Winter Issue

the

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit #19 Mercer Island, WA

Mercer Island High School 9100 SE 42nd St. Mercer Island, WA 98040

MERCER IS SCHOOL DIST 400

WINTER

Issue

D e c e m b e r 1 7, 2 0 2 1

MIHS Staff Take the slopes Alex Levin

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Editor in Chief

The Pacific Northwest is home to a variety of cherished skiing and snowboarding areas, many of which are only a few hours away from Mercer Island High School.

To escape their ungraded essays and lengthy faculty meetings, many MIHS staff members venture to the mountains to hit the slopes during the winter.

“When I’m in the mountains and I’m skiing, I’m not thinking about anything else,” history teacher Tyson Peters said. “It’s the fresh air, it’s the mountains, it’s gorgeous, I’m with my friends— anything else that is going on in my life or in the world, I just don’t think about it.”

Continued on page 5

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2 Inside ABOUT The MIHS Islander 9100 SE 42nd St. Mercer Island, WA 98040 mihsislander@gmail.com www.mihsislander.org

Editors in Chief Lena Hardisty and Alex Levin Managing Editor | Honor Warburg Lead Writer | Morgan Dawson Features Editor | Hannah Howison Opinions Editor | Kate Grove Spread Editor | Lena Hardisty Sports Editor | Asha Woerner A&E Editor | Max Hense Back Page Editors | Sandra Pedersen and Mia LoBosco Photography Editor | Brooks Kahsai Business Manager | Liv Talerman Senior Staff Writer | Taylor Holshouser Social Media Team | Kat Marsh and Sam Pelter Multimedia Team | Brooks Kahsai and Braeden Nett Adviser | Chris Twombley Staff Writers Wyatt Acker, Ellie Austin, Jordan Balousek, Grant Blasko, Stuart Brown, Betty Butler, Caroline Capuano, Jackson Chang, Emily Fain, Zoya Firasta, Katie Friedman, Maddie Gaspers, Kyle Gerstel, Kathleen Gregson, Luke Harp, Julia Hauge, Gracie Hennessy, Elliot Jester, Lilly Jester, Jackson Kline, Ashwin Krishnaswamy, Irene Lee, Marley MacDonald, Arman Najafian, Bronwyn OrrBement, Susanna Radke, Shannon Rogan, Sadie Seumae, Niko Ulshin, Abby Weiss, Tiffany Zhang

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021 The MIHS Islander acknowledges that MIHS is on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

‘Tis finally the day

By Alex Levin and Lena Hardisty

‘Tis finally the day before our two-week-long break, And I don’t know about you, Islanders, but we’re barely awake.

From unwritten essays and sports competitions, To we seniors exhausted by early decisions.

We’re ready to stop stressing about things for no reason, To sit back and relax for this holiday season.

No matter how you spend your time, alone or with guests, You should enjoy your days off with no homework or tests.

But before you go, as a newspaper, we’d like to give you a present That will hopefully make your break slightly more pleasant.

With its 12 unique pages and many shades of blue, Here ya go! It’s our 2021 Winter Issue.

Inside you’ll find sports, entertainment and arts, Read through winter-themed articles right from the start.

We have drummers and toy stores and holiday foods, And a holiday playlist to get you in the mood.

For the next two weeks, whether you go somewhere far, Or stay close to home and shred some serious gnar, We hope you have fun, and while this might sound obscure, We wish a sko ‘ders to all, and to all a sko ‘ders.

PUBLICATION NOTICES

and to all a sko ‘ders!

Purpose: To provide news to the Mercer Island High School student body and members of the surrounding community in a

manner that accurately reflects readers’ interests. The MIHS Islander is an open student forum, and the opinions expressed within do not represent those of the high school or district administration.

Corrections: We pride ourselves on accurate, fact-based journalism. If you believe The MIHS Islander has gotten a fact or quote wrong, please contact us and we’ll print a correction in the next issue.

