December 2020
Las Posadas
By: Mia Meza
During winter many people celebrate different holidays. One of these holidays that my family likes to celebrate is Las Posadas. Posada in Spanish means shelter. Las Posadas starts on December 16th and ends on December 24th. It is celebrated by people in Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, Cuba, and many hispanics here in the United States.
During these nine days, people commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph Tobethlehem. Every night, a child dresses as an angel and leads the people through the streets of the town. People carry candles and religious images. There are also people playing instruments while others sing a special song written about the journey. Each night, they visit one home where they are refused lodging. Typically, the homeowner provides food and drinks. The people continue to sing Christmas carols.
The best part about Las Posadas is that at the end of each day there are pinatas filled with candy and treats. The children take turns trying to break the pinata. My family participates in this tradition by reenacting the journey on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, we cannot go from house to house in our neighborhood because of quarantine. The best part about the holidays is the different traditions that are celebrated. How do you celebrate the winter holidays?
What is the purpose of an advent calendar?
Written by: Caydence Gourley
You might be wondering what the purpose of an advent calendar is.. Well I'm here to tell you! I asked my cousin what she thinks advent calendars are and she responded with “calendars for a holiday". Advent calendars are a fun way to do a countdown for Christmas. Usually you start using them on December 1st. The Advent calendar will have numbers on them. The number will go from 1-25. They usually have a piece of chocolate in them. What you do is you open the advent calendar once a day on December 1st all the way to December 25. They call it an advent calendar because.. “Advent, comes from the Latin word for 'coming toward' and the period of Advent is coming toward Christmas” I asked my sister Riley, what her favorite thing about the advent calendar is and she responded with “ I love the chocolate”. Advent calendars don't just come with chocolate, they can come with a bunch of things (depending on where you buy them from). Some advent calendars might have things like toys, makeup, and more. Also, advent calendars don't just have to be for people, they also have advent calendars that come for dogs, it's mostly dog treats if you get it for your dog, Anyways, I hope this was helpful.
Is There More Than One Holiday?
Written By: Haily Ziemer
As most people know there is a holiday in December called Christmas because it was Christ’s birthday. People all around the world celebrate it with elves, Santa, cookies, eggnog, and more. A lot of families come up with or have family traditions they do on their holiday as well. “I love to go to Montana with my family. We go to church on Christmas day and we spend a lot of time with my family,” says Tiffany Arnett who is in 8th grade. But what about people that don’t celebrate Christmas and people that are not Christians? What about Jewish people? How do they Celebrate?
Hanukkah is a holiday that the Jewish celebrate. Hanukkah begins on December 10th this year and ends on December 18th. Hanukkah is a Hebrew word meaning rededication. Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of The Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 160s BC. The hanukiah (the Hanukkah menorah) is a candle holder in which they light a candle each night of Hanukkah from left to right. They also play dreidel games and eat certain foods like latkes(Potato patties) and sufganiyot (like jelly donuts). They also give gifts and presents.
Kwanzaa is a day celebrated by African-American culture. It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. They give gifts and have a huge feast. This celebration celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture. There are 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Unity, Self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These all have a word for them in a different language. In order to celebrate, similar to Hanukkah, They light 7 candles to signify the 7 principles.
Christmas. You probably already know all about Christmas. Christmas is a day we celebrate one day a year, On the 25th of December. This was the day that Jesus Christ was born. People from all over came that night to give him gifts and jewels. There were angels, animals, and many more people there. Later in his life, Jesus was put on a cross to clear our sins, and after that people began celebrating his birth. Christmas slowly began to grow with Kris Kringle(Santa Clause), Elves, Candy Canes, Hot Cocoa, Christmas Trees, Ornaments, and more.
As you can see not all people around the world celebrate the same holidays in December. There are different holidays for different cultures. They are all different in ways but all of these holidays have something in common. What is it? Well, they all celebrate family, life, and giving. In the opinion of Mitch Weisberg who celebrates Hanukkah, “Hanukkah has nothing to do with presents. We only do have them because they did it for Christmas and we didn’t want our kids to feel left out.”
The End of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019
By : Bryce Jacobson
Hello to all that are reading this, today we will be talking about the end of Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2019. With the release of Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War, Call of Duty Modern Warfare is expected to have not many players playing due to the release of Cold War. The game mode Call of Duty Warzone Will mix Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2019 and Black Ops Cold War together and we'll be using combined weapons and combined characters. This satisfies players because you'll be able to use the newer weapons in the older Call of Duty. There will also be a new map for Call of Duty Warzone. This map will take place on Alcatraz Island but it will be known as Rebirth Island. I myself am very excited about the release of the new warzone update. I asked some other fellow Call of Duty players for their opinion of the end of Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2019. Evan, a Call of Duty player Says, “I’m sad that such a good game is coming to an end, but I’m happy because the cold war is pro player.” This concludes this month's article thank you for reading.
