Tag Archives: Christmas

Who is Saint Nicholas?

By Gabby Martines

We know Saint Nicholas is another name for Santa Claus. But what is the real story of Saint Nicholas? I did some research and here’s what I found out.

The full name of Saint Nicholas is Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, and he was an early Christian Bishop, living between the years 270-343.

Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need. He had love for children and showed concern for sailors and ships.

He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Myra was a town in ancient Greece located on the coast (of what is now the country of Turkey).

Displaying more generosity, Saint Nicholas also provided for the poor and the sick.

He had wealthy parents who raised him to be a devout Christian. He believed that wealthy people should sell what they owned and give money to the poor.

Knowing all of these basic facts about the generosity and giving spirit of Saint Nicholas, it is no wonder we started to use this Saint as the model for Santa Claus.

Yule Celebrations & the Origins of Christmas

By Leslie Cardenas

Christmas is the time that we spend with our families and friends, but the usual traditions we all enjoy come from long-ago Pagan traditions.

Yule marks the beginning of the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the longest night of the year, and it celebrates the return of the sun. Lighting candles, lights on the tree, and stars represent the return of the light. After the winter solstice the days start to get longer and brighter, which is why we celebrate. Yule is traditionally celebrated by the Germanic peoples; they call it Midwinter.

The Christian holiday Christmas is heavily influenced by yule and the traditions surrounding it. Now, this holiday has become a representation of the characters, traditions, and symbols associated with Christianity.

During this time, we set our wishes into the universe for the new year. One way many witches do this is by making a yule log.

The yule log is one of many traditions that many Pagans participate in. The yule log is made up of the bark of a tree (or at times, a cake). The log is adorned with red, white, green candles, pine cones, mistletoe, pine, and evergreen. At times, cinnamon sticks and dried oranges can also be used if your intentions are to bring abundance into your life. The log is usually set in an altar or a centerpiece on the dining table. On the night of the winter solstice, the candles are burned to release the intended wishes into the universe.

Top Presents to Give

By Jason Leyva

Having trouble with a present to give? Worry no more, here is what The Shoemaker Bugle thinks you should give, in no particular order.

1. Money:

Why should you give someone money? What can’t you do without it, you can buy whatever you want, which makes it a good present to give. Clothes, shoes, food, and anything else somebody wants to buy for themselves!

2. Electronics:

Why should you give electronics? Electronics make a great gift since electronics are part of our everyday life. You can give AirPods, phones, watches, and the list goes on.

3. Clothes:

Why should you give clothes? Everybody needs clothes! It is a good simple gift, it is affordable, and a nice gift overall. 

4. Your Affection:

Affection is a simple thing you can give that is free and it is worth more than any other present. You can give it to anyone–your family, friends, etc. Affection goes down a long way and it is very meaningful.

5. Unnecessary Things:

Why should you give unnecessary things? Unnecessary things are stuff everyone loves to have. Whether it be extraordinarily expensive clothing, consoles, and more everyone loves having them here and there. So go ahead, gift someone an unnecessary thing.


What are the other great gifts you can give? Take the survey below to help us rank the best Christmas gifts.

Student Voices: Best Christmas Ever

By Cesar Martinez

We asked our readers to send in the stories of their best Christmas memories. Here are some of the best responses:

Book Surprise

“My best Christmas was a few years ago when I got the PS4. But when we opened the box, the box had books inside. We were all surprised and we just laughed it off.”

— Anonymous

Celebrity Meeting

“In 2019, my middle school let a couple of kids with good attendance go to a game. The game was never mentioned, but luckily I was selected to attend the Christmas game between the Clippers and Lakers. It was not only my first ever basketball game, but I also got to meet Kevin Hart in person!”

— Anonymous

PlayStation 5 Story

“My birthday is in November, and so I already got most of the gifts I wanted. I was saving my money to get either an Oculus Quest 2 or a PS5, and then my parents asked me if I had the money, which I would rather have? Then I said PS5. So on Christmas I ended up getting it! I didn’t have anything left to need. Now I want headsets and an Oculus then I’m set for life.”

— Anonymous

What are some of your best Christmas memories? Let us know in the comments section below.

Top 10 Christmas Food & Treats

By Daniel Altamirano

These are the top ten Christmas foods and treats to eat this year, ranked down from #10 to #1. Click on each item in the list for links to great recipes from around the internet.


Merry Christmas everybody, and I hope you guys can enjoy some of these treats!

Holiday Movies to Watch Over Winter Break

By Karissa Meno

1. Home Alone (1990)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Starring Macaulay Culkin as an 8 year-old boy left behind during the holiday season as the rest of his family goes on a trip. The boy is left behind to fend off burglars with traps and games laid around his house.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Jim Carrey as a green hairy mischievous creature who hates Christmas. A little girl sets off to get the Grinch in the holiday spirit while the Grinch plans to take away their Christmas cheer.

3. A Christmas Story (1983)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Peter Billingsley. A young boy narrating his life through the unforgettable holiday season as he hopes to get his dream gift and get through the holiday season.

4. The Santa Clause (1994)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Starring Tim Allen. A regular father and worker has a run in with the real Santa Claus and if forced to take his place after a tragic accident, he can no longer live a normal life.

5. Gremlins (1984)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Zack Galligan as a young worker who comes home to find that his inventive father has bought him an extremely rare gift–a special creature that can’t have water or eat after midnight. The holiday season is invaded by the little gremlins during Christmas.