Ads: To print an ad in a future issue of The MIHS Islander, contact Business Manager Liv Talerman at mihsislander@gmail.com for rates and information.

Privacy: All electronic mail messages in connection with Mercer Island School District business which are sent or received by this account are subject to the Washington State Public Records Act and may be disclosed to third parties.

Nondiscrimination Notification: The Mercer Island School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities

on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Mercer Island School District offers classes in many College and Career Readiness Programs, admission to which is non-discriminatory. Lack of English-language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in these programs.

Features 3

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021

Student Brings the Holiday Spirit to

Photos Courtesy Greys

on Stypulkoski

Graphic Courtesy The Bellevue Collection

Max Hense

A&E Editor

This holiday season, like every year, students at MIHS are becoming a part of local traditions and celebrating spirit, both on and off campus.

Snowflake Lane, the annual parade held nightly on Nov. 26 to Dec. 24 to celebrate the winter season and spread holiday cheer, has been a staple at Bellevue Square for nearly 17 years.

Attracting crowds both young and old, the event offers floats, characters and festive live music.

Junior Greyson Stypulkoski has been a member of Snowflake Lane since December 2019, the winter of his freshman year, and is once again a part of the celebrations as a drummer in the marching band this parade season.

Working in the parade is an impressive time

commitment. Performers are more likely to be cast if they are available to work the majority of the month-long season, and are contracted to work every night from Black Friday to Christmas Eve. Prior to ever getting in front of the crowd, performers attend auditions— the marching band specifically performs sample pieces of music for the judges.

“They care way more about the energy and performance than they do the notes, as long as it doesn’t sound bad,” Stypulkoski said.

Performers re-audition every year, though returning players are almost guaranteed a spot in the cast lineup.

While the actual parade only runs about 20 minutes, cast members clock in as early as 5:30 p.m. each night, and depending on the speed of

the show, work until around 7:45 p.m. each night.

In addition to performing routines, the band and other workers take pictures with attendees and work to energize crowds.

A big part of working at Snowflake Lane is keeping your energy high and encouraging celebration.

“My favorite part is getting paid to jump around to Christmas music,” Stypulkoski said.

But for Stypulkoski, playing in Snowflake Lane is not all about the job, or the holiday spirit. His passion for music plays an equal part in what motivates him to return to the parade year after year.

“It allows me to do what I enjoy doing and get paid for it.”

4 FEATURES

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021

Seattle’s Archie McPhee: Novelties, Knick Knacks and Nostalgia Lilly Jester

Staff Writer

Archie McPhee is a wacky, outlandish novelty store that has been around for over 30 years,

and has set its name in stone as a Seattle cult favorite.

Mark Pahlow, the CEO and founder of Archie McPhee, has been nurturing the business since its birth, and has followed the yellow brick road to its success.

“The core thing was I did not want to work for someone else, and I wanted to create things,” Pahlow said. “I kept trying year after year selling low-cost, fun things. It became a profitable business and I rode the unicorn in the direction it wanted to go.”

For Pahlow, establishing this micro empire of nostalgic toys has been a lifelong journey. He premised that he had always been into knick knacks like rubber chickens and X-ray spectacles— items you might find in a comic book catalogue. As he got older, this sentimental love evolved to mix with a passion for business, and from there he began to develop his magnum opus.

People love the nostalgia and quirkiness that Archie McPhee is centered around, and the way it lets people escape a sometimes too serious world.

“People make connections with certain things in childhood and they like to think they’ve outgrown them,” Pahlow said. “We present them in a context where an adult can be silly, but not feel stupid for liking our products.”

Not only does Archie McPhee encourage people to connect Photos Courtesy Mark Pahlow

w i t h their inner child a n d indulge in reminiscence, the store also lets them take a break from their everyday lives.

“The world is so serious and presents problems every day,” Pahlow said.

“While we don’t present solutions to those problems, we offer a breather from the harshness of life.”