Which Christmas Trees You Should Get For the Holidays!
Written by: Lilliana Atkinson
Christmas trees are pretty well known in the USA people have used them for a long time but I am here to tell you which Christmas trees are the best.
Balsam Fir
If you like a forest smell when you come home then this tree is for you. The Balsam Fir has a strong and spicy fragrance. The Christmas tree has a conical form and has a dark green color. The Balsam Fir also has needle retention and it has soft green needles. The soft green needles are very popular when it comes to wreath making.
Douglas Fir
This Christmas tree is one of most popular Christmas trees in the USA. They are also popular because of their perfect pyramid shape. Douglas Firs are not really Fir trees but they are nice and full. The Douglas Firs have dark green colored needles or have blue-green colored needles. A warning if you do not water them then they will drop needles on the floor.
Fraser Fir
This Christmas tree is for anyone who likes to go all out with their holiday decorations. The Fraser Fir is soft to the touch but they have strong branches to hold up ornaments of every kind. They have a wonderful evergreen scent and their needle retention is excellent. This type of tree is very popular when presidents get their Christmas trees for Christmas.
Colorado Blue Spruce
This tree has a silvery-blue color which is perfect for a wintery living room. The Colorado Blue Spruce has strong branches and sharp needles so be care when handling this tree. It is also a good idea to wear a long sleeve shirt when handling and decorating this tree. My Grandma says, “In the past we have had a Douglas Fir for Christmas. It’s been a great tree but I’d like to have a Colorado Blue Spruce because of its smell and color.”
Canaan Fir
This Christmas tree is very similar to the Balsam Fir but with the added needle retention of the Fraser Fir. This Christmas tree has a dense Pyramid shape like both the Balsam Fir and the Fraser Fir. The Canaan Fir has needles that curve upwards. My Grandma said, “ The Canaan Fir sounds like an interesting Christmas Tree to have. I am not sure there are ones in California that are available.” I suggest you research more about this tree because it has an interesting back story.
Bonus Christmas Tree
This tree is called the Scots Pine or the Scotch Pine this Christmas tree is a great christmas tree that is low maintenance. The Scots Pine has a long lasting aroma and you don’t have to worry about this losing needles if you water it.
I hope you enjoyed this article and that you get one of these trees that I recommended. If you do then I hope you enjoy your very own special and fabulous Christmas tree. If you don’t then I hope you keep in mind one of these Christmas trees for next year. Thank you for reading my article. I hope you enjoyed it!
Top 3 Christmas Songs
By: Alaina Butler
Some of you may be the type that loves Christmas and may listen to Christmas music in the middle of November, or you could be the type who doesn’t necessarily like Christmas. Here are the top 3 Christmas songs of the year.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” By Mariah Carey
First released in August of 1994. She wrote the song with Walter Afanasieff. When living in her home she decided to decorate her home Christmas theme so she could feel what the song was supposed to be like. This song is a great classic and I recommend it to everyone if they like Christmas or not.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” By Brenda Lee
Originally, it was released by Decca Records in 1958. Although, when it was released in 2014 by Brenda Lee, it really took off. “This is one of my favorite Christmas songs because it captures the essence of Christmas,” Jenna stated.
“Last Christmas” By Wham!
Released in 1985, the song “Last Christmas” wasn’t actually based on Christmas! It’s mostly about a break-up. Although, It never reached number one. “I feel like this song describes what it’s like to go through a break up during a supposedly happy time,” Jenna said.
Top three Christmas Movies on Netflix
By: Amirah Jones
There are many amazing Christmas movies in the world. From the older ones like Home Alone, the grinch, and the night before Christmas to newer ones like Klaus, Christmas chronicles, and The Nutcracker and the four realms. Although those are some good Christmas movies to watch there are always new ones coming in for 2020. The first movie is Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Jingle Jangle is about a famous inventor named Jeronicus Jangle who gets betrayed by his apprentice named Gustafson Decades after his apprentice betrays him, a once joyful toymaker finds new hope when his bright young granddaughter appears on his doorstep. Jingle Jangle was released on November 6, 2020.
The second one is Christmas Chronicles: Part Two. Christmas Chronicles: Part Two is about Teenager Kate Pierce who is reunited with Santa Claus when a troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas forever. A critic named Jennifer Green stated, “The Christmas Chronicles 2 is a holiday blend of action, adventure, comedy, and some drama packed into one gift-wrapped package.” Christmas Chronicles was released November 18, 2020
Lastly is another continuation of a Christmas movie and this one is called The Princess Switch: Switched Again. This movie is about When Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin, it's up to her double, Princess Stacy, to get these star-crossed lovers back together. Another critic named Helen T. Verongos says “A holiday game of musical thrones keeps Vanessa Hudgens whirling through costumes and accents.” The Princess Switch: Switched Again was released on November 19, 2020.
