Lifestyle
What are your favorite holiday traditions?
By Dee Padron
As soon as Thanksgiving is over my family gets into the Christmas spirit and starts preparing for December 24th and 25th. My family has a tradition of drawing names to give a gift to that individual you got the name of every year so that we all don’t have to give a present to everyone since our family is big and expanding. The only exception for everyone to get a gift for are the people under 18. Then, on Christmas eve we have a get together at my house and everyone comes over and exchanges our gifts. I’ve always liked Thanksgiving dinner, but Christmas dinner is different for us. On Christmas day, my aunt makes Chile con Carne and tortillas and everyone brings beans and rice. We all sit down to eat and play board games after. During the Christmas season we also decorate our house with lights and our Christmas tree, which is a different theme every other year. Around the second week I go around with my friends and look at everyone else’s decorations and drink hot chocolate. My family is a very big fan of baking and eating Christmas sweets. So, we pick a day when we’re all free and we bake cookies, brownies, or anything else that looks good on Pinterest. Christmas day is a lazy day for all of us so we all just sit around watching Christmas movies while eating a bunch of sweets. Also, in spirit of Christmas, we usually make a plate for the less fortunate and give it to them. Besides from having traditions with my family, I am part of the Deming High School Choir and we have many traditions of our own. We go to the nursing home every year to sing to the elders and try and brighten up their spirits. This year we sang common Christmas carols for the copper kettle and the public on Saturday, December 1st and for the light parade. We also arrange our annual Christmas concerts every December for the families of the students in the choir to come and watch. The public is also more than welcome to attend.
By Liz beth Gutierrez
My family and I don’t really celebrate Christmas so when I go to my birth place, me and my cousin do a sleepover every year. This year in New Year we are going to be celebrating our 11th year of doing our sleepover. Some of my cousin are already married and already have kids and obviously is not the same as it used to be when we were all small and teenagers, but now we include their kids and their husbands or wives. We always have a theme and we have inspired pajamas with it. We play games and watch movies. We usually stay at whoever’s house the sleep over was all day, depending if we have something planned the next day. This is my favorite holiday tradition.
Holiday Recipes
By Amber Peacock
Pumpkin Rolls
Ingredients:
* 3 beaten eggs
* 1 cup white sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 2/3 cup of pumpkin puree
* 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon of baking soda
* 2 tablespoons of soft butter
* 8 ounces of cream cheese
* 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 1 cup for dusting
* 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Directions:
* Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease one jelly roll pan.
* Mix together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin.
* In a different bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda and add the pumpkin mixture and blend until it’s smooth.
* Evenly spread the mixture in the jelly roll pan.
* Bake 15 to 25 minutes
* Remove cake from pan and put on a towel and roll up the cake by rolling the towel
* Mix together the butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla.
* When cake is completely cooled, unroll and spread with cream cheese filling. Roll up again without towel.
* Sprinkle top with confectioners’ sugar and enjoy
Christmas Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
* White Cake Mix
* 2 Eggs
* 1/3 cup oil
* 1/3 cup powdered sugar
* Red and green food coloring
Directions
* Mix eggs, oil and the cake mix in a bowl.
* Divide the dough into two amounts.
* Dye one part red and the other part green.
* Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
* Roll small size balls of dough in powdered sugar and put on parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
* Bake for 9-11 minutes at 375 degrees.
Holiday Traditions Around the World
BY Kaitlyn Warczinski
There are many different celebrations in December due to religions. Saint Nicholas day is the feast day, one celebration is placing shoes in the foyer before bedtime. Saint Nicholas day is celebrated on December 6th in western Christian countries and Romania December 5th in Netherlands and December 19th in Eastern Christian countries. The day of the virgin of Guadalupe is a Catholic feast that celebrates the belief that a man encountered the virgin Mary. This celebration celebrates the appearance of Mary to the Mexican peasant Juan Diego, a larger alter for her is put up within the St. Michael’s usually celebrated on December 12th. St. Lucia day is the celebration from stories that were told by monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden, St. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith, celebrated December 13th in Sweden. Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid empire. Known as the festival of lights celebrated December 2nd through December 10th.