Pahlow, a skilled business man, could’ve easily sold

any number of products, but he chose to sell things like possums in peanuts for a reason: Everything from emergency googly eyes to meditating mushrooms seem to have a tight grasp on anyone who walks into Archie McPhee. “[Knick knacks] are things that I love. Being in the Archie McPhee store is like being in a part of my brain,” Pahlow explained. “Sometimes what people consider ephemera or useless can be emotionally pleasing. People can have a deep emotional connection to what we sell.”

Archie McPhee, Pahlow’s brainchild, is truly a special store in the Emerald City. Most people who walk in can’t leave the shop without buying a few gift-worthy items. Pahlow proves that Archie McPhee goes beyond just knick knacks— it’s a place to connect with your inner child and find joy in the little things.

Everyone deserves a good laugh, and that is exactly what Archie McPhee’s goal is. In fact, their mission statement is “to make you laugh or exclaim with wonder, and to deliver good value fast.”

Sports 5

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021

MIHS Staff Take the Slopes (cont.)

Alex Levin

Editor in Chief

Skiing can provide much more than just a break from the typical daily school routine.

The sport offers teachers both an opportunity to connect with friends, and a chance to travel outside of their comfort zone.

“There is no other wonderful feeling I have ever had than just fresh tracked powder on a beautiful day with good friends,” instructional coach Jamie Cooke said. “It is exhilarating for me, and… no matter what, I can always challenge myself.”

To evade the crowded runs and lengthy lines at the popular ski resorts in the area, such as Stevens Pass and Crystal Mountain, Peters and Cooke have explored more uncommon types of

Photos Courtesy Tyson Peters

skiing.

Both teachers have tried backcountry skiing, where skiers traverse far away from chairlifts, and helicopter skiing, where a helicopter brings skiers to an otherwise inaccessible location. Both of these variations take place in less-populated areas, allowing Peters and Cooke to further enjoy the outdoors.

“Helicopter skiing can get you to a lot of really remote locations and gets you to some really good locations where there is a lot of fresh snow,” Cooke said.

Peters not only finds joy in the activity of skiing, but combines the sport with his passion for travel by skiing in a variety of places like Canada, Alaska and even New Zealand.

“I’m a huge fan of traveling, and so over the years I have paired together my love for travel with also my love for skiing,” Peters said. “What I like is that you can travel to a cool place and experience that, but also get to do what you like to do.”

R&R counselor Chris Harnish and Spanish teacher Lara Fitzgerald also take trips to the mountains during the winter. However, instead of riding on two skis like Peters and Cooke, Harnish and Fitzgerald snowboard.

“I used to skateboard a lot as a kid,

and snowboarding just came really natural to me,” Harnish said. “I fell in love with it and I have been passionate about it ever since [my first lesson].”

While there is typically a friendly rivalry between skiers and snowboarders, anyone on the mountain can feel the advantages of spending time in an alpine environment.

“It’s beautiful everywhere you go; you are always getting beautiful scenery,” Fitzgerald said. “People you meet on the mountain and the lift are always friendly, [and just] happy being out there.”

While skiing and snowboarding are costly activities and can require significant time commitments, the benefits of trying them out could be long lasting.

“Skiing is something you can do your whole life, so I would say take the ski bus, go up on the weekends or go night skiing with your friends,” Peters said. “Just get out and get some exercise in the mountains, and it can become something much bigger.”

Sustainability Dur Sam Pelter

Social Media Team

The holidays are here again, and this year, with ongoing conversations of climate change and sustainability, I wanted to come up with a few ways to make this season the most eco friendly yet. So… ‘tis the season to give to both your loved ones and our earth.

Use reusable wrapping E a c h year, Americans use materials

4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper and, to many people’s surprise, most of it is not recyclable. 2.3 million pounds of paper end up in landfills each year. So, in my search for better ways to adorn presents, I found Japanese Furoshiki, a cloth-wrapping method that has been used since ancient times. There are many simple ways to tie your presents in beautiful cloths that can be reused from things you already have or a fun craft to make at home. In the past few years, cloth wrapping has become a more popular and eco-friendly way to wrap presents, and it’s an easy switch to make this year for all of your gift-giving needs.

