DECEMBER 2025
The Picador
HOLIDAY EDITION
HOLIDAY EDITION
HOLIDAY EDITION A Wrap on The First Semester
Orla Shillingford ’26
As the first semester comes to a close, the Holderness community reflects on a fall full of energy and connection. From games of dodgeball and tennyball to the creativity of Halloween costumes and dorm gingerbread houses, the semester captured the spirit of buying in. As we head into winter, these shared experiences remind us what makes Holderness a place we chose to be.
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS Around The World Maeve Rhatigan’26
Christmas: A Christian holiday on only a single day’s supply of pure oil for December 25th that celebrates the birth the menorah, yet it burned for eight of Jesus Christ, believed to be the Son days. Today, people celebrate by of God and a source of freedom and lighting the menorah nightly, sharing peace for Christians. Over time, the food, and exchanging small gifts. holiday has also become very secular, Compared to Christmas within especially with the rise of figures like Christianity, Hanukkah is not Santa Claus who contribute to the considered a major religious holiday, modern gift-giving tradition. Santa’s though it remains culturally origins trace back to St. Nicholas, a significant. (History.com Editors) 4th-century saint known for his charity Kwanzaa: A secular holiday celebrated and celebrated on December 6th. The from December 26th to January 1st by modern Santa developed from African-American and Pan-African depictions by cartoonists like Thomas communities to honor cultural heritage Nast and from cultural staples like the and history. It was founded by Maulana poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Karenga in 1966 following the Watts (History.com Editors) Riots. Kwanzaa emphasizes seven core Hanukkah: A Jewish festival lasting principles, the Nguzo Saba, each eight days, beginning on the 25th day of highlighted on one of the seven days: the Hebrew month of Kislev, Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Selfcommemorating the rededication of determination), Ujima (Collective the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa Because the Hebrew and Gregorian (Cooperative Economics), Nia calendars differ, the dates change each (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and year; this year it runs from December Imani (Faith). The celebration often 14th to 22nd. Hanukkah centers on the concludes with a communal feast on miracle that occurred when the December 31st called Karamu. Maccabees reclaimed the temple and (Britannica). found
TOP 5
Festive Songs to Play in Pantry
T O P 5 Ryleigh McNelly '27 and Biff Maher '28
December is here, so it’s officially Coming in at a predictable number acceptable to blast holiday music one is “All I Want for Christmas Is on your speakers! But nothing's You” by Mariah Carey. This original better than a hype pantry sesh, so from 1994 continues to reign as the why not combine the two? The undeniably best Christmas song with holiday season is the perfect time its incredible melody and catchy to fill Weld with music that sparks lyrics. joy and warmth, ensuring a boost If number two surprises you, you’re in spirits just in time for midterms. getting coal for Christmas. “Last Christmas” by Wham! easily earns this So to help you get into a festive spot with its authentic but mood, Ryleigh and Biff have heartbreaking lyrics that make us all created the ultimate pantry playlist tear up a little during the holidays. that’ll make everyone sing and Did you think Michael Bublé wouldn’t dance during your favorite job. be on this list? His remake of “It’s Whether it's one of the 5 songs Beginning to Look a Lot Like listed below or the whole playlist, Christmas” has the softness of the its design offers upbeat classics, snow falling outside your window. modern faves, and surprise picks Wow, what a voice this guy has. that are scientifically proven to Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” takes boost productivity and increase the number four seed simply because I happiness by 67%. So as December feel like we could all get down to this cranks by and midterms loom, turn song. The beat, the lyrics, the up the volume and spread some cheeriness – call me Michael Jackson, holly cheer as Biff and Ryleigh's the way I’ll be dancing. playlist turns pantry into some A controversial number five is “Santa absolute winter vibes. Happy Tell Me” by Arianna Grande – boom! listening and happy holidays! (pull This one sneaks in because of Arianna’s sweet and innocent wishes up to the next GVH game to hear to Santa that just warm our hearts – this playlist in action) another boom!