Christmas day is an annual festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations is gift-giving, family gatherings, symbolic decoration, and feasting, celebrated on December 25th. Three king’s days is celebrated on January 6th to honor the three wise men. The day closes the Christmas festivities and is the day Mexico exchange gifts. Kwanza is the celebration that honors African heritage, it’s on January 1st and the celebrations are unity, creativity, faith, and giving gifts. Omisoka is a Japanese tradition celebrated on the last day of the year, people gather the last time in the old year to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba (noodles), celebrated December 31st
The Crunchy Killers
by isaiah Chavez
Out of 18 people surveyed 13 of those chose a spicy snack over anything else. More and more people are being hospitalized from these crunchy snacks. Eating hot Cheetos can cause abdominal pain, ulcers, erosions, peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis. Doctor Martha Rivera says she sees at least 5-6 kids with gastritis DAILY!! Flamin’ Hot Cheetos were even banned in some schools. From the words of the man himself Chester the cheetah “dangerously cheesy”, maybe the cheetah was right. Rapper Lil Xan was hospitalized after eating hot cheetos he says, “it ripped something in my stomach open.” He also called hot cheetos “one hell of a drug”. Frito lay says the chips meet all safety regulations as well as quality standards. Personally, I have been eating about three big bags a week for as long as I can remember and haven’t experienced any stomach pains. Maybe some people are just more sensitive to spicy foods then others.
TREAT PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS
By Claritza Rangel
In today’s society, kindness is not something that is passed along on a daily. The world seems to go into a frenzy when someone does a deed of kindness; posting on social media, news and other outlets to react to something that should be normal but unfortunately isn’t. The world would be a better place if we looked at each other with a caring heart; doing selfless acts of kindness on the daily. I am also a firm believer of the saying “treat others the way you want to be treated.” That’s why I believe in treating people with kindness. Musician and writer Harry Styles, has introduced the phrase “TREAT PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS” to the world. He is constantly promoting kindness through his platform by advocating for minorities and associations created to protect such. What really is kindness though? In the dictionary kindness means “the quality of being friendly, generous, or considerate.”. Think about all the times someone has made an impact in your life just by being someone you can count on emotionally. By being kind, you don’t have to go out of your way to make someone’s day, it all starts with the little things
LISTENING: It may not seem like you are doing much but listening is so important. When your friends are talking to you about something they are passionate about pay attention to that; people love to be heard.
DON’T JUDGE: Although it is very easy to judge others remember there is a reason for every action or an event that has lead them to where they are right now. Don’t judge others by the way they dress, act or express themselves.
DON’T BELITTLE: When you belittle others you actually look bad yourself. When you make them feel like they are not worth it, it seems like you are voicing how you feel about your own persona. Treat everyone that comes across your way as your equals.
The selfless acts of kindness you do are inspiring to others that watch. Be an example to the people that surround you, you might not think the little things you do matter but there is always somewhat out there that may think the world of you. Do these things by heart and I guarantee that you will change the world one act of kindness at the time.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
WORKING OUT | GOOD FORM | EATING PROPERLY
by Gabby Perez
You should not workout more than twice a day. Yes you want to workout and you feel energized but you can cause your body to shut down. I always have a day where I rest.
I workout Monday-Friday and rest Saturday and Sunday. While working out I keep a good nutrition so that if I want to workout twice a day I have fed my body to be ready for the second workout.
Eating properly
As an athlete you should always think of your eating. Without eating proper you can cause damage not only to you but your body. It can cause your body to shut down. Also remember water is very important!!
Meal prepping is one way you can keep control of how you eat. Some meals that help me are:
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Breakfast is important, I eat a couple almonds, raspberries, grapes, blueberries and cucumber. And egg sandwich and a handful of granola
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8 oz. chicken with 1 cup of rice & 1 cup of any green veggies
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A good portioned salad with chicken breast on top and a side of sweet potatoes
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Chicken stir-fry with 1 cup of rice
Good Form
Having good form can prevent injury. Knowing what your doing while working out will help you become more safe and healthier
The main workouts of needing to have good form is squats, bench press, and deadlifts.