Popular Presents to Get Teens
Written by: Kadynce whitehead
Do you not know what to get your teens for christmas? Well i'm going to tell you the top 3 things that are probably on a teenagers christmas list. The number 1 most popular gift is a new phone lots of kids want a new iphone. They just recently came out with the iphone 12 now unless your kid is very responsible i wouldn’t recommend this I would recommend the iphone 11,10 they are great phones and the price has gone down a lot. Number two on our list is for the girls most girls I know want new cute clothes one of my favorite websites to get clothes on is shein. It's a very affordable and cute clothing website even though i’ve never shopped on this website. I have heard very good things about it.Also if shein isn't your style of clothing then i would recommend hollister. Its a bit more expensive but still affordable. Number three on our list is mostly for the guys. I'm pretty sure everyone already knows what i'm about to say but it is the brand new ps5. This game console came out very recently and a lot of kids are crazy over it. Those are the three most popular items on a teenagers christmas list. I asked my best friend what she wanted for christmas and she said” I don't really know but i know that i want clothes” I also asked someone from this school and she said “ I asked for a new phone for christmas because my phone is really old and run down”
New Years 2021
By: Aaliyah Montes
The end of the year is quickly approaching and every year it is a tradition to celebrate New Years. I asked my sister Anjelina “what she likes about the New Year” She said she enjoys celebrating with family. Although, this year will be different. New Years is the time when a new calendar year begins and we start a new year. People usually like to celebrate by having a party with friends and family and counting down until midnight comes and watching the ball drop together. About a million people would gather at the time square in New York. Many people like to make new year's resolutions to try and start something new or something they may have been wanting to do.My 8 year old sister also said she hopes for a good New Year. New Years Day is the first day of the year and it celebrates the past year and has high hopes for the New Year. This day is celebrated all around the world.
[Note: This article contains information that viewers may find disturbing. Uncovering the redacted information may lead to lasting mental effects unless the viewer has level 3 access or higher. Level 3 access is automatically granted to people at the age of 12-13. If anyone with level access 2 or below has the desire to view the article, they must not uncover the redacted information unless anyone with level 3 access or above has read the article gives access to the viewer to view certain information. This viewing procedure has been approved by the 0-5 counsel so please follow this procedure. This article is also very long so be prepared.]
The Rise of the Scarlet King
By: Kade Andino
The Scarlet King was created when the Tree of Knowledge was planted which at the time was called Khahrahk which later the Scarlet King vowed to destroy. The Scarlet King was the smallest out of his siblings and because it brought him great pain which he decided to have no part of it and vowed to destroy existence by first eating his siblings. He then proceeded to eat all of the other gods which he would then name himself “King of the Darkness Below” and declared war on existence itself and would not end it until he won, no exceptions. He took Sanna as his wife forcibly and she would eventually have seven children which she died birthing 7 children. The Scarlet King would take his daughters and seal them away so they wouldn’t end up like their mother. The seven daughters had seven children which the Scarlet King would call Leviathans. Other gods joined him which of them being Jeser, Goran, Moloch, and Hastur. The SCP Foundation was able to neutralize or destroy the first 6 children but the 7th one has not been born due to Procedure 110-Montauk which was created by scientist Dr. Montauk. The procedure is unknown but is believed to include brutal acts of violence, [DATA EXPUNGED], and torture, in order to keep the Leviathan away because unlike humans, The Scarlet King and the Leviantans don’t see brutal acts of violence as a bad thing. It was later discovered that the children created this procedure to keep the Leviathans to stay away and surprising give birth to heroes to try and stop The Scarlet King. One of those heroes being SCP-999 which is believed to be the only thing to be able to neutralize his grandfather. It is not known if SCP-2317-K is The Scarlet King or if it is a separate entity but even if it is not Procedure 220-Calabassas was created and seems to appease The Scarlet King which may be due to it involving a sacrifice to the being and using the chicken’s blood for an almost blood ritual. His appearance is not truly known but artists often draw him as a devil-like figure with antlers and sometimes tendrils/tentacles coming from his body like a Lovecraftian inspiration which fits well. He is also depicted with eyes on his chest and bound in with chains. His fits are depicted as large and gnarled which could crush a man’s throat without effort. His voice is neither deep or high but just being and also said to sound like the chattering of a billion infinitesimal insects.
Audio Log 1-
Dr. [REDACTED]: Hello, before I start with the questioning what should I refer to you as?
Tunnel Rat: Tunnel Rat.