ADVICE COLUMN Don’t go to extra help if you literally don’t have any questions
Be different “The Last Thing He Told Me” By Laura Dave “The Teacher” by Freida McFadden “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid “Beartown” by Fredrik Backman
“The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
BOOK CORNER: 5 MUST-READ BOOKS OVER BREAK BOOK CORNER: 5 MUST-READ
BOOKS OVER BREAK
Don’t let the fear of others opinions stop you from doing what makes you happy- this is your life, not theirs. It’s not embarrassing to walk somewhere alone or sit somewhere alone- embrace it You probably won’t see most of the people here ever again- do with thatADADVICE what you will
Say hi to everyone Don’t underestimate the power of alone time Your worth more than how well you perform athletically Be selective with whos advice you take- don’t take advice from someone you wouldn’t want to switch places with
Smile more!!
The History of Santa Claus Payton Adams ’28
The history of the beloved now New York, where the name Christmas figure Santa Claus spans gradually evolved into Santa Claus, centuries and cultures. His origin first appearing in U.S. newspapers in traces back to the 4th century in 1773. The modern image of Santa Myra, now modern-day Turkey. began taking shape in the 19th Saint Nicholas, a Christian bishop century. In 1809, writer Washington known for his generosity, became Irving reimagined Sinterklaas in his celebrated as the patron saint of satirical history of New York. A major children. The most famous story turning point came with the 1823 tells how he saved three poor sisters poem “A Visit From Saint Nicholas,” from being sold into slavery by better known as “‘Twas the Night secretly providing dowries, tossing Before Christmas,” which introduced bags of gold through their window the jolly gift-giver traveling by sleigh at night. His designated day of with eight reindeer. In 1863, Thomas celebration, December 6, was Nast’s illustrations in Harper’s Weekly marked by gift-giving, especially to established Santa as the plump, children, and is still observed in bearded man in a red suit and countries like the Netherlands and situated his home at the North Pole. Belgium, where he became known as This image was further solidified by Sinterklaas. The date of December Coca-Cola’s famous 1931 advertising 25 later became associated with campaign. Christmas in the 5th century under International variations continue to Pope Julius I, aligning the holiday exist: France’s Père Noël, Germany’s with both Jesus’s birth and existing Weihnachtsmann or Christkind, and winter solstice traditions. Russia’s Ded Moroz, who brings gifts As Saint Nicholas’s legend spread with his granddaughter Snegurochka. through Europe, it blended with Despite these differences, all local customs. In England, Father represent generosity and the spirit of Christmas emerged as a symbol of the season. Santa’s evolution from a holiday cheer, often shown in a 4th-century bishop to a global symbol scarlet robe. By the 17th century, highlights how tradition and culture Dutch settlers brought the tradition shape one of the world’s most iconic of Sinterklaas to New Amsterdam, holiday figures.
“Christmas eve is better than Christmas day.” -Grace Tapply ’26 “Giving gifts is more fun and exciting than getting gifts.” -Nola Mcphee ’27
“Thanksgiving > Christmas” -Anonymous “Last block free is better than first block free.” -Minna Kottke ’27 “I don’t like candy canes” -Mr.Carpino and Orla Shillingford ’26
“You shouldn’t be eating turkey on Christmas.” “A 7-8pm class would be cool.” -Sylvie B ’26 - Ryleigh Mcnelly ’27 We should wear ugly sweaters instead of dresses for christmas dinner -Anonymous
HOLIDAY HOT TAKES
H O L I DAY
H O T TA K E S
“I hate snow.” - Anonymous
Did you know the shoes everyone lives in during fall and winter were originally designed for surfers, not snow? Founded by Brian Smith in the late 1970s, the Ugg brand has grown far beyond an after-surf essential and has become a defining staple of everyday footwear. According to the Ugg website, Brian Smith, born in Australia, was an accounting major beginning to lose direction. One day, while driving, he heard the Pink Floyd song “Time.” The line “you are young, and life is long, and there is time to kill today” made him realize he was stuck— and inspired him to make a drastic change: move to southern California. You might wonder what any of this has to do with the insulated boots we wear during the cold months. As water temperatures dropped during surfing season in Australia, surfers needed something warm to throw on after their sessions. One of the newest trends at the time was sheepskin boots.