Holiday horoscopes
By Claritza Rangel
Aries: Die Hard
You are not the typical Christmas season person. You are rebellious and a daredevil; making Die Hard a perfect movie for your holidays.
Taurus: Polar Express
You are warm hearted and loving. Add The Polar Express to your Christmas watchlist and you will for sure get into the holiday spirit; while following the adventures of a few kids and their Christmas travesties.
Gemini: A Christmas Carol
You are youthful and full of life. A Christmas Carol is an example of what not being in the Christmas Spirit will leave you with; dull and with a cold heart.
Cancer: Elf
You are emotional and loving. Elf is the perfect story enjoy during this holiday following the quest of a man trying to reconnect with his father during the holidays.
Leo: A Charlie Brown Christmas
You are a generous and enthusiastic person. You never go out of style, that’s why the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas a perfect fit for you.
Virgo: Home Alone
You are meticulous and very analytical. You will have fun with the mischievous adventures of a young boy as he faces the holidays alone.
Libra: The Santa Clause
You are romantic and have a great sense of humor. The Santa Clause will transport you into the North Pole as man tries revive the love his son has for him.
Scorpio: The Nutcracker
You are determined and passionate. The Nutcracker takes you through the new amazing journey of a group of strange friends to complete the ultimate mission.
Sagittarius: Jack Frost
You have a soft heart and a sweet spirit. Jack Frost is a must watch for this holiday’s; focusing on the story of a man trying to make up for the lost time with his son.
Capricorn: Gremlins
You are humorous, careful and patient just like Gremlins. You need to be diligent when taking care of these little monsters.
Aquarius: The Nightmare before Christmas
You are the ‘new classic’. Loyal and original are the two characteristics that tie you with this film that is for sure meant to be the new classic.
Pieces: The Grinch
You are an escapist and like to be away from others most of the time but you are also compassionate when you see those in need. Does that sound familiar?
Christmas Traditions at DHS
by Alexis Mejia
Check back soon.....
Horoscopes as Thanksgiving Food
* Aries- you love being the center of attention that’s why you’re the turkey, everything revolves around you.
* Taurus- you’re the stuffing with many flavors and layers that no one seems to have enough of.
* Gemini- you’re always perfect for every occasion just like mashed potatoes.
* Cancer- like gravy you go with the flow and get along with everyone
* Leo- just like rolls you’re quite a trailblazer and no thanksgiving table is complete without you
* Virgo- always loyal and reliable that’s why you’re like pecan pie, which is a must have at the dinner table.
* Libra- you’re a trustworthy and honest person, always there for anyone just like a honey glazed ham at the thanksgiving feast
* Scorpio- just like green beans. Everyone knows you will be there for them.
* Sagittarius- you’re the most sweet and compassionate person just like a slice of pumpkin pie that can brighten up anyone’s day.
* Capricorn- you’re as sweet and savory as sweet potato! Definitely loved and appreciated by your family.
* Aquarius- just like cranberry sauce you might be an afterthought, but you are never forgotten
* Pieces- you are the salad. Maybe not the center of attention but definitely needed. Without you Thanksgiving would be missing something special.
Thanksgiving Origin
By Alexis Mejia
As we all know the thanksgiving holiday has been around for many years, taking place the third Thursday of November; but have you ever wonder how it all started? This tradition dates back to the early 1600’s when the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast to give thanks for all the crops harvested for that year and was known as the first thanksgiving. In some areas of the country the tradition was adapted by the citizens but each celebrated it on a different day. However, the Southern states remained largely unfamiliar with the tradition. It wasn’t until 1863 during the civil war that president Abraham Lincoln declared that a national Thanksgiving Day get held every year on November and many colonies and states celebrated this day ever since.
This tradition has changed throughout the years but people still get together and celebrate it somehow. Some traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and turkey as the main dish. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate. Parades have also been part of the holiday. Presented by Macy’s department store since 1924, New York City’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the largest and most famous, attracting some 2 to 3 million citizens from all over the country not including the enormous television audience. Despite all the different traditions and changes thanksgiving is still a world-wide celebration that brings families together.