Wellingtonian
a student magazine
1
2
CONTENTS 4. Foreword 5. The Science Behind Giving 6. Christmas Jumpers - Are they Really Worth it? 7. The History of the Brussel Sprout 8. Appreciating Chistmas 9. Did you just say Santa lives in Finland? 10. Positivity is not just for Christmas 11. Why the Grinch is the best Christmas movie ever 14. Small Acts Large Impacts 15. Christmas: 1st of the Month or 1st on the Shelf? 16. The Truth Behind Christmas Music 17. Edgar & Brexit: What Christmas Advets can Teach us About Politics 18. Christmas at Wellington 19. Jimmy Higham 20. The Must Watch Christmas Films 22. How Many Christmas Movies is Too Many Christmas Movies? 23. Christmas Beyond the British Isles 24. Spirit and Reflection 25. Today’s Christmas: A Neccessary Evil? 26. Welly Look-A-Likes 27. Welly Wits
JOURNALISTS William Smith Angus Leech Audrey Dennis Caitlin Loo Stella Lindfors Rosie Wrigglesworth Maddy Power India Parsons Money Stuckey Tommy Seigne Beth Simons Alexander Nash Hannah McClelland Eliza Tyler Freya Banke-Wallis Amberly Nuttall Alex Dancer
Editors-in-Chief: Clara Herfs William Smith Design: Max Rickard Cosmo Smith Sam Hind
3
FOREWORD Clara Herfs and I have really enjoyed our roles as editors of the Wellingtonian. We have loved providing everyone with opportunities to express and appreciate the interesting initiatives, creative ideas and the many activities that Wellington has to offer. From Allegra Harris’s controversial views on the ‘Socks Scandal’, in our first publication, to an interview with JD, the incoming Master, in our last, we have savoured every step of our journey through our posts as editors. As the outgoing editors, Clara and I would like to thank Max Rickard for his amazingly artistic design skills; his dedication to making the Wellingtonian, not only a medium for expression, but also a work of art, has enabled us to make the magazine as professional as possible. We would also like to thank Miss Donarski and the Marketing team for their unconditional support; I am sure you will not forget our endless V and A meetings and extensive email threads! On that note, we would be honoured to announce the incoming editors, deputy editors and designers of the Wellingtonian 2020/21! Editors-in-Chief: Angus Leech and Monet Stuckey Deputy Editors-In-Chief: Audrey Dennis and Rosie Wrigglesworth Designers: Sam Hind and Cosmo Smith We would like to wish the incoming editorial team well through their Wellingtonian journey. I am certain they will also enjoy their responsibilities, as myself and Clara did, and I am sure the Wellingtonian will go from strength-to-strength. At this time, as yet another year passes before our eyes, and as the nights draw in for yet another festive Christmas period, I do hope you enjoy our last publication of the Wellingtonian! William Smith, S, U6th
4
THE SCIENCE BEHIND GIVING Everyone knows when winter has arrived when the number of overcoats exponentially rises and the outhouses begin to complain about their treks to assembly on Monday mornings. The light begins to fade at lunch time and Kabir’s starts to prepare for the end of term curries. Before we know it, we have finished the Michaelmas term, Michael Bublé has emerged from hibernation and the Christmas holidays are upon us. When thinking about Christmas we probably think of the food , the presents we want and the nostalgic traditions but do we ever fully consider the gift giving of Christmas. From walking around a shopping centre trying to find the perfect gift to seeing the recipient’s reaction when they open your present, the brain reacts in particular ways giving the giver feelings of happiness and satisfaction. This altruistic behaviour of putting other first leads the brain to secrete the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and the hormone oxytocin. These chemicals relay signals from nerve cells in the brain or a passed in the blood – regulating the intensity of these signals and therefore prompting different physiological and psychological reactions. Serotonin and dopamine are responsible for regulating mood – causing these spikes of happiness after having a meal, smiling and when giving a gift to someone and can cause anxiety when there are low levels present. Also, the similar ‘high’ effect is seen when taking Ecstasy or LSD as these drugs cause a huge surge in serotonin – leading to people feeling euphoric with heightened senses. By saying this, I am definitely not advocating it, far from it. This simply demonstrates how the body reacts in similar ways with completely polar activities. Moreover, the hormone oxytocin also contributes to this ‘warm glow’ effect – creating emotional responses, making the giver feel relaxed and leads to memories and relationships forming. This response to giving stimulates the ‘reward’ systems of the brain: the midbrain ventral tegmental area, parts of the cerebral cortex and the anterior prefrontal cortex. These areas are similarly seen to ‘turn on’ with food, money and romantic partners – therefore explaining the synonymous psychology between giving and receiving gifts, food and love!! All these effects of giving someone a present contributes to the ‘helper’s high’ and, whilst making you feel good, can physically help your body as well. The overall ‘good’ feeling when you help each other out or buy them something lowers the anxiety in your mind. This better state of mind contributes to lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart-related conditions as feeling stressed puts added stress on your heart. It contributes to having a more regular diet , better sleeping patterns and generally makes your energy levels increase. The long-term effect of this might increase longevity, physical health and relationships with others. So, as we draw closer to the end of term - Secret Santas in full flow – don’t just think about your bank balance whittling away – think about the benefit of buying that extra box of celebrations , not only for the recipient but also for you. And the great thing with generosity is that it is contagious – so you might just get lucky and find yourself with a few more presents than expected! Angus Leech, S, L6th
5
CHRISTMAS JUMPERS – ARE THEY REALLY WORTH IT?
