how their year went, and it wouldn’t hurt to do a little bit of self-critique. Just don’t buy into that sort of corporate-talk nonsense “New year, new you!” rubbish, is all, and go at your own pace. You don’t have to impress or demonstrate anything to anyone (actually, that sort of stress to change only inhibits your progress). Oh, and remember that not everything is about the result. The process is just as important and arguably the most formative part of everything, so don’t be bummed out if you don’t see the results you desire.

That’s all I have for this month’s issue of Ask Tommy. As always, if you have any questions you’d like to ask me or just anything you want to say, feel free to contact me at pinetreepost.asktommy@gmail.com! I’d be pleased to give whatever advice I have on life, school, or anything else. Just remember to keep your questions school appropriate, and not to send graduate thesis-length documents detailing everything you want from me. In other cases, do send whatever prompts you have my way and I’ll try my best to answer them for you. And with that, have a wonderful Winter Break and enjoy the rest of your December!

Tree.

Source: Wikipedia Commons

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21 CROSSWORD Across 1-Reflected Light 9-Happens on Wednesday 12-Fine Droplet 13-European Island Language 15-Sour Fruits 16-Danish Beer Brewery 17-Frozen Water 18-French Garlic 19-Sulfur, Oxygen, Neodymium, Neon, and Nitrogen 20-Lousiana City and California City (2, 2) 22-Birds associated with the first day of Christmas 24-Rocky Horror Ray ____ 26-Ketchup or A1 27-Japanese Dog 28-Word that follows “Step” and “Has” 30-Capital Market in India 31-What makes safe routes for Aircrafts 32-Thinking of others before yourself 35-First part of a pill bug 37-Assessments given to grades 4 & 7 38-To attempt 39-Type of rock music 40-Air defense mechanism 42-Dutch Village 43-Tchaikovsky Ballet 45-Indefinite Unconsciousness 46-Erbium, Hydrogen, Uranium, Praseodymium, Sulfur 47-Public Key Cryptography Implementation 48- Actor ___ Diesel 49-Bestowed, or a cut above the rest.

50-Ingredients of a fresh meal 52-Chinese University 53-Japanese Mythical Bird 54-Food Chain ___ Taco 55-Black, White, or Grey.

Down 1-Part of the eye 2-Portugese Communications Authority 3-British Retailer 4-Canadian Online Insurance Training 5-Towards the water 6-Store in Indian District 7-Whistler Store, ____ __ A Moose 8-Cryptocurrencty Token 9-Factors in transcription 10-Obsolete Strains 11-Makes an account 13-Spanish Vegan Fashion 14-Medical prefix for abdominal 16-Penny found in hilly terrains? 19-Posh 21-Downtown _____ 23-To pillage 25-Medical proficiency in head and neck 29-Direction away from the start 31-Not existing, or at the same time 32-Lazy 33-Organizations which promote cyber security 34-A period of time 35-Broke one’s promise 36-Japanese egg dish 40-A blind rug (It can’t see) 41-Singer Lorraine ____ 43-Cheerful and Friendly 44-Chemistry Acronym 45-Where Baby Jesus was born 47-Snips 48-Acronym for a strong feeling of distaste 52-Gallium, Uranium, Carbon 55-Unrighteous act, to a Catholic 56-Local government tourism

ARTIST SHOWCASE 22

Kaylin Brereton-Stiles

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