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W i t h ongoing discussions of carbon emissions and regulating the amount of carbon that companies emit, certain ones have been putting effort into becoming “carbon neutral.” This essentially means reducing the net amount of carbon to zero. The organization, Climate Neutral, has a list of certified carbon-neutral companies to support. From swimwear to snow gear, or even software and home design, supporting these smaller companies can be a great option when buying gifts this holiday season.

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F o r those of you into festive home decor, lights are a huge part of the holidays. Whether you put lights on a tree or just want to hang lights around your house, I’ve got a sustainable option for you: Switch to LED lights instead of plug-in incandescent bulbs. According to the Department of Energy, LED lights consume 70 percent less energy than conventional incandescent lights.

Consequently, lighting a tree in the office for 12 hours a day for 40 days would cost 27 cents compared to the $10 it would cost to light the same tree with incandescent bulbs. So, not only are LEDs more energy efficient, they are cheaper too.

S t a rt new traditions by making, reusing or upcycling gifts. Make it a challenge for you and your family to truly make the thought count by showing your love through your own creations. Come up with experience gifts to do together, upcycle things in your home to make it personal to them; these products will be way more thoughtful than anything store bought. Saving money on gifts can be much more worthwhile and is a great option for your holiday.

Just don’t spend money on gifts

8 Opinions Lena Hardisty

Editor in Chief

On June 28, 2021, the third day of a historic heat dome in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle broke its record for the highest temperature ever recorded. 108 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact.

This winter, the area stands to reach record flooding as well.

Heavy rainfall is currently severely affecting Washington state and neighboring British Columbia. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is used by the National Weather Service to record rainfall, received 19.04 inches of rain between the months of September and November.

This figure is substantial when compared to both a typical average of 11.83 inches of rainfall, and 10.64 inches of rainfall received in the same time span in 2020.

The downpour and subsequent effects has forced thousands of people to leave their homes, with several towns being completely cut off. Mud and landslides have destroyed parts of major highways.

“What we’ve seen is kind of an example, a dress rehearsal for what we’re going to be seeing more often,” climatologist Nick Bond said, a researcher and professor at the University of Washington.

The origins of extreme rainfall and flooding from climate change may seem difficult to discern, but the answer lies in the weather systems in which

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021

large amounts of water are being transported toward the west coast of the U.S. Atmospheric rivers are a narrow band of moisture streaming through the air that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics.

They can cause extreme rainfall, but are generally regarded as natural weather events.

However, according to a study published in the International Journal of Climatology, the frequency of atmospheric rivers reaching

“

devastation by increasing silt loads in rivers and by making hillsides unstable.

There has been a notion in popular culture that preventing climate change is important for future generations, but it’s clear that its impacts serve as a threat to us all.

These effects extend past a rainy day or even the floods themselves, it has effects on the water cycle in Washington as a whole. “One of the main things of course is our water supply.

The largest municipalities in Washington state have quite a secure water supply. But there are other ones who are to a lesser extent [secure],” Bond said.

“Our water systems have been designed and built and so forth with the expectation of the snow in the mountains that would pretty reliably melt,” Bond continued.

“The melting of that snow in the late spring and early summer would give water to get us through the dry season. The changes that we’re seeing with more flooding and all the water coming down when we don’t really need it in the fall and early winter, and less water in the spring and summer.”

Infrastructure often doesn’t account for a steady change in the climate, a factor that used to be seen as resolute. “That could be really disruptive, just in terms of water supply, whether that’s for households, municipalities or for agriculture,” Bond said.

Whether accounting for the immediate events pushing people out of their homes, or the yearround rippling effects— the rainfall this winter is something everyone needs to take note of.