Think about it. How many times a year do you wear your Christmas jumper? Leading up to Christmas you might wear it once for that Christmas jumper day we have at school or maybe at a family Christmas party. You’ll maybe wear it on Christmas eve and on Christmas day and, If you’re lucky, it will be worn when there are no other clean clothes in your wardrobe. So, if we really consider it, you only really wear your Christmas jumper about five times a year, six if you’re lucky. So, are they really worth it? I know there’ll be a few people reading this who have never owned a Christmas jumper in their life. Although some people would argue they’re scrooges, it’s important to consider their reasoning. Christmas jumpers are expensive, especially if you really get into it. The fairy lights, baubles and tassels can add up. For something that you wear only six times a year it’s easy to see how this investment is seen as a waste of money. Some of would argue that it’s worth spending your money if you’re going to wear your jumper every year. To an extent, this makes sense, your Christmas jumper appears every year around December and disappears in January. However, there will come a time when your Christmas jumper will become disregarded; maybe it doesn’t fit anymore or you may just simply lose interest in it. Whatever the reasoning, Christmas jumpers begin to lose their purpose and fall into the cycle of only being worn a few times a year or maybe even not at all. Of course, to some people Christmas jumpers are an essential tradition. In fact, to some, the jumpers are a vital part of Christmas. It’s important to recognize their point of view too. The sparkles, flashing lights and excess of material is exciting to them, so much so, that from the first days of December, their Christmas jumper will be worn every single day. They might even go so far as to have two or three different Christmas jumpers so that they can interchange them. To some, this may seem trivial. But to them, it is a necessary part of Christmas. In this way, I can understand why people spend so much money on Christmas jumpers. The money spent here becomes equivalent to the money spent on other Christmas traditions; the Christmas tree, baubles, Christmas presents. All worth the money because of their importance in contributing to the perfect Christmas. So what can we conclude from this? Are Christmas jumpers really worth it? I think it really depends on the type of person you are. If you’re all about sticking to Christmas traditions and you love to wear your Christmas jumper as much as you can, then your money will be well spent. But if you’re like me and you don’t picture yourself wearing a Christmas jumper more than three times a year then my advice to you is not to make the investment. It’s not worth it. Audrey Dennis, Ag, L6th 6
THE HISTORY OF THE BRUSSEL SPROUT Christmas comes with many traditions; ranging from carol services and the queen’s speech at 3 to the decorations, the lights and the food. Christmas is filled with family nostalgia and unique, individual traditions. If these are absent, Christmas is not complete, dreams of children are shattered, and everyone might spontaneously turn into the grinch. Luckily, this is easily avoided with the help of Amazon and commercial turkey farming. However, one key component of Christmas must be omnipresent amongst households. This is the Brussel sprout. Either if you detest them so much that you would sacrifice your best friend to stop them getting too near or you eat them as if there were no tomorrow – just the presence of Brussel sprouts completes Christmas. But one wonders: why the sprout at Christmas? It all started in 1587 when the ‘mini cabbages’ were first recorded (they might have been around as early as 1200 but there is no hard evidence for this). Their popularity grew tenfold especially in Holland and Belgium – hence their name – and the continent eventually began to catch on with this new cultural trend! The reason behind their fast fame is their ability to survive harsh conditions and grow relatively quickly – the perfect vegetable to grow in the winter as they also are known to be sweeter if they survive a frost. Moreover, they have a very high nutritional value, giving us more Vitamin C than an orange and they provide powerful cancer-fighting effects, increased skin health and might contribute to managing diabetes. Once Britain slowly started to trust the Brussel sprout, they were introduced in the late 1800s, and the Victorians backed the sprouts’ campaign as they were seen as a novelty food. At the same time, the Victorians were beginning to invent the idea of a Christmas feast and the Brussel sprouts, out of sheer coincidence, good timing and seasonality, just took a spot on the plates of the aristocrats and seemed to have stayed there for the foreseeable future. So, the fate of the Brussels and the huge segregation of the UK’s population , almost as extreme as the divide created by Marmite, that occurs annually was down to biological and cultural luck. Whether or not you are a lover or a hater the sprouts are here to stay with the £650 million industry supplying 390 million sprouts for Christmas in the UK. And although they fill people with contempt and rage, sprouts are dependent on Christmas and Christmas is dependent on sprouts! Angus Leech, S L6th
7
APPRECIATING CHRISTMAS ‘Tantalising smells of hot chocolate and pumpkin spiced lattes seizing their way up my nose (the nostalgia really hitting me like a punch straight in my face); ringing of jingle bells circling through my eardrums as a lush jade tree stands like an emerald statue in the middle of the town square serenely gazing upon everyone scurrying around for last minute presents and whatever they think they would need for the 25th tomorrow. Well everyone except from me. Tomorrow is going to be an average day for me: waking up at midday with overwhelming pain that I still have not gotten use to lancing in and out of my back due to the jarring concrete I will be sleeping on tonight … and that I have been sleeping on for the past few weeks. I shudder at that thought of loneliness and the pang of sorrow I was feeling as a glacial gale galloped through me. Frost picks at the bindings of my jacket, meanwhile the unforgiving gelid cold slipped in through the small holes of my clothing that I have not washed for a couple (maybe a bit more) of days. Slumping back ignoring the pitiless feeling of winter; disregarding the rumbling sound of my stomach; closing my ears from the children’s excited shrieks and squeals, I envisioned the bittersweet moments of soon to be Christmas day bringing a small smile to my face as I shut my eyes and welcomed the hopeless thoughts once again.’ Many students that go to Wellington college or any independent boarding school have been privileged during their lifetime : having the luxury of a roof over their heads when they sleep, the chance to eat a three meals every day and knowing that they will always have a bed to in at night time. In just under a month’s time, we will be singing Christmas carols, opening presents surrounded by our family and stuffing our faces with as much roasted food as we possibly can get into our tummies, however we do sometimes forget how lucky we are when our lives are filled with so much commotion. Recent figures have shown more than 24,000 people were sleeping homeless this Christmas (2018), the number of homeless people already increasing since 2011 by over 57% and is set to rise this year again. With over 120,000 adults who will spend the festive season in a temporary accommodation and a further 130,000 children across Great Britain in a temporary household. Those who are not fortunate enough to find a roof will be 17 times more likely to be at risk to violence and 15 times more likely to be prone to verbal abuse. So this winter’s holiday whoever is reading this, I urge you, in whatever you are doing to just stop for a minute and recognise how lucky you are. You don’t have to be the richest person in the world. You don’t have to be the nicest person in the world. You don’t even have to even care about Christmas. But I urge you to appreciate that you do have someone that supports you in life and that you have someone that provides a shelter for you when it is cold. Therefore, when it is freezing outside, realise and remember that there is someone suffering without the luxury of having shelter, warmth or food. If this has pulled at your heartstrings and you want to help somebody not as fortunate and lucky as you are, then all you need to do is make a donation by raising money/awareness or just out of your own generosity and give it to any of these charities: Crisis, Shelter, St Mungo’s, Emmaus UK or Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. Finally, happy holidays everyone and remember how lucky you are when you’re both receiving and giving gifts this winter’s holiday. Caitlin Loo, Ap, 5th
8
DID YOU JUST SAY SANTA LIVES IN FINLAND? Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas or Jultompten, almost every Christian country has its own version of the cisgender jovial man in red who brings presents to children and adults every December. But there is relentless debate over where exactly this dude lives. Danes believe he’s situated in Greenland, the Norwegians say he’s in Drøbak, while in Britain, the U.S. and Canada, it’s supposed he lives in the North Pole. However, the Finns are adamant the real Santa lives in Lapland (in the Northernmost part of Finland, deep inside the Arctic circle). I am Finnish and my mission is to shed light on the true hub of Christmas. The whole North Pole craze stemmed from the German-born cartoonist Thomas Nast, who created the iconic robust and high-spirited man we know as Santa Claus. Nast generated 33 drawings between 18631886 depicting the first scenes of Santa in his factory up in the North Pole with his naughty and nice list of children. At that time, there was a lack of knowledge around the North Pole, so why couldn’t Santa and his reindeer be hiding at the top of the world? There has been a painful misunderstanding and I feel it is my duty to clarify the confusion surrounding Mr Claus. Lapland is celebrated for its majestic winter landscapes and endless outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing and reindeer sleigh rides. Tourists enjoy the nights in a glass igloo lying in bed looking up at the transcending Northern Lights- Winter Wonderland! Given there is no firm land beneath the North Pole, how do the reindeers survive in such harsh conditions? They don’t! Instead, they are found thriving munching on Lapland’s natural vegetation such as lichen, moss, hay and grass, depending on the season. This must be the home to these enchanting mammals as the 200,000 reindeer roaming around exceeds the human population of Lapland! Just to confuse you even more, us Nordics celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve contrasting to the grand tradition of waking up in the morning to presents. For him to make it around the world in one night, he has to start the prior evening…. 5:30pm. 24/ 12 *Three powerful knocks on the door* the children scurry towards the sound. The celebrity of the season steps in with his black leather boots sprinkled with snow from the storm outside. The adults welcome him into the living room and offer a coffee to keep him going for the upcoming all-nighter. Chairs are brought in from the kitchen table and the dining room to provide the entire family with a seat. He whips out the pressies from his bag and as he hands them around, he describes this year’s sledding conditions which have become increasingly challenging with the global warming crisis. Most people in the Anglo- Saxon world have been deprived of the story behind Santa’s Finnish origin and the 24-hour proceedings of the busiest night recorded in history. We must all keep our joyful traditions alive by being greener, if Santa can travel the world in one night without polluting our planet, who’s stopping us? Stella Lindfors, Ap, L6th
9
POSITIVITY IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS As the evenings draw in and the general mood declines in conjunction with the temperature, there is only one beacon of light: Christmas. So why is it that people’s mood tends to pick up as more advent calendar doors are opened and more presents are bought? Everyone has their own reasons for enjoying and looking forward to Christmas, creating a positive and elated mood all around. However, what I really want to talk about is the power of positivity in general and how positivity is not just for Christmas. I’m sure you have all heard many times before how exceptionally lucky we are to attend a school like Wellington. However, I wonder how many times you have heard a conversation start with ‘I’m so tired’ or ‘I’m so cold’. These simple yet negative phrases immediately transport you and whoever you are talking to into a place of negativity. Instead, start the conversation with a positive: ‘I’m so looking forward to the weekend’ or ‘sport was so good today’. It is easy to do this at the run up to Christmas, with so many exciting aspects to anticipate. However, I urge you to continue this year-round. Positivity may seem to some people as simply a word. A word to pretend to acknowledge and then dismiss. However, it is much more than just being happy or displaying a positive attitude; both surface level actions. Positive thoughts (which run much deeper) can actually add great value to not only your mental health but also help create habitual ways of viewing and in turn, dealing with situations. It may seem that with looming exams and a prep list that seems endless, it is difficult to find times to refresh your mind and revitalise your mood. However, activities such as mindfulness or simply giving someone a smile, together with initiating conversations with a positive rather than a negative, all contribute to boosting your mood. With this awareness in mind, I give you a challenge: start your conversations with a positive not a negative – not only at Christmas when there is so much to look forward to, but also year-round. By Rosie Wrigglesworth, Hn, L6th
10
