SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Winter allows new activities and environmental changes that are more unique compared to the other seasons. These unique activities help Silver Creek students rekindle the nostalgia of winter and wonder.

Christmas tree decorating allows students to celebrate this Christmas season with a tree in their house. This task allows students to recognize the beauty of nature. Even when purchasing and looking for the perfect tree at a tree farm to set up in your house, it can strengthen the bond between you and nature by looking closely at pine cones and branches. 

The part where you set up your own tree to fit best near your surroundings can help you soothe your mind and slow things down and focus more on decorating the Christmas tree. 

Freshman Alex Nguyen said, “Setting up a Christmas tree can help you bond with nature in a fun way. You can appreciate the outdoors of the trees growing in the forest. Taking care of the tree also gives you an idea of how important nature is. Even decorating the tree allows you to observe the tree’s beauty.”

In addition to taking care of a Christmas tree, this activity of decorating also provides time to reflect on the trees that add a tone to our house, revealing their colors, textures and shapes. Not only does this allow us to celebrate the holiday season, but also our relationship with the natural beauty of plants.

Another activity is sledding. Sledding is an activity that I’ve done in Lake Tahoe. The experience of walking up the steep hill to have an adrenaline rush going down and hearing through the crunch of a snow brings an experience like no other. Which allows you to see the beauty of the winter landscape because you can interact with the snow. 

The physical thrill you get from going up the hill can be just like a workout. Then, the fun that you get once you reach the top. This simple sport is also very easy to do. There’s not much equipment, you just need a sled and a hill to climb. The feeling of the cold wind breezing toward you while you go down hill makes you appreciate the time you have during this season. 

Ice Skating is another activity that can take place here in the Bay Area. There are many locations that offer this such as Christmas in the Park and downtown ice. They let you enjoy and experience this season’s opportunities. The noise of ice against skates and the cold breeze, just allows us to admire the freedom and charm.

The motion of ice skating allows you to have a challenge. Your attempt to get the balance of the skates and the rhythm can allow you to have something to chase for. The satisfying feeling of accomplishing something new, or something that was forgotten.

Throughout the activities that were discussed we see that they all allow us to experience the beauty and excitement of nature in the Winter season, that can be spent with friends or family.