The Importance of Food, Family and the Holidays

Animal Support at Home During Online Learning

How having and not having pets affect different people while stuck at home.

had fish before. I love how aquariums and terrariums look,” Carter said. However, unlike Buehler, he decided against getting a pet despite quarantine. By: Roudra Chatterjea “I considered getting an iguana or snake or something like that, but they are so much work to It’s no secret that having a properly take care of that I decided pet decreases your stress levels on a not to go for it,” Carter said. “Since daily basis, but in 2020 pets’ roles I can’t really adopt a dog or a cat, are even more important than ever the idea of getting a reptile or fish because of the pandemic. Around seems a bit impractical.” the world there has been a sharp in- So, it seems that animal sup-crease in pet adoption. port, despite it currently trending, is According to Kim Kavin not a necessity or an option for from The Washington Post Grace Buehler, 12, and her dog Hulie are some people, while for others it’s wrote, “Americans kept trying to fill perfect snuggle buddies. Courtesy photo something that makes life easier voids with canine companions, either because they were stuck working from home with children who needed something to do, or had no work and lots of free time, or felt huge snuggle bug so if I ever need physical attention, she’ll come cuddle with me. It’s great,” Buehler said. and makes a person happier. People with animals can certainly have their lives changed, but for some people, their lives can change without them. lonely with no way to socialize.” With the pressure of school Cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, vari- and upcoming college applications, ous reptiles and others are a very pets are very natural and important important source of support during stress relievers. these trying times. “When she’s (Hulie) When you are abruptly cut around, she’s a huge destresser. Acoff from your friends and the out- tually, I think she’s been realizing side world, which you have been in I’m more stressed, and so she’s touch with your entire life, compan- been hanging out with me a lot ionship and support is vital in more,” she said. Photograph: Grace your home, and pets open up a Buehler whole new world. What if Buehler didn’t have When it comes to animals, a pet? Would she have adopted one? it’s all about trust, and with months of constantly being together, that trust grows stronger. School work, jobs, company and life in general “Yes, 100 percent. I would go out and bring home a dog myself,” she said. have all been made easier with a pet However, pets aren’t for by one’s side. everyone. Some people are or have Grace Buehler, senior, who is doing the online version of school, has a dog named Hulie who is eight years old. “I think it [quarantine] has been a million times better with my family members allergic to certain animals, while some people aren’t very bothered by being alone. Ike Carter, junior, happens to fit both these categories, and he currently has no pets. Courtesy photo “Well I mean pets are always nice. They’re wonderful and cute and interesting and fun,” Leo Visser, 11, said. “I feel like they help us emotionaldog. It’s really nice to have her “My family members are ly, and recently I feel like everyone around, and my dog’s a allergic to dogs and cats, but I’ve needs more emotional help than ever.”

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The Importance of Food, Family and the Holidays

Students share their meals are particularly meaningful during the holiday season because However, things are quite different from those in the past. As thoughts on how of seasonal festivities and traditions. COVID-19 cases rise across the By: George Balas “It’s time away from other distractions, and it is something you holiday meals brought them closer to their families. North senior Elijah VanPelt’s family enjoys their own traditions every Thanksgiving and Christmas. He and his family get together for a meal of turkey or ham, bread rolls, vegetables and pumpkin pie. VanPelt explained why these moments are so important to him. country, the Center for Disease Control is warning people not to travel for the holidays. The concern is that family get-togethers could lead to people coming into close contact with asymptomatic carriers, allowing the virus to easily spread. This means that many people will not be able to visit their extended relatives for the holidays to can do with everybody in your fam- “Mostly, because I do not share a meal. ily,” Chauncy Craig, sophomore, said, who enjoys eating and cooking with his family. see them as often as I should, so it is very welcoming, a warm-heart type of thing ,I would say,” he said. That does not mean that people can't enjoy the holidays over meals with your family. It is still Craig has similar experienc- beneficial to have them with your es. He explained that every year he household family. and his family make gingerbread cookies and it has become a tradition that helps him bond with his family. As VanPelt put it, “It would just not be the holidays without them.”

Chauncey Craig, 10. Photo: dxnchampions.org For many people, holiday food is a sentimental thing, especially during the winter season. One of the major contributing factors in this is that it is a way for people to connect with their friends and family. According to Dawn Earnesty of Michigan State University, eating meals as a family can help relatives bond with each other. Earnestly explains meals give family members opportunities to converse and create lasting memories together. Earnestly’s report also noted that people are more likely to eat healthier while with family and that family meals help young children develop social skills. For some people, family

SevenEvilHolid Vile Creatures that Show-up tricksters by nature and only inconDuring the Holidays and the venience your life little. They might lick your Cultures that Love ‘em spoons, slam your doors and comby Hannah Arroyo their momma comes, it’s a different

The holiday season is all about bringing joy and happiness. Some cultures encourage children to behave well during the year, and lists are made: who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. How do other people of world teach good behavior, especially during the holidays? story. Today, the Yule Lads now come to visit children to celebrate the holiday and are redesigned to look a little more jolly.

In many parts of the world, a jolly ol’ Saint Nick character is nowhere to be found. Instead, there are many evil characters lurk- Jólakötturinn ing about, waiting for that one, insolent child to punish, kidnap or maybe even eat! Although sticking coal in a stocking might be easier, these creatures offer more sinister consequences and a morality lesson, if the child pays attention. Here are seven such characters from around the world.