WHY ‘THE GRINCH’ IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER The youth nowadays are not well versed in the greats of literature. For them I have two words and two words only: Dr Seuss. This man, Theodore Seuss, has written some of the greatest works of fictional literature in the history of the Western World: ‘Horton hears a Who’ ‘The Lorax’ ‘Green eggs and ham’ ‘The cat in the hat’ and many more. But arguably his greatest work … ‘How the Grinch stole Christmas’. Having been adapted into three movies, let alone the countless Christmas episode specials, the story of the Grinch is widely known. The green, hairy man who’s only friend is a dog called Max and who, for some unexplained reason, eats glass (at least Jim Carrey’s version does) hates a lot of things, but most passionately he hates Christmas. He doesn’t just hate Christmas enough to become a hermit for the season. He hates Christmas so much that he must steal it and ruin it for everyone else. In the adaptations, the Grinch was an outcast who has been either bullied or abandoned at Christmas. But in the book, there is no reason given for his deep-seated hatred. Either way, at the end of the story, the Grinch realises that Christmas is not about presents and price tags. He had tried to stop it by stealing all the gifts, but when December 25th came in Whoville, CHRISTMAS STILL HAPPENED. That was because the true nature of Christmas lies within people, love and community. When the Grinch sees this, his heart “grew by three sizes” and the recluse, the introvert, the man who couldn’t think of anything worse, joins the feast. So this is why I love the Grinch, and to anyone who disagrees you can keep “Home alone” and any other cliché film, because nothing beats the story of an out-cast who tried to ruin Christmas, but when the genuine meaning of it is revealed: the love and the kindness, not even the coldest of hearts can resist it. Maddy Power, O, L6th
11
12
13
SMALL ACTS LARGE IMPACTS
Christmas is typically associated with celebration, family, love, laughter and most importantly, the act of giving to others. It symbolises hope and happiness, serving as a highlight of the year for many. We are incredibly lucky to be able to celebrate Christmas in all its glory here at Wellington, but we mustn’t lose sight of the true values of the poignant celebration. Spirits soar as Christmas approaches and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the frenzy of celebration. I urge you to take a moment to reflect upon what truly makes you and those around you happiest at Christmas. It isn’t the most expensive gifts, but the truly valued time spent with friends and family; combined with the positive atmosphere in our community as kindness takes priority and we strive to please all those around us. Small acts of kindness at Christmas trigger chains of positivity, an action which may seem insignificant to you can brighten another person’s day. Everyone needs encouragement through the long winter months and by helping others you’ll find that our community strengthens as we support each other. A simple act of kindness costs nothing and something as little as a smile or a compliment can be pivotal in changing another’s mindset for the day. Appreciation of everything we are so privileged to have is key for kindness at Christmas. Appreciate all the people you love in your life and make sure you show your care for them. Throughout the festivities, when excitement and joy are the primary emotions, it is equally important to recognise that not everybody is happy all the time. For exam groups slowly approaching mocks under stress, a kind word or a small act can make all the difference. Additionally, there is a pressure at Wellington to maintain an upbeat attitude throughout the year and while positivity is crucial, for those who are struggling it is okay to admit you are not okay. This pressure increases around Christmas time as we celebrate merrily. Although, as most people appear joyous it can be a struggle for those who suffer with their mental health, so we must remember to support each other through this time. It is crucial to support each other within our houses, friendships and year groups etc as well as demonstrating support for those struggling in wider communities across the country. December is full of celebration for the majority of us, providing ample opportunity for us to give back to our communities. Especially the 320,000 homeless people living in the UK, who will struggle with the cold especially during the winter months. By showing you care and stopping to drop off a hot a drink or a bit of change, you can truly impact someone’s life. The best gift you can give this Christmas is an act of kindness. Instead of buying expensive gifts this Christmas, show someone you truly care about them and by appreciating them you will make their life that bit easier. Be kind to everyone, you never know how it could impact someone who is struggling beneath the surface. An act of kindness costs nothing but can change the course of someone’s day, why wouldn’t you do it? India Parsons, Hn, L6th 14
CHRISTMAS: 1st OF THE MONTH OR 1st ON THE SHELF? With Christmas fast approaching, I thought that I should take this time to establish the rules about when Christmas really begins. There are many different opinions formulated around this topic, but I personally believe that the 1st of December is the only justifiable date to ‘start’ Christmas celebrations. Let me explain why. You know that it’s Christmas when you walk into any form of shop and are overwhelmed by the decorations of the festive season. It seems to be almost a custom, or tradition, of our Western culture in today’s society; to identify Christmas not only through actions, but also through the presentation of ourselves and our belongings. This part of Christmas, I love, but it is another story when the festivity is displayed before Halloween. This is not alright. Halloween is the 31st of October. Christmas Day is the 25th of December. The two events are in separate months, yet one is publicly decorated in favour of, before the other has even occurred. Seeing Christmas crackers in the aisles of Waitrose at the same time as pumpkins, if not before pumpkins, is quite simply against the rules of Christmas. I would normally confirm that the 1st of December is the correct time to festively decorate shops, however, I do understand that shops need to cater for the ‘early birds’ of today. Therefore, I understand the need to advertise Christmas decorations well before the Christmas month, but almost 8 weeks before is a step too far. One. Too. Far. Home decorations are very different to those in shops. These cannot be started until the 1st of December and that is a rule. The right day to get your Christmas tree? The 1st December. The right day to put up your Christmas lights? The 1st of December. The right day to hang up your stockings? The 1st of December. The point is, your home can only become festive on the 1st of December, or any date thereafter before Christmas Day. Some believe in the superstitious reasoning that it is bad luck to festively decorate more than ten days before the 25th of December, and that it is also bad luck to leave decorations up for more than ten days after Christmas Day. Personally, this doesn’t bother me at all; if the decorations are up after the 1st of December and down before the 1st January, I have no issues. But then again, that is just one opinion. In regard to Christmas entertainment, that being songs and movies, I believe that there is nothing more unlawfully wrong than to engage with these before the 1st of December. The festive month is December, and these songs and movies were purely produced to bring festive feelings to the public. Therefore, they should only be listened to in the month of December. Christmas songs especially, portray special messages about Christmas, and to listen to them before the festive season of December, is to do them an injustice. Movies are much the same, however there is some leeway in this department of entertainment. ‘Love Actually’ is a film that all can enjoy, especially when paired with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a fire blazing at your feet. Although Christmas Day is part of this film, the festivity is spread over a time period of roughly five weeks, and so it is not solely a Christmas movie, but more of a winter