Dr. [REDACTED]: Alright Tunnel Rat, so what is your opinion on The Scarlet King?
Tunnel Rat: I think it is interesting, in a good way.
Dr. [REDACTED]: I don’t like how you said “in a good way” what do you mean by that?
Tunnel Rat: Just because I think it’s interesting.
Dr. [REDACTED]: Alright, what is your opinion about his backstory?
Tunnel Rat: I think it is unique because unlike most backstories you hear, they are pretty unoriginal and boring.
Dr. [REDACTED]: Thank you, what is your opinion on Procedure 220-Calabassas?
(Tunnel Rat lets out a loud sigh and doesn’t respond)
Dr. [REDACTED]: I guess we’ll skip that question, so what are your thoughts on what people say The Scarlet King looks like?
Tunnel Rat: It’s kinda scary, to be honest.
Dr. [REDACTED]: Yeah I can agree, but last question, what is your opinion on The Scarlet King’s voice?
Tunnel Rat: It is creepy but oddly satisfying.
Dr. [REDACTED]: Well thank you for answering most of the questions, have a good day.
[END LOG]
Tunnel Rat was given Class C amnestics and was let back to civilian life, Tunnel Rat has shown no knowledge of the questioning or the Scarlet King and related subjects. Scroll down for Audio Log 2.
Audio Log 2-
Dr. [REDACTED]: Hello, before I start with the questioning what should I refer to you as?
KL: Just call me KL.
Dr. [REDACTED]: A military code name, people don’t usually use a military code name for their nickname.
KL: I just came up with it.
Dr. [REDACTED]: You are very unusual compared to others but anyway, what is your opinion on The Scarlet King?
KL: I think he is interesting.
Dr. [REDACTED]: He is very interesting, next question though, what do you think about the Scarlet King’s backstory?
(KL doesn’t respond and seems to be zoning out)
Dr. [REDACTED]: Hello KL, are you there?
(After 20 minutes of silence from KL, suspicions began to rise)
Dr. [REDACTED]: Can we get a doctor here?
(A medical team inspects KL and concludes that she is deceased)
Dr. [REDACTED]: That was a loose end.
[END LOG]
[END REPORT]
An autopsy was done on KL to investigate the meaning of death. It was concluded that the means of death were of ingestion of venom [Further investigation that was made has shown that the cause of death was heart failure and a mix of other internal mishaps and even after an investigation on how the autopsy report was incorrect was made, there was no lead and investigation was ended after no information was found.] Investigation on how it was introduced to the body is still underway. The investigation has shown that the toxic material was introduced by a member of the Chaos Insurgency anomalous means after initial recovery on SCP-3347.
[Further investigation requested]
[Accepted]
After further investigation, it has been shown that it was a misunderstanding, and names were swapped up in confusion. After another investigation that was more cautious about getting misinformation, it was presumed that it came from the effects of SCP-1875 causing the subject to immediately cease blood flow through the body and immediate shut down of the heart, brain, eyes, and lungs resulting in immediate death. KL was given a proper burial and a cover story was made claiming that KL had died of a heart attack on the date of 16/05/1996 at 14:38. After another investigation was made on how she was introduced to SCP-1875 found that KL had been exposed to SCP-1875 before it had ever been contained by the SCP Foundation on 27/07/1996 where it is now being held in Site-15.
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Fun Christmas Games by Kelvin Parham
White elephant exchange
So how the White elephant exchange
Works is that yu buy a gift, then you trade
It in for another gift, or you can steal someone
Elses, the one who got their gift stolen can either
Grab a gift, or steal from someone else
So it’s pretty easy,So what you wanna Do
is ask a commonQuestion for example,Instead
of coke, Name The oppisite of it
20 questions, with Santa
This game is very easy and simple, so what you wanna do
Is wraith santa a letter and ask him 20 questions, for example just
Try to annoy him with questions
I asked my my mom what gane she liked the most and she said”I like the elephant exchange better because I like the gifts they bring”, and I asked my dad what he liked the most and it was the elephant exchange”I like the elephant exchange because I can steal others gifts”
Christmas decorations
By Emerson Direen
Did you know there are a lot of decorations the US makes from inflatables to lights to trees there is a lot. A lot of people celebrate Christmas. I mean why wouldn't you, it's all about giving. And my favorite part of christmas decorations is the christmas light show and i still don’t know how they make the lights sync together. Without christmas decorations or lights christmas would probably not be the same it all started in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. As you can see christmas is not fun without christmas decorations.
I could not imagine Christmas without trees' inflatable lights; it would just not be the same. One christmas movie reference I heard is that the true act of kindness always sparks another. What I mean by that is if you give someone who is mean to you a gift you can turn their mean to nice.