Haul out the holly. The dreary weather between Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks doesn’t put a damper on the Christmas spirit within JC.

“We decorate the Chorus Room with lights and trees,” music teacher Marc Bolden said. “I enjoy the atmosphere. I know that the students are very happy.”

Bolden has two Christmas trees in the Chorus Room. “The kids bring in candy canes to decorate the trees,” he said. One tree is dedicated to mint candy canes, while the other holds candy canes of various flavors. According to Bolden, the students who bring in candy canes for the trees are allowed to take them off of the tree to eat as well.

Decorations help to set the theme of the Christmas-themed activities that Bolden does with his students. He conducts a Secret Santa gift exchange for Band, Orchestra, and his advisory. Additionally, “my advisory watches [the movie] Elf,” he said.

Sophomore Brooke Vogel enjoys the decorations put up by her teachers. “It’s more festive and you get in the season,” she said.

Spanish teacher Susan Garcia spreads Christmas cheer within her classes as well. While her students do their work, she plays Christmas carols. According to Garcia, playing these carols helps the students get into the Christmas mood. She watches as the spirit disperses throughout the room. “[The students] start swaying and then the singing starts.”

“I feel like the closer to Christmas it gets, everyone will start breaking out their Christmas ties and sweaters,” junior Colin McCaughey said.

Many teachers also keep Advent wreaths in their rooms. “[The wreaths] are trying to make the true spirit of Christmas come alive,” junior Juan Cajigas said.

JC focuses on the giving aspect of Christmas as well as the festive aspect. This year, advisories collectively gathered 6,866 for the annual can drive. Bolden feels that the food drives fit in well with the Christmas theme. Bolden said that Christmas time, “makes us all realize how fortunate we are.”

Lauren Glase is a News Editor for the Patriot and jcpatriot.com.