movie. Therefore, it is movies such as this, that are interchangeable as Winter movies or Christmas movies, that can be watched either in the month of Christmas, or those months either side of the 25th of December, as part of Winter. Finally, Advent calendars are a form of celebration of the countdown to Christmas, originating from religious backgrounds. There are multiple forms of Advent calendars, such as beauty ones or the classical chocolate ones, but all should be treated with the same level of ‘respect’. To open an Advent calendar early, is to be a psychopath (metaphorically speaking). It doesn’t sit quite right with me that people have the brain power to intentionally spoil a perfectly good surprise 25 days early… I just can’t quite comprehend it. I know of a few people who do this (who will be kept anonymous for their best interest of avoiding social harassment), and every time I hear of an event such as this, I shudder to contain my frustration at the news. Nonetheless, it pains me to say that this type of ‘disrespect’ to patience occurs more frequently than commonly thought, and it needs to be abolished. As a parting thought, if you hadn’t already guessed, I am a strong advocate for the official beginning of Christmas to be the 1st of December. To do otherwise by participating in events such as pre-December decorating, song-listening, movie-watching and Advent-opening, you are personally detracting all the positive elements of Christmas Day. Christmas is celebrated globally for a reason, and for an individual to begin Christmas early, removes any form of excitement and anticipation for it the following year, until it becomes so prematurely celebrated that it becomes a two-month holiday, rather than a one-day holiday. So, I’d like you to think about how much you may be ‘ruining’ Christmas Day next time you listen to Michael Bublé’s Christmas album in November… Oh, and one more thing: if you haven’t yet been lucky enough to see the John Lewis Christmas advert for this year, make sure you see it soon. You don’t want to miss out on Excitable Edgar. Money Stuckey, Ag, L6th
15
THE TRUTH BEHIND CHRISTMAS MUSIC Christmas. When does the season of Christmas truly begin? This question has possibly become more prevalent now than ever with Waitrose and other high street shops putting up decorations and playing Christmas songs even before Halloween has come and gone. Many believe that after Halloween, the final celebration of the year before Christmas (discounting those Americans and Thanksgiving), Christmas songs can be played. However, even though my opinion may not matter to most of the general public, I am here to voice it. When it comes to Christmas songs and carols, there is a determined beginning and ending to when they ought to be played. Christmas songs should start to be played on the radio on the 24th November at the earliest. Now, a lot of people might have the opinion that the songs ought to only be played during the month of December, but I disagree and here’s why. The week leading up to December, as the days start to get darker and colder, can be one of the most depressing weeks of the year. Therefore, in order to get everyone in the Christmas spirit and help everyone over the line, in what has been quite a wet, cold and miserable November for some of us, the spirit of Christmas is one that will brighten up even the cloudiest of afternoons. Now I’m not saying that Christmas songs should be extensively played in that final week of November, it should be more of a gentle introduction before everyone feels violated every time they hear Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” for the 27th time of the day. A gentle introduction to the songs, maybe throw them in between some other songs so they aren’t all played together, that will increase the mood of everyone suffering from a little lack of things to look forward to, and this includes me. So to everyone reading, I hope your Christmas spirit isn’t hindered by the fact that you can’t play Michael Bublé’s Christmas album in April, but that in order to savour Christmas and make it extra special, keep the music away until late November until everyone can enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Merry Christmas. Tommy Seigne, Rg, U6th
16
EDGAR & BREXIT: WHAT CHRISTMAS ADVERTS CAN TEACH US ABOUT POLITICS I think it is a truth widely acknowledged that the release of the John Lewis Christmas Advert marks the beginning of a long-anticipated series of festive celebrations; the second week of November usually sees me huddled over my phone, frantically refreshing my phone in hope of the green light to commence revelries. This year was no exception, and as the glowing notification descended onto my phone, I did not hesitate to grab the box of tissues and allow myself to revel in the deeply satisfying experience of watching the birth of the 2019 Christmas season. For those who haven’t seen it, this year’s advert follows the story of a dragon called Edgar who, living in a community of humans, finds it difficult to express his excitement for Christmas in a suitable way. After being apprenticed by a young girl, Ava, Edgar learns how to use his difference to help other people enjoy Christmas. The soppiness and heightened sentimentality of it sings to the company’s strengths of evoking warm, fuzzy feelings and is hardly a surprise to any fan of the corporation’s work. Yet this year’s advert was different to the rest, underscoring the poignant narrative was an important and valuable political statement. Whilst that may sound a little extreme, it’s something that I’ve found to be true after having replayed it more times than necessary, scrupulously analysing every detail -naturally. From the beginning of the advert, Edgar is presented to us as fundamentally different; he looks different, lives in a separate house to the rest and, despite his best intentions, rarely interacts with the other characters. Worried that he has ruined Christmas for the village after accidentally burning the Christmas tree, Edgar locks himself away and refuses to come out. It is this idea of ostracization that resonates with our country’s hostile relationship towards visitors. This link may seem tenuous to some, but it’s what I believe is at the heart of the advert’s message; the statement at the end reads ‘Show them how much you care’. But do we care? Have we become a selfish society? You don’t have to look to far to know that, yes, we probably have. Our rise in nationalistic sentiments, in both the USA and the UK is completely indicative of our fear of otherness and consequential neglect of it. Sharing in this message, is Sainsbury’s 2014 Christmas advert that tells of the true story from Christmas Eve in 1914. It shows the opposing sides of the war engaging in a game of football on Christmas day and exchanging gifts – illustrating what the true meaning of Christmas is. So, I think it’s fair to say that the messages in these adverts stretch far beyond the promotion of Christmas products. I also think it’s fair to say that, now more than ever, is a time where difference is something to be embraced, nobody should be alone, especially not at Christmas. So this Christmas, care, and show them you care. Beth Simons, C, U6th
17
CHRISTMAS AT WELLINGTON