6. Elf (2003)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Will Ferrell as an elf sent from the North Pole to search for his father. He navigates his life through New York City with his very enthusiastic personality.

7. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Where to Watch: Hulu

Starring James McAvoy as a young man who is sent to help Santa Claus and his technical operation team to deliver a gift to the one girl they missed before Christmas morning.

8. Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer (1964)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

Starring Billie Mae Richards. The story of Rudolph and how he grows up with his bright red nose as he navigates through rough lifestyles and comments only to meet other outcasts who are different like him, while being chased by the abominable snowman.

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Where to Watch: HBOmax

Starring Chevy Chase as the father of the family who is set on doing the regular Christmas traditions like tree picking, shopping, and family coming over but there is always something that goes wrong.

10. Jingle All The Way (1996)

Where to Watch: Youtube (Primetime subscription)

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the father of a family of three when he forgets to buy his son his favorite superhero toy. He sets off to retrieve one only to find that it is a lot harder to shop for Christmas late.

Top 10 Best Christmas Songs

By Alicia Cram

As the nights become colder and the days become longer, you know that Christmas is in the air. Christmas is on its way, and what better to bring in the holidays than with music!

We polled these top 10 Christmas songs and students from across JGHS and SEA ranked them. Here are the final results of your rankings of the absolute best Christmas songs, from best to worst!

#1) “Last Christmas” by Wham!

#2) “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

#3) “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé

#4) “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms

#5) “White Christmas” by Michael Bublé

#6) “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano

#7) “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber

#8) “Frosty the Snowman” by Michael Bublé

#9) “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande

#10) “The Chipmunk Song” by Alvin & the Chipmunks

Top 10 Christmas Movies of All Time

By Michael Rodriguez

#10: The Santa Clause 2

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been in the role of Santa for the past eight years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But the world of the “Merry Old Soul” turns upside down when he’s dealt a double whammy of news: Not only has his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), landed on this year’s naughty list, but Scott discovers that he must marry by Christmas Eve — just a month away! — or he will stop being Santa Claus forever.

#9: Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

A handful of Disney’s famous characters spread the Christmas magic and love through three separated heartwarming animated stories. Discover the true meaning of the holiday season along with beloved Donald, Goofy, and Mickey.

#8: The Polar Express

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump; Cast Away) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

#7: A Charlie Brown Christmas

When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but it is a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to learn the meaning of Christmas.

#6: A Christmas Carol (2009)

Though London awaits the joyful arrival of Christmas, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) thinks it’s all humbug, berating his faithful clerk and cheerful nephew for their view. Later, Scrooge encounters the ghost of his late business partner, who warns that three spirits will visit him tonight. The ghosts take Scrooge on a journey through his past, present and future in the hope of transforming his bitterness.

#5: Krampus

While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmas time. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max (Emjay Anthony) to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon. As Krampus lays siege to the Engel home, his mom (Toni Collette), his pop (Adam Scott), his sister (Stefania LaVie Owen) and brother must band together to save one another from a monstrous fate.

#4: It’s a Wonderful Life

George Bailey (James Stewart) has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence – who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all his good deeds over the years.

#3: Elf

Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman, takes a DNA test with Buddy that proves that Walter is his father. Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

#2: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max and the Grinch come down from his mountaintop home and sneak into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).

#1: Home Alone

When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O’Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.

Eats & Treats: Homemade Cookies for the Holidays

By Destiny Padilla

With the holiday season approaching, the mouthwatering desserts catch my attention! Brownies, cookies, pies… the more the merrier! Here’s a delicious Christmas cookie recipe you can make at home.

CHRISTMAS M&M COOKIES

For this recipe you will need…

  • 1 and ½ cups of flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cornstarch 
  • 1 cup red and green M&Ms
  • ½ cup room temperature butter
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg

Follow these quick and easy directions for the tasty cookies!

Step 1) In a bowl, cream together the sugars and room temperature butter until fluffy and light. 

Step 2) Next, mix in the vanilla extract and the egg. 

Step 3) Once everything is mixed, pour in the dry ingredients and the M&Ms, and mix until everything is combined. 

Step 4) When finished mixing, put portions of tablespoon sized cookie dough balls onto a baking pan and put them in the freezer for 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees while you are waiting.

Step 5) After 10 minutes, put the pan of cookie dough balls in the oven and bake at 350F for approximately 11 minutes.

Step 6) Eat the cookies and enjoy!

Favorite Christmas Traditions at JGHS

By Kelly Catap

Christmas Traditions are a way for people to celebrate Christmas and spend time with their family and friends! This upcoming holiday, people around school were asked what their favorite Christmas traditions are. 

Decorating the Christmas tree, listening to Christmas songs, watching Christmas movies, giving gifts, and putting the Elf on the Shelf are traditionally appreciated by others. It brings the holiday spirit and makes everyone feel content.

Students mentioned cutting the Rosca de Reyes bread. It is a fun traditional Christmas activity. Every member is given a sweet bread, but only one contains a baby inside it. Whoever finds the baby in their bread has to be the one to cook tamales for everyone next time! 

A special Christmas tradition is celebrating birthdays. Christmas birthdays are considered to be rare and lucky. 

A favorite Christmas tradition that everyone can agree is most important is spending time with family and friends. Christmas wouldn’t be fulfilled without them. It’s good to cherish your loved ones and express your gratitude for them. You can spend time with family by praying together, cooking dinner, eating tamales, and visiting each other for the holidays! 

Have a Merry Christmas! 

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