Washington, and the Pacific Northwest as a whole, is not safe from the disastrous impact of climate change.

Nowhere is.

What we’ve seen is kind of an example, a dress rehearsal for what we’re going to be seeing more often.

— Climatologist Nick Bond

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landfall has been increasing along the Pacific Coast since the 1940s. The findings by the researchers in British Columbia are recorded as “statistically significant,” with both the size and intensity of atmospheric rivers increasing as well.

With atmospheric rivers being a phenomenon originating in the tropics and warmer temperatures, the rise in global temperature is theorized to be directly connected to the increase in severity of these “rivers.” Furthermore, clearcut logging exacerbates the

c R i r p e i h ve Add r : This Phrase to Your List of Apocalyptic Terms

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021

Hi Islanders,

Opinions 9

Opinions Editor Kate Grove’s MIHS New Years Resolutions

and happy (almost) new year! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to put 2021 behind us and start fresh in 2022. In the spirit of making next year as stellar as possible, I want to propose a few different new year’s resolutions for MIHS:

1. We need to talk about lunch.

Yes, it’s great that we’re all back in school, but I think we can all agree that the commons has been a little bit out of control— specifically in the case of the lunch line. Underclassmen, I know you haven’t been around much, so I’m gonna break it down for you. There are two entrances, and each one has two lines. The outside line is for the special, the inside line is the snack line. Now that you have a better lay of the land, hopefully the lunch line won’t be the most chaotic part of anyone’s day. Actually, while we’re on the topic of lunch, can we stop getting charged for utensils?

Please and thank you.

2. Minimize the parking problem.

Not to sound like a broken record, but the parking at MIHS honestly drives me crazy. Going down Strip every morning feels like driving through a warzone. In 2022, maybe we as a student body can try carpooling and learning how to parallel park? It would help the planet and the parking situation.

3. Homework over break? Really?

Going into winter break, the only thing I’m not looking forward to is the homework crunch I know is going to clobber me the Monday and Tuesday after we get back. Sure, it’s district policy that there can’t be homework over break, and don’t get me wrong: that’s amazing. What’s not amazing, however, is the projects and the tests and the presentations and the assignments that all happen to be due right as we get back. Okay, so technically it’s not homework, but it’s also not not homework. These weird quasi-assignments are something that I would love to leave in 2021.

NCAA Fumbles Playoff Selections Asha Woerner

Sports Editor

The College Football regular season has come to a close and the four teams that the NCAA has selected for the playoffs are the University of Alabama, the University of Michigan, the University of Georgia and the University of Cincinnati. Though this year, the choices make me wonder: is the College Football Playoff Selection Committee dumb or biased?

At this point, the NCAA is a SEC marketing scheme. The way the rankings shook out, anyone can tell that having Alabama and Georgia in the final is exactly what the committee wants.

The first problem is Alabama at No. 1. Even with their gold star quarterback, they just don’t feel like a number one team. The best word for the 2021 Alabama season is mediocre. And Georgia at No. 3 after losing their conference

championship? Such SEC privilege.

Cincinnati may not have played any team that holds respect, except for Notre Dame (who was robbed of a playoff spot), but fourth seems disrespectful. They had an undefeated season. Throw them a bone, let them be second or third.

Michigan started the season unranked, and crushed Iowa in the Big Ten Championship.

The Big Ten had several solid opponents, including Ohio State and Wisconsin, and the SEC had what? Mississippi? I may be biased as a Michigan fan, but they deserved the number one spot.

The committee might end up getting their dream of Alabama vs Georgia, but after the SEC championship, it might not be a close game. Maybe the SEC deserves its privilege, but the real problem is only having four teams in the playoffs.

4. Two words: hallway etiquette.

Okay guys, I saved the best one for last. Two words: hallway etiquette. Picture this: you got let out two minutes late from one class, and your next one is all the way across the school. You’ve been walking fast and are miraculously looking like you might be on time and not need to do the walk of shame across the classroom. But just as you turn down the final stretch, you’re stopped short. Two people are walking down the middle of the hallway at approximately 0 miles per hour. You try to go around but somehow every time you think you see a space to squeeze through, it disappears.