Christmas at Wellington is different from most schools. We have the annual countdown to Christmas beginning with the iconic three Christmas trees being put up in front quad. This feels any visitor with a sense of Christmas spirit and warmth. In the lead up to Christmas, carols are slowly filtered into services, creating a more enjoyable atmosphere in midweek and Sunday chapel. Each year, parents scramble to get tickets for the Carol Services, to listen to the renowned chapel choir and be surrounded by the sounds of Christmas. This, for many, is the beginning of the festive period. The tradition of the Christmas jumper day, which allows students to wear any festive item of clothing which they so desire, lightens people’s mood after the longest term and is a great way to send the students off into the Christmas Holidays. It is great for any member of the public or any parents to come, as they pick up their children, and see all the weird and wonderful jumpers. Christmas Outings. Each house master is posed with the task of finding an activity for the whole house to enjoy. For example, in my house, the Lynedoch, we all come together and watch love actually with pizzas in the common room, and some years partake in Secret Santa. This, personally, is one of the highlights of the year. Other houses such as the orange have an annual ice-skating trip and the Hopetoun quite often will have a dressed-up meal in great school. All adding to a sense of community and building bonds between years. Furthermore, the kitchen staff prepare an incredible festive feast for everyone, including perfectly roasted potatoes and the not so popular brussle sprouts. The whole school gathers together in the dining hall to celebrate the occasion with crackers and other joyous treats. It is a momentous event which exemplifies the Wellington spirit. The Christmas races involve the third and fourth form battling through the cold for their house with the incentive of hot chocolate and cookies at the end. Competitors are allowed to dress up in any way they see fit, which make it more entertaining for the runners and especially for the many spectators. It really is special at this time of year, and people really get into the spirit with all of these traditions and festive treats Wellington has to offer. The “Christmassy” feel around college, in December, is so important and all the traditions that we have, add to making it extraordinary. Alexander Nash, L, L6th 18
JIMMY HIGHAM Christmas at Wellington is unique. However, it is not all happiness for everyone. Around this time of year, a young Wellington teacher, Jimmy Higham, passed after fighting against cancer around his kidneys, liver and lungs. Jimmy was working at Wellington as a sports teacher when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. He was only 26. He disregarded the injury as nothing more than a “bad back” but then scans showed that he had a tumour between his kidneys and secondary tumours in his lungs and liver. He undertook chemotherapy but the cancer turned out to be terminal and he died the week before Christmas. During his time at Wellington, Jimmy and a fellow colleague Jon Walmsley messed around with the song “Isn’t she lovely” by Stevie Wonder, and ending up recording a cover. After his passing, the students and teachers wanted to get the song to the Christmas no. one as a tribute to this loved memory. The song was released on iTunes with the aim of the school to get it into the Christmas top 10. It reached the iTunes Top 10 soul songs chart and in December 2012 it reached 36 on UK top 40 ahead of Last Christmas by WHAM! And Taylor Swift. Also, there was a music video of the Wellington pupils and staff used to raise publicity of the song. A Jimmy Higham bursary was also set up in his name, and a fun run on the first Sunday of every term to raise money for the bursary as well. Many of us were unfortunate in that we came to the school too late to meet or be here at the same time as Jimmy, but those who were lucky enough to have met and played sport with him will know how much of a “Wellington treasure” he is. He was described as “an instant hit at Wellington”. Jimmy obviously made a huge impact on the staff and pupils during his time here and the renowned Jimmy Higham Welling10K shows the upmost respect he gained from everyone while he was here. Therefore, this time of year is extremely sentimental for many at the school as they think about the ‘gifted teacher with amazing promise’ and riminess on the precious memories that they have. So, this Christmas I think it would be good for all of us to stop in the midst of the rushing around to buy presents and preparing for Christmas, and just to take a moment to think about Jimmy Higham and appreciate these types of enthusiastic and courageous people around us. Hannah McClelland, Hn, L6th
19
THE MUST WATCH CHRISTMAS FILMS Those who know me know I am a serial binge watcher of TV. I have watched anything that is worth watching. As a result I thought I would share with you the top 10 must watch Christmas movies this festive season. Imagine nestling in front of the TV whilst cocooning yourself in a white, fluffy, fleecy blanket with a burning fire, however, the undecisive decision of what to watch is making you squirm. Here I will help you with the top 10 Christmas films: 1. Home Alone – an old time classic but it simply just had to be on the list. This comedic yet sorrow story allows for a good mood-lifting watch. Put simply it is an all-time great. 2. The Snowman(1928) – since I can remember my dad and I have watched this every Christmas Eve and will continue to so this has to be a contender. This film does not make the shortlist just from the respect of my family tradition but because it appeals to everyone and never fails to put a smile on your face with the tantalising animation and soundtrack. 3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas – a bright, colourful addition that cannot go unwatched. Another personal favourite of mine…From what I know some people love it whilst others don’t ( a classic marmite film) but I urge you to give it a chance and watch how Cindy Lou charms the grinch back into the Christmas spirit. 4. A Christmas carol – save yourself from reading Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story and instead watch it ! The story is well known by most and is perfectly depicted in the film. 5. Love Actually – probably the most cliché holiday film ever – but it’s everyone’s favourite. The intertwining love stories between the diverse range of characters during the Christmas period provides us all with the festive spirit through a turmoil love story. 6. The Holiday –This film perfectly encapsulate those girls who desire the luxury of a holiday away from their mansions in LA to a country-bum cottage in the English countryside during the Christmas time. A house swap that appears to be disastrous at the beginning turns into a novel love story that one can only dream of. A classic holiday romance. 7. Let it Snow – a new release of a Netflix original which many would think is a classic uncomfortable cringe watch. However, it did surprise me. Yes it still contains many cringe scenes but still this film is an easy calming and fairly enjoyable watch. 8. The Nightmare Before Christmas – This is more a better watch for the period leading from October into December a classic Tim Burton gothic animation which intertwines two of the best winter holidays, Halloween & Christmas ! If you don’t enjoy the plot the animation is enough to love this film. 9. Jack Frost – a childhood classic filled with comedy combined with undertones of sorrow. This tear-jerking heart-warmer is bound to entertain you. It’s perfect for any mood you’re in. 10. The Polar Express- this magical adventure consumed with an eerie film is bound to make you get you into the holiday spirit. It does have strong shivery tones which is different from the jolliness of most other Christmas films. Those of you who have not watched I would highly, highly recommend. There is my top 10 recommendations. Enjoy! Eliza Tyler, Hn, L6th
