Snow or sunshine: the great Christmas weather debate

SANTA TAKES a break from the traditional snowy scene at the North Pole to enjoy the sun at the beach, presenting one perspective in the debate between preferring a warm Christmas over a white Christmas. (Rachel Choy)

Makenzie Drunasky | Writer

December 12, 2024

As Christmas draws near, many people begin to dream of the perfect holiday weather. For some, it’s the classic “White Christmas” with snow gently falling, turning the world into a winter wonderland. For others, the idea of a warm Christmas, filled with sunshine and mild temperatures, sounds just as festive. In our school community, students have strong opinions about which type of Christmas weather they prefer, sparking an ongoing debate between those who love the chill of winter and those who favor the warmth of the holiday season. 

For sophomore Emily Saw, a white Christmas is non-negotiable. “There’s just something about waking up to snow on Christmas morning,” Emily said. “It feels like magic. The world looks so peaceful when it’s covered in a blanket of white, and everything feels more festive. I love making snowmen, going ice skating, and drinking hot cocoa by the fire. It’s just what Christmas is supposed to look like!” 

A SNOWY wonderland sets the perfect scene for a classic white Christmas, but is it the ideal holiday weather for everyone? (Lisa Gagne)

Emily isn’t alone in her love for snow during the holiday season. Many people associate the cold weather with cherished traditions, like decorating the Christmas tree with the family, cozying up inside, or even building snow forts with friends. For these students, the cold weather doesn’t just set the scene–it’s a crucial part of the experience. Snow-covered streets, twinkling holiday lights, and the warmth of an indoor fire seem to capture the essence of the Christmas season, making it feel truly special.

However, not everyone shares this opinion. SCHS sophomore Camryn Juncaj, who grew up in a warmer climate, prefers a sunny, warm Christmas. “I’ve never had a white Christmas, and I don’t think I’d want one,” Camryn explains. “Where I’m from, Christmas means beach days, barbecues, and hanging out with family in the sunshine. I can still have Christmas lights and great food without freezing my nose off. Plus, no snow means no shoveling!”

For Camryn, a warm Christmas offers a unique and enjoyable way to celebrate the holiday season. She enjoys outdoor activities, like surfing or hiking, that are impossible in snowy weather. A warm Christmas, in her view, is a time to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones without the hassle of winter clothing or icy roads. Camryn’s perspective reflects the growing trend in warmer regions where holiday traditions are adapted to the local climate, making for a more laid-back and relaxed holiday.

Both Emily and Camryn make valid points, and the debate between a warm versus a white Christmas highlights how deeply personal and culturally rooted holiday traditions can be. Whether it’s the snow-dusted streets of a northern town or the sunlit beaches of the south, Christmas is ultimately about the spirit of togetherness and joy. As Camryn put it, “It’s not about the temperature–it’s about being with family and friends. That’s what makes Christmas special, no matter where you are.”

In the end, whether you dream of snowflakes or sunbeams, the most important thing about Christmas is the memories we create and the people we share them with. For some, that might mean bundling up in layers and watching the snowfall. For others, it could mean enjoying a barbecue under a blue sky. No matter the weather, it’s the holiday spirit that brings everyone together.

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