Exeter Community Returns from Winter Break

By MARYN BOWMAN,EILENA DING, ANGELAHE, and ISHAAN SINGH

The cold, icy campus sparks back to life as Exonians from across the globe return to campus after a relaxing winter break. The frigid halls of the academic buildings defrost as students return to their usual school routines. Exonians spent the break in various ways —some traveled worldwide while others enjoyed their time back home, upholding long-standing traditions in their households and neighborhoods.

For some, the break was an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones.

Lower Julia Zhou shared, “I stayed at home, but it was really nice see-ing my grandparents who came from China, as well as my aunt and uncle from Delaware. We don’t celebrate Christmas in a big way, but we had a nice dinner with takeout from our favorite Chinese restaurant.”

Zhou also enjoyed time with her new cat. “I spent a lot of time reading and watching shows with my cat in my lap. It was cozy and relaxing,” she added.

Others took the chance to travel. Lower Claire Xiao visited Florida, where she went to Disney World. “My favorite part of break was just catching up and starting new shows, like Gossip Girl,”she said.

Xiao also noted the joy of reconnecting with old friends upon her return. “It’s nice to see people I haven’t seen in awhile. After being home for a while, it doesn’t feel like a break anymore, so it’s good to be back.”

Prep Faye Yang spent her break skiing in Japan and spending time with family in Taiwan. “My favorite part was definitely skiing. It was such a chill retreat from the academic pressure,” Yang said.

Students also appreciated the chance to re-charge after a busy fall term. Lower Ahmed Hamad described his break as a time to “regain hours of sleep and catch up onNetflix,” adding that “it felt like a short but necessary pause to recharge for the rest of winter term.”

Lower Isaac Kim echoed this sentiment.“The first week back is always tiring because you have to adjust to the rhythm again, especially with the cold weather making it harder to go outside.”

As for holiday traditions, there was variation among students. For Xiao, an early Christmas celebration included gift-giving and neighbor’s house. “Our neighbors love fireworks and do them for every holiday. It’s really fun,” she said.

Prep Alex Eggers enjoyed a family dinner on Christmas Eve and brunch at her aunt’s house on Christmas Day. Her neighborhood also kept the holiday spirit alive. “Santa always comes on a fire truck and drives around the neighborhood giving us candy canes,” she said.

Hamad and his family spent New Year’s Eve at a halal steakhouse.“It was a rare chance to catch up with my siblings since they’re in college. It felt special to all be together,” he shared.

Prep Isabella Orellano enjoyed spending the holidays with family. Orellano explained, “I loved spending quality time with my family and friends after being away from home.”

Wang shared a similar experience. “My family went skiing andI really enjoyed spend-ing time with my parents and family.”

Kim shared his thoughts on returning to campus, “Whenever I go out, the cold wind hits me, and it doesn’t feel good.”“The first week is very tiring, because you need to get back [into]the rhythm, where you don’t get that much sleep, and you work all day,” Kim added.“It felt like the break went by way too fast...We’re just coming back from break where we are used to at least a little bit of rest without doing a lot of homework, and so coming back in the middle of the term with all this work being piled up over the days just felt a little bit overwhelming,”Hamad concluded.

As students ease back into the rhythm of campus life, the memories of winter break — family gatherings, exciting adventures, and cherished traditions — offer a warm contrast to the icy New Hampshire weather. While they adjust to this cold weather, H block classes, and being far away from home, they are slightly refreshed from their break. The variety of experiences shared over the break highlights the unique stories that each student brings back, showing just how diverse our Exeter campus is.