Isobel Schweigert
Sophomore Isobel Schweigert’s Christmases have always been filled with family traditions and heartfelt memories, from sledding down snowy hills in Illinois to baking cookies with her family. Growing up in Illinois, she recalls the excitement of waking up to beautifully decorated homes, bustling holiday gatherings and the joy of believing in Santa. Yet, as she got older, her Christmas celebrations began to evolve.
Now living in Cupertino, Schweigert notices that the holiday season feels different — the holiday spirit isn’t as vibrant in the community and, coupled with the stress from her schoolwork, she’s found some family traditions fading. Scheweigert and her family have been decorating less with her impending schoolwork, and large gatherings with family are less frequent. However, she still finds joy in the traditions that remain, such as video-calling relatives to watch them open the gifts her family sent.
“I think one of my favorites is opening presents,” Schweigert said. “We try to get something for everyone. From some Christmases, I remember my parents always telling me, ‘Oh, Santa got you more presents.’ But I could see the Amazon box outside our house and I’d say, ‘Are you sure?’ So I would love coming home from school every day, and seeing more gifts outside.”
Schweigert’s faith as a Christian also plays a central role in her holiday celebrations, giving Christmas a separate meaning for her from just a time of celebration. Attending church on Christmas Day has become a tradition that she looks forward to every year.
“We don't just go to church on Christmas — we go every week,” Schweigert said. “But Christmas is a specific time that recognizes Jesus' birth into the world and we tell the story of how He was born. So it’s a great time for a reminder of my faith and getting to hear this great story and all that He's done for us.”
This year, Schweigert is eager to travel with her family to Lake Tahoe, where she will try skiing for the first time and spend Christmas in the snow. For her, Christmas continues to be a reminder of the joys of spending time together.
“I think it's really important to just set aside time to be with your loved ones,” Schweigert said. “Especially since this is such a celebrated and joyful holiday, being alone would be really hard. My mom, she always invites as many people as possible and makes sure no one that we know is spending Christmas alone, because it's really a time just to be with others.”
