Tag Archives: Holiday Life

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.

Self Love is the Best Love: Winter Skin Care Guide

The Best Skin Care and Self-Care Products for the Holiday Season

By Destiny Padilla & Marleane Trujillo

As winter makes its appearance, it is important to prioritize yourself and take care of your body. At the top of your Christmas list should be spoiling yourself. 

For this month’s “Self Love is the Best Love,” we want you to take care of your skin. Here are the most popular recommended seasonal skin care and self-care products:

1. Tree Hut Frosted Sugar Cookie Shea Sugar Scrub

This product is amazing! It feels so good and makes your body feel nice, even when it’s cold it keeps its smell. Definitely worth buying.

 

2. Tree Hut Frosted Cranberry Shea Sugar Scrub

Tree Hut Frosted Cranberry smells really good and makes your body smooth. It gives a good boost to your shower routine.

3. Bath and Body Works Snowflakes and Cashmere Body Lotion 

We recommend Bath and Body Works’ Snowflake and Cashmere Body Lotion because they are both good combinations. Snowflake is really popular out there right now and smells really good, while the cashmere scent leaves you smelling  and feeling classy.

4. Yankee Candle’s Movie Night Cocoa

Yankee Candle makes a “Movie Night Cocoa” candle, which we love not only because it smells pretty but also because it makes you calm when you put it on at night.

 5. Burt’s Bees Vanilla Bean Lip Balm

Burt’s Bees Vanilla Bean Lip Balm is highly recommended because it feels good and makes your lips smooth. And since it is cold out, your lips won’t be chapped.


During the holiday season remember that life is too short to not treat yourself. Do something nice for YOU, simply because you deserve it. You deserve every ounce of happiness and love that is given to you, embrace and treasure the appreciation for yourself.

The greatest gift you can give yourself is to take care of your precious soul and body. In the time of gift giving, luxuries may seem like the best option, but giving someone the gift of having you in their life is just as valuable as the riches.

Celestial Messages: Your Holiday Horoscopes

December – February Horoscopes

By Lady Selene

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Blessings will be coming your way, Sagittarius, so make sure you prepare to take on any new responsibilities you may manifest. Now is also the perfect time to share your creativity and to step out of your shell and thrive.


Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

You may keep to yourself this month, which means it is the perfect opportunity to keep your intentions under wraps and begin to focus on yourself and your plans.


Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Inspiration may take on a big part of your life. You may feel inspired to change the things in your life that are no longer bringing you positive vibes. You may notice that it is hard for you to make connections with other people right now. Take into account the people around you, but don’t completely cut people off. 

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.

Your New Year’s Resolutions

The Shoemaker Bugle sent out a survey to ask our readers for their New Year’s Resolutions. Here were the best responses:

To gain 100 subscribers on YouTube.

Anonymous

• To graduate high school
• Stay consistent with my work
• Take a break from my stresses


I want to become buff and have the physique of a body builder.

To be honest, my New Year’s resolution is to focus more on myself than on what others think of me.

JGHS Student

“My New Year’s resolutions are to learn a new skill or hobby, spend less money, and do a random act of kindness.”

–Halie Ambriz


“Just to graduate, man. I’m done with school!”

-Anonymous

What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Let us know in the comments section below. Happy new year, Bugle readers!

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!

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.

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