And, if you cross paths with one of them, you know immediately which list you’re on.

The Yule Lads and Grýla

The Yule Lads with their mother, Grýla, and her husband in the back. Graphic: Artic Portal

Grýla is a child-eating woman who has 13 sons known as the Yule Lads. She’s also the owner of the Yule Cat. She will steal children in a sack to cook a stew that will feed

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her and her husband through the next year. They all live in the mountains, and the Yule Lads come to visit town, one by one, during the 13 days before Christmas. They’re mit other petty annoyances. But if

The large Yule Cat looking into a building. Graphic: PBS

The Jólakötturinn is a huge black cat that also goes by the name The Yule Cat in Icelandic folklore. This cat is taller than most houses so it can peer through the windows and see the children inside. If the cat sees that the child has earned new clothes, he’ll move on. But, if the child has not earned any new clothes, then the cat will eat your dinner. And, for dessert, it will it the child, too. It is meant to inspire other children to give to the less-fortunate so they also will not be eaten. So, the next time your older sister gives you a hand-me-down, thank her for saving your life.

Olentzero Olentzero is a Santa-like character that gives gifts. Although this is now-loved Christmas charac-

dayCharacters In southern Germany and Mari Lwyd, a man carrying a poleAustria, there is a very ugly woman mounted horse skull and draped in with a beak-ike, iron nose who con- white cloth. ceals a long knife under her skirts. If you deny entry the Mari If she deems you worthy, Lwyd will start to challenge the then she will leave you a silver coin. owners of the house through song. However, if she deems you unwor- The house owners from there will thy, she will punish you. This is have to reply to an even wittier where the knife comes in handy for rhyme to Mari Lwyd in song. her. After this exchange, the Mai She’ll open your stomach Lwyd will be allowed in and everyand replace your organs with straw one will be given food and drink. or garbage. The Mari Lwyd will often How can children get on her open it’s jaw to snap at anyone that good side? They can leave out some gets too close or to whomever it porridge, clean up a messy house wants to threaten. and finish spinning the flax. Children, the lesson here is “An effigy of Olentzero in Hendaia” created by Josu Goñi Etxabe. Danny Krampus Photo: Creative Commons In South Africa, there is a ter in Basque country wasn’t always tale of a boy named Danny. so jolly. As the story goes, Danny He used to go into towns on had eaten all of the Christmas cookChristmas Eve and scout out people ies that had been left for Santa. This that were eating too much food. angered his grandmother so much, When he found these over that in a fit of rage she killed the indulgent people, he would take his boy! sickle and cut the throats of the glut- It is now said that ol’ Danny tons. bou will haunt people’s houses on The lesson? Children, do not Christmas Day. take and eat too much during the The tale is meant to teach holidays. children to not be greedy. Frau Perchta Mari Lwyd

A model of the Mari Lwyd in a white cloth and colorful ribbons. Photo: R. fiend In southern Wales during Christmastime, a group of revelers travel house-to-house demanding entry and raid it of whatever they want. One of these revelers is the simple: learn to rap.

Krampus at Morzger Pass, Austria. Photo: Ma hias Kabel

In central Europe, there is legend that a half-goat, half-man creature that will visit the homes bad children. He’s said to do many awful thigs: beat bad children with a bundle of birch sticks; eat them; take them to hell; or even put them in a bag and toss them in the river! This beast is said to come on December fifth and sixth. Krampus is meant to be a direct contrast or the evil twin of Old Saint Nick.

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Krampus Night in Bloomington

An annual night of fun, treats and terror for young and old in B‐town.

by Alex King

Krampus Night occurs annually before Christmas where children all around the world are believed to be rewarded for their good deeds in the past year. But beware! The naughty children are believed to be punished by the terrifying half -goat, half-demon named Krampus. The celebration’s roots are from pagan beliefs, and the holiday is normally celebrated on December fifth or sixth. During the annual Bloomington Krampus Night Parade, everyone is given either has a naughty or nice sticker. Based on which sticker you display determines whether you are rewarded or punished. In the first part of the parade, St. Nicolas and his angels come through and pass out candy to the nice-stickered attendees. Cora Deemer, sophomore, was fortunate to sport a nice sticker when she last attended. Remarking on the costumed participants, she said the angel’s costumes were “pretty and outgoing.” Lilian Miller, junior said they were “really elaborate.” In the second half of the parade, the Krampuses come out and they perform elaborate fire dances and tricks with whips. They showoff the children they’ve put in cages and will gladly torment anyone in the crowd that is naughty. One year, Miller remembered that she was “hit with a stick by a Krampus,” which is one of her

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more memorable experiences at the parade. The costumes of the Krampuses are purposely huge and scary. They are covered in fur, rags and horns, and their faces look like monsters. The Bloomington Krampus Krewe, local festival enthusiasts, spends the entire year working on these incredible costumes. Krampus Night in Bloom- contests and other engaging options. ington is, as Miller says, “a high- It was a balance between being safe light of the holiday season.” while participating and watching Deemer echoes that senti- from the comfort of your home. ments saying “it’s really awesome.” Although the event has This year, Bloomington come and gone, you can visit the Krampus Night was performed fully Bloomington Krampus page on Faonline through EventBrite.com due cebook for festival highlights, photo COVID-19 gathering restrictions. tos and videos through the years. The organizers offered at-home activities, hosted costume drawing