20
21
HOW MANY CHRISTMAS MOVIES IS TOO MANY CHRISTMAS MOVIES? This year, our screens have been overloaded with Christmas movies. If you’ve noticed an increase of trashy Christmas rom-coms on Netflix recently then you can understand where I’m coming from. One can experience Christmas with a view, a Christmas with a prince or even a Christmas with a knight. What more could you want? It’s difficult to imagine that anymore movies could fit into the Christmas genre. There is a reason for this increase. Last year, the Christmas Chronicles on Netflix received 20 million views in its first week. Christmas movies have become some of the highest grossing movies of all time because they are viewed by such a wide audience each year. The new movie ‘Last Christmas’ starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding was made for $30 million, and is set to be one of the highest grossing rom-coms this year. A company called Hallmark, produces most of these Christmas movies each year. Due to the high demand of new Christmas movies, Hallmark has been rolling out Christmas themed movies by the dozen. But, the question is, are they any good? The problem with producing so many Christmas movies in one go, is that they all become slightly too similar. It’s always the same story; there’s a romance, someone who discovers the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas and there’s often a twist. Currently, the Christmas movies being released on Netflix are difficult to differentiate between. All the film industry is doing is producing Christmas movies telling stories that we’ve all seen before. Now, the only way to find an acceptable Christmas movie to watch, is by going back to the classics: Re-watching ‘Love Actually’, ‘The holiday’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ or ‘Elf’ is the only way to go. I’m sure most are familiar with the movie, ‘Home Alone’ starring Macaulay Culkin who plays the young Kevin McCallister. This movie is definitely a Christmas classic, made in 1990 it produced $286 million and is not only the highest- grossing Christmas movie of all time, but also the highest-grossing live action comedy until it was replaced by the Hangover part II in 2011. So, it’s not so difficult to understand why so many Christmas movies are appearing out of nowhere - it’s just a way for the movie industry to make money. So, how many Christmas movies is too many Christmas movies? I think to answer this question is to have a look at the results when you search, ‘Christmas’ on Netflix. I think then you’ll be able to see that, maybe, the film industry has gone a little too far. Audrey Dennis, Ag, L6th
22
CHRISTMAS BEYOND THE BRITISH ISLES
Saint Nicholas. Père Noël. Father Christmas. Jultomten. Dedt Moroz. Papai Noël. All of these names represent one man, one figure who in the UK we refer to primarily as Santa Claus. But what does this man represent? How can one figure mean so much to as many as; 2 billion people in 160 countries! Wer ist Sankt Nikolaus? Who is Saint Nicholas indeed? Whatever his name, the short, fat, jolly old man with a long beard, a red suit and a sack slung over his back excites children all over the world. In Berlin, my home town, St Nicholas Day is a favourite holiday of German children. On December 5th, children fervently polish their boots and leave them outside their doors before falling asleep. They wake in the morning in hopes of finding them filled to the brim with candy and small gifts from St Nicholas and can then go to meet him in shopping malls or children’s clubs. However, unlike Santa Claus, St Nick has an evil counterpart - Krampus the devil who puts coal and oranges into the boots of the misbehaved children in the hope of teaching them a lesson. In southern Bavaria, men in hideous Krampus costumes patrol the streets on St Nicholas night, and receive the occasional invitation from stricter parents who want to give their mischievous children a good fright. One of my favourite traditions when living in Berlin were the Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte). Even though they are spread across all continents now-a-days, these small villages of joy originate from the German-speaking parts of Europe. When you next notice the laughing children, twinkling lights and smells coming from all of the booths, remember this is something you can thank the Germans for! I am also part Swedish, so I get to celebrate Christmas in the snowy cold weather up North. One of my favourite Swedish traditions is called Santa Lucia. It is an annual candlelit procession on the 13th December in which girls and boys dressed as shepherds, gingerbread men, angels and kings walk through the streets singing merrily. Each group is led by a girl representing Lucia with beautiful blonde hair, a white gown with a red belt and a crown made out of candles. She is followed by all other children carrying one candle each, allowing for a train of light to flood the darkness of the cold winter. All in all the ceremony of bearing light amidst the depth of the dark Swedish winters is a symbol of unification as families throughout the country come together in their brightly lit homes whilst singing, dancing and eating Luce Bullar (a Swedish pastry) to celebrate. However, I must confess what most Swedes don’t know, namely that Saint Lucia is actually an Italian saint, whom the swedes poached and who most definitely did not have blonde hair, blue eyes and pale porcelain skin nor did she bring light to the northern communities in Sweden during the winters. However, as a Swede, I must say that that is firmly beside the point: it is a very touching and heart-warming tradition and we intend to keep it! Freya Banke-Wallis, Hg, L6th 23
SPIRIT AND REFLECTION If you google Christmas pictures you get 4.2 billion results. Scrolling through, I noticed that most of these images were of babies, puppies and Christmas trees whose branches hung over hoards of perfectly wrapped presents. This cookie cutter stylised version of Christmas surprised me a little. I think the holiday has a powerful meaning that affects each of us differently. I have friends to whom the holiday does not mean stockings or plentiful lunches – it is not made much of a fuss of. So, to them, Christmas becomes the spirit generated by communities as a whole. Whether that spirit is seen in the twinkle of the lights that spring up across London, the smell of evergreens wafting off of wreaths or the sound of approaching carollers, it is a spirit that reaches everyone. I am thankful that the holiday, primarily a celebration of Christ, has become recognised as a time of generosity, good will and reflection to all. Two billion people celebrate Christmas worldwide, for religious and cultural reasons. The reach of Christmas, beyond religious followers, demonstrates something important about the holiday. It has become a timeless and universal celebration of love, family values and memories. There is no one way to spend this time. No need to go to the alps, drink eggnog and arrive at the 26th with superfluous piles of presents. Merely sit back, take some time for yourself and bask in the glow of the Christmas spirit – whatever that may mean to you. Looking forward, the 2020s are nearing on the horizon. They mark 