Maddie Hammer ’27
As a passionate surfer, Brian recognized their potential and decided to turn them into a brand, unaware of how big it would become. After moving to California, he hit another setback: locals didn’t think they needed boots. Everyone wore flip-flops, and sheepskin in the sand didn’t make sense to retailers. Rejected by 150 surf shops, Brian began questioning his decision. Still, he drove to Malibu Point Beach and sold the boots out of his van. Slowly, Uggs gained traction—but in an unexpected way. Celebrities like Paris Hilton, Kate Moss, and Beyoncé began wearing Uggs publicly, influencing teens and spreading the trend nationwide. As demand exploded, brands rushed to partner with Brian, eventually leading him to join Deckers and take Uggs worldwide. Even when fashion magazines called them “ugly,” people wore them anyway. Today, Ugg boots appear in countless styles and remain one of the most recognizable footwear brands in the world. Though far from the after-surf accessory Smith intended, they became a global phenomenon. The next time you put on your Uggs, remember their surprising beachside origins.
Ugg Fashion Over The Years
CAPSTONE SPOTLIGHT
CAPSTONE SPOTLIGHT How does the war in Ukraine affect the Lithuanian economy and defence spending? Vilius Ramanauskas
How are the brains of murderers different from ours? Lissa King
Why do we dream what we dream and what does it mean? How did the Cold War and Mark Bierwirth Space Race help progress the American Aerospace industry and the industry's role in combat? Ryan Plunkett What is fear and its effect on human behavior? Kat Bensley
Boycotting Big Businesses Around the Holidays Charlotte Hoffman ’27
Each year, the holiday season becomes more commercialized, driven by big businesses such as Amazon, Target, and other major retailers that dominate advertising, promotions, and shopping habits. During the holidays, large retailers often rely on underpaid seasonal workers, long hours, and intense productivity demands - especially in warehouses and fulfillment centers. Because of this, some consumers have decided to refuse to support these companies to send a message that consumers care about the human cost behind fast shipping and constant discounts. A few weeks ago, a coalition of anti-Trump advocacy groups launched a boycott called “We Aint Buying It”, seeking to put economic pressure on many corporations. This boycott mainly targeted Amazon for donating $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, Target for rolling back DEI, and Home Depot for coordinating with ICE during immigration raids. This boycott campaign lasted from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, although consumers are encouraged to limit spending at these stores through the holiday season.
Organizers of these boycotts are asking supporters to support small businesses rather than big national companies. Boycotting isn’t as simple as it seems, though. Big retailers often provide the most affordable options, and not everyone has the time or resources to shop elsewhere. But even small shifts such as buying a portion of gifts locally, reducing impulse purchases, or prioritizing quality over quantity can make a noticeable difference. There are also economic and environmental benefits to shopping locally. Money spent at local businesses often stays within the community, strengthening small businesses that rely heavily on holiday sales. Choosing handmade, second-hand, or locally sourced gifts also reduces the waste associated with mass-produced items and excessive packaging. Ultimately, boycotting big businesses during the holidays is less about rejecting convenience and more about embracing mindful, ethical spending. By carefully choosing where consumers buy their gifts, they can make a greater impact that extends beyond just the money they spend.
How many of you have clicked ‘add Not all is bad news; people’s to cart’ without thinking? I certainly opinions are starting to change. have, that’s how I ended up with The Center of Biological Diversity three of the same tank tops. Our (CBD) found 90% of Americans carelessness when shopping wished the holidays were less increases significantly over the materialistic, and 84% of holidays when faced with the task of Americans agree there is too much buying many gifts. Some people importance placed on gift giving. view the holidays as materialistic With more Americans considering and buy gifts for the tradition of buying, not having the recipient’s alternative/second hand gifts like wants in mind. According to the giving gifts of time or skill (59% Nebraska Recycling Council, 53% of gifted), secondhand gifts (56%), adults will receive unwanted handmade gifts purchased from a presents over the holidays. The business (69%), make their own average cost of the unwanted gift handmade or DIY gift (68%), or was $72, which leads to $10.1 billion donate to a nonprofit as a gift being spent; clothing and (60%) all according to the CBD. accessories ranked most unwanted. These statistical shifts are growing Take jeans, for example, a closet as more awareness is brought to staple. According to the Nebraska this issue. So how can we further Recycling Council, the average curb the environmental impact of denim jeans uses 1,000 liters of the holidays? We can really reflect water and 130 square feet of land to on what the recipient wants to be produced. Then why not return restrain the amount of unwanted it? Retailers throw out one in four gifts, gift experiences, or returned presents, generating 6 memories instead of things, and billion pounds of unnecessary waste. shop for sustainable, Overall, waste per person increases biodegradable items that will not by 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year's, leading to so much excess. clog the landfills. But most Unfortunately, there is currently no importantly, think twice before way to ensure nothing is wasted; you click ‘add to cart’! sometimes returning something is the best option for the time being.