By the time you make it to class, you’re officially late and the teacher gives you the lethal combo of a tardy and a dirty look. To avoid this truly upsetting situation, I would like to humbly offer a simple solution— walk faster and practice spatial awareness. And if you’re not gonna walk faster, at least move over to the side so that those of us with longer legs and places to be can move quickly. Thanks in advance!

10 a&e

Photography by Jack Sieckhaus Betty Butler

Staff Writer

Ever since Jack Sieckhaus, a sophomore at MIHS, started taking photos on a trip to his grandparents’ house in 2018, he has been improving his photography skills and sharing his progress on social media.

“I took my grandma’s phone and ran around the neighborhood taking photos,” Sieckhaus said.

Upon receiving the photos back, his grandma was impressed. “Originally I thought ‘oh that’s just my grandma’ [… but] as a surprise I got a camera for Christmas that year [and] I’ve been using it ever since.”

After growing tired of taking photos of his neighborhood, Sieckhaus has furthered his photography through the photography class at school. “[My photography class] got me back into photography because it showed me a lot of new things that I hadn’t been able to do,” Sieckhaus said. “I hadn’t been able to edit, really before that and [the class] taught me how to do that.”

This fall, Sieckhaus expanded his skill set by taking pictures at Mercer Island High School football games. He took photos at a variety of games, including the Homecoming and Senior Night matchups. “[The football photos] are important to my progression as a photographer because I can directly see the feedback from the players,” Sieckhaus said.

When going to take pictures, Sieckhaus likes to start with a general idea of what the photo will be in advance to adequately prepare.

“If I’m walking around my neighborhood and I see something cool, then

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021 I’ll run home and grab my camera,” Sieckhaus said. “Everytime I turn my camera on, I have a pretty good idea of what I’m gonna be taking photos of.”

However, when new opportunities present themselves, Sieckhaus often chooses to revise his plans.

“Almost always, I start with a specific plan and that goes out the window within like, two minutes, and I just see what looks cool and is worth shooting,” Sieckhaus said. “That’s where I get into taking photos of the Flag Dudes and the crowd.”

Going forward, Sieckhaus is interested in continuing sports-action photography, specifically at a college with a big football program.

In addition to Mercer Island football photography, this winter Sieckhaus plans to take photos while skiing and at other Mercer Island sporting events.

“I’m a big skier so this season I’m gonna try and take a couple days, grab a friend, and take some photos,” Sieckhaus said. “Football’s cool and all but there’s a lot of other sports at the high school so basketball, volleyball, soccer, [I’ll] try to get to some of those.”

Just like Sieckhaus improved his skills at the photography class at the high school, anyone looking to get into photography can do the same. “ F o r anyone

Photos Courtesy Jack Sieckhaus

that’s interested in photography, even a little bit, I’d really recommend the photography class at the high school,” Sieckhaus said. “I think a lot of people look at it as sort of an easy A, ... but if you are really actually interested in photography it’s a really fantastic way to get involved.”

A&E 11

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021 Baked Brie

The MIHS Islander’s Holiday Music Playlist

The perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy and crunchy all in one incredible holiday dish. Some may argue that this should not be included in this list, as they think it is not exclusively a winter food. I agree, baked brie should be eaten year-round because it is so exquisite, however, it is the most delicious and comforting in the cold and spirited winter season, and thus, I have to put it at the top of the list.

1

3

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is always a reliable dessert or sweet snack for the holiday season. With a sprinkle of salt over the already delicious pieces, the flavors of peppermint, dark chocolate and milk chocolate blend together to create a perfect bite. Peppermint bark is a staple in winter holiday activities, gifts, and desserts.

2

Pies

Second to last, the infamously bad eggnog. This might be a little bit controversial to a very small population but it has to be said. Eggnog is not good in any form, not by itself, in a latte or even baked into a pastry.

