By Blanca Martinez
Pulse Staff Reporter

For most of us, 2008 flew by, and the break between the fall and spring semesters will probably go by just as fast.

Winter break marks the end of the fall semester, the celebration of multiple holidays, the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.

I usually spend time with my family and friends, since Im busy with school, said Heather Herrera, a freshman Communications major.

The end of the fall semester is stressful for some, since the week of December 8 is dedicated to final exams. Part of a students grade depends on these exams. Professors and counselors keep busy advising and enrolling current and upcoming students for the next semester, grading final papers and exams and averaging grades.

The last week of the semester is a handful, and planning for the holidays is no different. Some start planning months in advance, while others prefer last-minute arrangements.

Christmas shopping is one activity many cannot avoid, and in the end it is one of the biggest reasons why families get together on Christmas day. This year, the current economy has affected sales, but some believe that it will not affect their plans.

No way! Im still going to have fun and enjoy myself, said Amber Williamson, a Pediatric Nurse major.

Others opt to travel during the holidays.

I usually spend Christmas with my family, but this year Im going to California and Tennessee with some friends, said Aaron Moe, a sophomore History major.

Most of us enjoy spending time with our families during the holidays to make up for not spending time with them because of our busy schedules.

Herrera said, [I like] Christmas, presents, catching up with family and friends and looking forward to New Years.

The holidays bring multiple generations together, and families celebrate with traditions passed from one age group to the next.

Putting up the tree, turning on Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and wrapping gifts are some of the traditions in my family, said Williamson.

The winter break embraces the turn of the year. Although 09 is expected, 2008 will be unforgettable. Herrera and Moe both agreed that the November 4 presidential election will be something to remember.

The election was pretty memorable, said Moe. Herrera agreed that the presidential election of Barack Obama will be hard to forget.

Obama! The new president of the United States of America. First African American to be president. Thats what Im going to remember, she said.

The end of the years festivities bring families together to welcome what we all hope will be a great year. The day also marks a date for planning, since many people plot out their New Years resolutions.

I'll have to make my New Years resolution and get ready for the next semester, said Herrera. Others just prefer to celebrate.

I'll party pretty hard, said Moe.

With so much going on during the break, it becomes a month-long celebration. But with all of the time off, dont forget that the 2009 spring semester kicks off on Jan. 12! Online registration began Nov. 10 and continues through Jan. 6. Last-minute registration is from Jan. 7 through Jan. 10 in the Student Center. Register early!