Photo by Eddy Binford-Ross
With two weeks of free time nearing, there are a variety of fun things that South students can and like to do. Some of these activities revolve around the holidays, while others are oriented to the winter season.
A classic activity for many students is going to see ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo. Every year the zoo is covered in an extensive display of more than 1.5 million lights. Zoolights will be open everyday until Jan. 5, 2020, with the exception of Christmas Day, and will run from 5-9 p.m. The lights can be viewed both by taking the lighted train through the zoo and by walking the long path where 95% of the lights are located. Although most of the animal exhibits will be closed, there will be reindeer available for viewing, along with a few other animals. There is also hot chocolate and local food trucks available for nourishment.
Another popular light display is the Christmas in the Garden at The Oregon Garden. A wooded path is lined with spectacular displays made of a million lights. Along with strolling through the lights, there is a traditional European market to explore, a variety of international foods to eat, an ice skating rink and snowless tubing. The experience will be open until Jan. 5, with the exception of Dec. 24 and 25, from 5-9 p.m.
Some students opt to head to the mountains and snow instead. Some visit Timberline, Hoodoo or Mt. Bachelor to ski or snowboard. Others head to Hoodoo to go tubing at the Autobahn Tubing Park. Still others spend a relaxing weekend at Black Butte Ranch with friends and family.
Many students chose to embrace the holiday spirit. They do this by spending time celebrating with their extended family, either visiting relatives or hosting.
On Christmas Eve I go to my dad’s parents’ house, and then on Christmas Day I go to my mom’s parents’ house,” Christine Merritt ‘22 said.
“One tradition my family has is a thing we called “pizza lights.” We order pizza, get hot chocolate, coffee and cookies and than we pile in the car and drive around and look at Christmas lights. Sometimes we even print off bingo cards and the kids play bingo while we drive around.”
Ashley McKenzie ‘20
Still others celebrate through family traditions. The holidays are often a time of reminiscing and enjoying time spent together, so, many families have things they do each year
Enjoying movies is also a popular way to spend the break. Some choose to curl up on couches and watch classic holiday films such as Home Alone, Elf or A Christmas Story. Others opt to head to the theaters to watch one of the many new films released over the break. Some of the new movies coming this holiday season are Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Little Women and Cats.
Students also choose to use their break as a time to relax and sleep in or catch up on homework and study for finals. Students in sports and music often use the time to practice and pursue their interest. Many choir kids, for example, spend time learning their music and practicing vocal health.
“I’m probably going to do homework and just practice my music for Southernaires for solo night,” Katie Zimmerman ‘21 said.
Other possible activities for the winter break include shopping, making holiday themed food, hanging out with friends, going on day trips and visiting the Keizer Christmas lights, among other things. With the break quickly approaching, it is a good time to start making plans for your time off.