Every year, I hope to enjoy a glass of this thick, eggy custard, but I am always disappointed with the taste of creamy bubblegum that prevails on my taste buds for too long. The only reason it is not last is because of my undying hope for it to taste good one day…

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Fruitcake, a dessert that dates back to ancient Roman times and is surprisingly still eaten by people currently. I had high hopes when I tried it for the first time, despite its appearance, but along with its unappetizing look, came an equally appetizing taste. If you like the taste of bitter cake, accompanied by chewy dried fruit and crunchy mixed nuts, this might be the perfect holiday cake for you, but it is absolutely not for me.

“tis the damn season,” by Taylor Swift

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” by The Jackson 5

Eggnog

Fruitcake

“Last Christmas,” by WHAM!

“The Chanukah Song,” by Adam Sandler

Whether it’s a classic apple pie, or festive pumpkin pie, there is no way to go wrong with this traditional sweet. Pies are ranked right in the middle because there is generally nothing special about them, they are not extraordinarily appetizing, nor are they ever completely unpalatable. Sweet pies of any kind are a great holiday dessert to have as a backup, but they would never be my first choice for a post-dinner snack.

4

“HOLIDAY,” by Lil Nas X

5

Foodie Taylor Holshouser ranks Five winter treats

“You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch,” by Tyler, the Creator

“Santa Stole My Lady,” by Fitz and the Tantrums

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” by Phoebe Bridgers

“Step Into Christmas,” by Elton John “Sleigh Ride,” by Pentatonix “Christmas in the Country,” by Thomas Rhett “Holiday,” by Vampire Weekend “Christmas in Hollis,” by Run-D.M.C.

12 Back

THE MIHS ISLANDER DEC. 2021

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The b e I hav st o verall The best gift I ever received was a , han e eve ds do r g ift o 9-foot artificial Christmas tree in the wn b f forg been a r est g e an d i shape of a palm tree. I love it so much ift treat veness. I cipient of ed a was a is the really that I have it up all year and I decorate g y it an po orly. I o o d frien o ung teen it for holidays like Halloween, Veterans d dec d f elt h o i de d Day, 4th of July, Easter and St. Patrick’s tr y to orrib f mine to sp c l l e e a e r t ak w a Day. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.... expecti ith h bo ut ng my he air. In e r u n m an d k unkin BEST GIFT EVER!! y m in dn we w ess. Inste dness to in d, I was be me ent o a d, sh n to t w ith e That f o r be ga e that xperience co me lifel ve me an d w o ng f an d rie a best ent along g ift e w ith ll the em n ds. ver. it is d o efinite tions ly my

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What’s the Best Gift You HAve Ever Received?

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ever . It h esent I ain set tracks, r r p t t s e e httim the The b yco nig stickers on T Compiled by Honor Warburg er get a s wa ark dn’t ev was i d d e I h t . s glow-in s on the car tmas until I me t ris h h g C li r like so an d nte d fo re d, “is this at a w I e g us th d in n what o h c w a e is t ” We lways 11. I a here my mo m at we want? a d h w w s h lesson, ys get fter Christma . My a lw a ’t a sales we can Fre d Meyer eir big ain set, h t l o l t a The best gift that I have ever received went ct tr y ha d he exa were ki ds. n d the t a t d u e o d was a giant candy cane. It wasn’t the gift e en ick an d when w t me p per se, but the fact that my brother got mo m le ver happene d of that thing ect ne erf are it for me (when we were little) and it sat which it in p go o d c p h e c e u k s o under the tree for 2 weeks and I could I to ok sure t ma de s y a not for the LIFE of me figure out what alw n. con ditio it could be. So it was the anticipation of not being able to guess it that made it exciting and then when I opened it I was thrilled, because I also thought it was a very cool gift at the time. (I think I was around 10- or 11-years old).

Madame Wiatr