Hazel Nickerson ’29
Holiday Sustainability Guide
STUDENT STUDENT OPINION OPINION
Christmas is one of those holidays that begins way before it’s actually supposed to. The second the clown wigs and superhero capes are taken off the shelves on November 1st, stores toss up a single lonely Thanksgiving decoration—a weak-looking cornucopia—and then immediately break out the holly and tinsel like they’ve been waiting all year for this moment. Christmas décor starts peeking out from behind the gourds and cartoon turkeys screaming, “Hi, did you miss me?” And sure, Christmas originated as a religious holiday, but it has adapted into a tradition that kind of transcends its original meaning. Growing up, my friends from different religious backgrounds, or none at all, still celebrated some version of Christmas. Sometimes it was tree decorations or just watching Hallmark movies with the same plot: the stressed-out big-city girl returns to her one-stoplight hometown and suddenly remembers she loves baking, wearing plaid, and the guy who owns a struggling tree farm. Then comes the music in every store, radio, and doctor’s office. Every year, we act shocked when a new artist releases yet another cover of a song from the ’40s or ’50s. Mariah Carey thaws out, Michael Bublé emerges from wherever he hides all year, and the cycle continues. But if there’s one thing that has truly evolved, it’s gift-buying. With the boom of social media and a constant parade of ads telling you that you “need this,” Christmas shopping has become a competitive sport.
Why is Christmas Overrated? Zahra Kegode '27
Thanks to Amazon Prime’s “We’ll get it to you yesterday” delivery speed, it’s easier than ever to buy things you absolutely do not need from the comfort of your bed. It’s either a Christmas miracle or a capitalist fever dream —maybe both. The only ones truly safe in all this holiday madness are the five-year-olds crafting lopsided felt mittens for their entire families. Do these gifts have any real functional use? Absolutely not. But the joy, the glitter glue fingerprints, and the fact that the mitten looks like it survived a small house fire somehow make them priceless. Somewhere along the way, we all got really good at Christmas. Too good. Giving and receiving gifts is great—it’s one of the few times you can hand someone a box and say, “I love you, here’s proof,” without sounding weird. But the whole thing has become so geared toward buying and upgrading that it starts to feel a little inauthentic. Like the holiday spirit has a corporate sponsor. So instead, get something you can do together. Take your brother fishing. Invite your best friend to surf for the first time since you were twelve. Fix something you broke years ago. We need more of that and a lot less “Christmas haul” content. A twenty-dollar mug because your mom broke hers is thoughtful, sure—but making one, or painting one, means more. The gift isn’t the mug. It’s the time you put into it. Anyone can search your dad’s favorite band and buy a hoodie. But not everyone takes the time to make something that says, “I cared enough to give time, not just money.” In a season where everything feels mass-produced, time is the most personal gift we’ve got.
Happy Holidays!
Follow Us on Instagram! This is where you’ll be able to submit hot takes, answer polls, and more We sincerely hope you enjoyed reading the 2nd edition of the 2025-2026 Picador. Huge thanks to all of our staff who put tremendous time and effort into making this edition possible.
Edited by: Orla Shillingford, Sarah McAdam, Mr. Kwasnik, & Ms. Bourelle All photos by: Max Paro & Mr. Kwasnik
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