Grades K through 2 winners

Most Creative

Paige Lewandowski

Paige Lewandowski
Garden City Elementary School, Grade 2

Here is how to enjoy the holidays:

Step 1: Drink hot chocolate
Step 2: Give out presents
Step 3: Spend time with family

Most Humorous

Aubrey Moniz
Garden City Elementary School, Grade 2

My favorite holiday memory is when my elf hid in my candy jar. It all happened when I woke up. He ate all of my chocolate. Everyone laughed because he was upside down.

Most Heartwarming

Lauralyna Jian

Lauralyna Jian
Garden City Elementary School, Grade 2

My favorite holiday is Christmas. My favorite thing about Christmas is the presents and snow. I like giving origami during Christmas. The holiday season means being warm and playing in the snow. My favorite holiday memory is when I made a snow cave and a snow chair.

Grades 3 through 5 winners

Most Creative

Stella Gurney-Petreccia

Stella Gurney-Petreccia
Edward S. Rhodes Elementary School, Grade 5

When the holidays come
and there’s lots to be said
when your parents sneak presents under the tree
while you’re still cozy in bed.

When the holidays are
and when the holidays will be
the best thing to do
is spend time with family.

Bake festive cookies
sing a carol or two.
When it’s holiday time
there’s so much to do.

Hang stockings and holly
of course the signature tree.
You can kick back and relax
or throw a holiday party.

When it’s the holidays
There’s so much to be done.
When it’s the holidays
There’s no limit to fun!

A break from your work
A break from your school
When you’re inside it’s warm
but outside it’s cool!

When the holidays are over
We’re always so sad
But since spring is soon
you realize it isn’t so bad!

Most Humorous

Rachael McDonnell

Rachael McDonnell
Edward S. Rhodes Elementary School, Grade 5

Elves. Am I right? Parents always say don’t touch them. WELL, I DID. One day I was walking downstairs and saw that little devil. Big brown eyes with the light passing through them. I couldn't resist. It's not like I gave him a hug or anything… anyway. I went downstairs the next day, and he was gone. I couldn’t believe my parents had been telling the truth. I felt like my heart fell into my stomach. But then I looked over my shoulder in the mirror and there he was! I could almost touch him again, but I didn't.

Most Heartwarming

Jealy Balbuena

Jealy Balbuena
Gladstone Street Elementary, Grade 5

My favorite holiday memory was when my mom surprised me and told me I was going to be a big sister. I was so happy that I was going to be a big sister then we found out that it was a girl. That was the best moment in my life.

Why is my favorite holiday memory? Because I was never a big sister and I always wanted to be one and now I have a sibling. I always wanted one so bad. I love babies. And the kids are so cute and nice. I just love babies and kids so much.

And when my mom told me, I was crying but happy tears not sad ones I love my sister already. I can’t wait for her to come out. And now we are a family of four. That is the best holiday memory.

Honorable Mentions

Jose Izazaga
Gladstone Street Elementary, Grade 5

Do you know the experience of Christmas in Mexico? If you don’t, then read along. This is all about my experience having Christmas in Mexico. First of all, the food is really important around Christmastime. Most of the women in your family will cook, sometimes even you grandma. Second of all, is how long the party is. Most of the time Mexican parties are very long, sometimes from the middle of the day until six in the morning the next day. That is the experience of having Christmas in Mexico.

Sally Finkle & Joel Pfieffer
Rhodes Elementary School, Grade 4

I’m Sally. I celebrate Hanukkah. I’ll tell you my favorite memory. It was Christmas Eve and my entire family got together at my grandma’s house to light the menorah. It was a happy time because the rest of my family doesn’t celebrate Hanukkah and it’s nice to have others celebrating with us.

I’m Joel and I don't celebrate Hanukkah, I celebrate Christmas. Hanukkah seems fun because I love lighting candles and it brings families together too. My Favorite part of Christmas is celebrating with my grandparents because I don’t get to see them often. Happy holidays! 

Ishaan Catone
Edward S. Rhodes Elementary School, Grade 5

It’s Christmas day
Wake up wake up wake up
We need to open presents
Wake up wake up wake up
Knock on the door lay on the floor
Yell at my parents like I never have before
Wake up wake up wake up
It’s Christmas day
Wake up wake up wake up
We need to open presents
Wake up wake up wake up
Knock on the door lay on the floor
Yell at my parents like I never have before
Wake up wake up wake up
Oh wait I forgot it’s only 4 o’clock

Aubrey Andrews
Edward S. Rhodes Elementary School, Grade 5

My most memorable Christmas was when I was nine. I was at my grandma’s house. She works for a baking company, so we used to make banana bread every Christmas. It was a normal night but, to me it was special because we won’t go anymore. It was also special because we were there for Christmas with both my grandparents, now it’s only my grandfather there now. After baking we opened presents and ate. And then my mom said we had to leave. This may have been a special memory because we never went again. That is my favorite Christmas.