100 years since my favourite decade – the Roaring Twenties. It was the decade of fast cars, jazz, Charleston and wild youth. Decadence. Fabulousness. Coco Chanel spotted trends. WW1’s end marked history; the winds had changed forever. Women were given the vote which reshaped the political agenda. Charles Darwin’s highly controversial evolution theory was wider accepted. Commercial radio broadcasts and “talking movies” were introduced. The past decade has seen a similar revolution in how people connect across the globe; Instagram was created in 2010 which was only a few years later than Facebook and Twitter. The connection in-between individuals and between business, politics and citizens has changed forever. The world woke up to climate change and its looming threats: the youth are now responding proactively. Technology is rapidly changing what we can do, how we do it and who can do it. This New Year will be a poignant time. Instead of feeling pressured to do something extra special to commemorate the year in its final hours, we can start now. Bit by bit reflecting on ourselves and what we want to achieve. Here is to our Roaring 20s, and the Christmas spirit that will usher us all into the new decade! Amberley Nuttall, Hg, L6th
24
Today’s Christmas: A Necessary Evil? Around mid to late-November of every year do all the religious cynics and communists of the western world unite, unusually, in mass lamentation. This outcry revolves around a single belief: that the large-scale commercialisation of Christmas to which almost two calendar months of retail are devoted is a bad thing and that it should not continue. However, whether like the religious cynics you believe that this Christmas-engulfing commercial boom is symbolic of a most modern flailing of religious meaning and value and faith or like the commies you believe it is yet another strand of the capitalist rot, there is no denying that the birth and sustenance of this capitalist-Christmastime-mania has achieved, fundamentally, a higher goal than that of reeling in tens of billions of pounds (a total of over £150 billion in 2016 and 17 alone according to Statista’s database) every November and December. This ‘higher goal’? The celebration of family and of children, the observance of those values of thankfulness and generosity, and the creation of happiness and joy which is achieved as a result of those things. Christmas’s story begins, ironically, in pre-Christ’s-birth Ancient Rome: every December the Roman households would partake in a mass indulgence in honour of the god Saturn. Their imbibings, however similar or dissimilar to our own, represented entirely different celebratory aims. While ‘Saturnalia’ may be considered Christmas’s ‘predecessor’ its values and those of the Christian celebration of Christmas are neither compatible nor comparable. What followed, incredibly loosely speaking, the Romans’ December festival of Saturnalia was a true Christmas holy day for many hundreds of years, most of which shrouded by an age of figurative darkness and sadly-not-so-figurative incurable disease and high infant and child-mortality rates. However, very late into the 18th century Christmas’s new best friends made their advent: the ages of the Industrial Revolution and Industrial Capitalism had begun, and would change the landscape of religious festivity, most importantly that of Christmas, forever. The Victorians were the first to introduce Christmas as a legal bank holiday, and by 1870 it had been made a federal holiday in the U.S. More significantly, however, was the revised view and spirit of the holiday of Christmas which flourished under Victorian society. The famous Victorian novelist and social critic Charles Dickens was the first to philosophise about the state of the spirit of Christmas, in what had been termed ‘Carol Philosophy’. The immense popularity of his 1843 novella ‘A Christmas Carol’ made popular and prominent the concepts of family gatherings, Christmas-specific food and drink, and the overall themes of religiously revolving festivity and generosity which embody today’s Christmas celebrations; even the phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ was coined in Dickens’ novella. The Christmas tree, too, was introduced in the 19th century and Prince’s Albert’s adoption of the custom in the royal household helped make it the western-world-wide necessity it is today. Wellington, our Wellington, the school, by happenstance, is also a product of the Victorian era. Christmas time at Wellington is like Christmas time anywhere else: the Christmas dinner becomes a waited-upon feast, decorations are hung in progressive abundance around houses and the departments and other parts of college, the spirit of giving makes its first official annual appearance and is entertained through games such as secret Santa, and, most of all, a lifted spirit, a new merriment is observed amongst all in the community. All of this is in building up to Christmas itself, which of course will be celebrated truly with presents and eating and drinking and singing once all in our community have retreated back to our own families. More than the small gestures, more than the gifts and the giving, more than the tree and the wreaths and the mistletoe, more than the tinsel and the baubles which seem to manifest themselves into a physically present, material Christmas however is the true value of Christmas which acts as a backdrop to all of our lives during this Christmassy one-and-a-half month period. This true value of Christmas is every word coming into your head at this very moment as you, the reader, read on: goodness, kindness, giving, family, joy, generosity, et cetera. So, what state does this leave Christmas in today? How can Christmas still be religiously true, a persuasion of goodness and joy when its image has been so demonstrably monopolised by the worlds of finance and commerce? The answer is really rather simple: that in a world of human interaction and human emotion and human spirit the only real hard currency is all of those values which Christmas embodies and encourages irrefutably more so than any other religious celebration or (depending on your own outlook) societal construct: (once again, just for emphasis) goodness, kindness, giving, family, joy, generosity, et cetera. And so the conclusion, the answer to the titular question, is as straight forward as the logic required to reach it: that, a former Christian celebration now pressure-pressed into a vessel of capitalism and commerce or not, Christmas is most certainly necessary and most certainly not an evil. The values it embodies and encourages are those of all people, irrespective of religious or political disposition. If anything, it is Christmas taking advantage of our great capitalist and commercial system in order to advance its own good message, its own will rather than vice versa: and why on Earth not? The final message? Have a Merry Christmas; you all deserve it. Alex Dancer, S, 5th
25
LOOK-A-LIKES Mr Carr + Peter Griffin
Ollie Knight + Dr Johncock
Mr Laing + Santa Claus
Bella Middleton + Phoebe Stuart
Dr Lexton + Edna Mode
Allegra Harris + Lucy Hale
26
WELLY WITS “So just checking, dinosaurs existed before Christ?” - Mimi Dennis
“Is it Scarlett or Honor Hewett’s birthday today?” - Jack Kinnear “Ella, because you’re allergic to nuts, does that mean you can’t eat coconuts?” - Darcy Borne “The problem with Israel and Palestine is that they don’t have any banter” - Rupert Vleck “This is where we have dinner and supper” - Angus Leech
27