As Christmas gets closer, students around our school are getting excited for the holiday season. Many are already planning what they hope to see under the tree. Wish lists can be creative, simple, or full of trendy items. I interviewed several students about what they want this Christmas and why those items are special to them.
The first person I talked to was Giselle Martinez, a freshman. She already knows what the top item on her list is: a Canon G7X camera. She also said that she likes to be clear about what she wants.  “I tell my family exactly what I want for Christmas. I’m still very thankful for anything, but when it comes to my wish list, I would rather be more precise so they can give me my present.”

Next, I spoke with Yanet Molina, a sophomore and cheerleader. When asked what gift she would pick if she could only get one, she said, “If my parents only got me one gift, I would pick an iPad because I need it to practice my chants and dance routines for cheer, and to watch my favorite show, Dexter.” She also has a creative way of making her wish list, “When I write my Christmas wish list, I like to do it on some sort of slides or PowerPoint because it looks more appealing,” she said. She even adds links and extra details like shoe sizes and colors. She also said, “My top 3 gifts for 2025 would be exotic snacks/candies, Yeezy slides, and Vanilla Bare perfume from Victoria’s Secret.”

Freshman Mateo Ordonez says his wish list is mostly filled with popular items. He said, “I think that my wish list is mostly trendy items, but I can use these items on a daily basis.” Mateo said wish lists can be helpful, “I personally think having a Christmas wish list can make it easier, but it depends on the person.”
If he could only choose one gift, he said, “If my parents could get me one gift, I would pick a Rawr Mantis 72 Volt X because it would make an amazing  gift for Christmas.”

I also interviewed Aileen Maltez, who likes the idea of receiving a Bur Basket,  “A Bur Basket would absolutely make a great Christmas gift for the holidays it’s like quick and thoughtful,” she said. Aileen knows exactly what she wants inside hers “In my Bur Basket I would want a stuffed animal, floral perfume, and spicy chips. My favorite chips are Dynamites. I would also love a Chick-fil-A gift card, a winter-scented candle, a warm, cozy Christmas blanket, and lip glosses, and lip balms.”

Lastly, I talked to Leslie Rivera, who makes a wish list every year, she said, “Yes, I usually make a wish list every year, so my family members get an idea of what I want.” Her best Christmas memory was from 2023. “The best Christmas gift I’ve ever received was a trip to California for two weeks,” she said.  After interviewing these students, one thing is clear: everyone’s wish list is different, but each one brings joy to the holiday season. Now that we know what students want, it’s time to see what they plan to give.

Many people are trying to find the perfect gifts for friends and family. With so many choices in stores and online, it can be hard for some people to know what to buy.
People think buying online can be a waste of time and money. While others think shopping in stores is better because you won’t have to spend on shipping and handling. This is what Haley Perez said, “ I buy my Christmas gifts online because it’s easier for me to find things people want for Christmas, and it lets me know if it is in stock or not.”
But before you start shopping, it’s important to think about what kind of gifts you would want to give. Some people like to buy their gifts at different types of stores because it is easy, quick, and they have a lot of options on what to buy.

Others prefer to make their gifts homemade because it’s more personal and meaningful. Alessandra Vilchez said this, “I tend to buy my gifts, I get whatever the person likes.”
Then, once they have decided whether to buy or make their gifts themselves, they usually start thinking about what they should buy for their family members. Every person can be different, and choosing the right present can be hard, but you could always buy something that every person would use. This is what Genesis Reyes said, “ Some gifts I would give my family members for Christmas, kitchen essentials or body care, because everyone uses these things.”
After you find out what gifts you want to give to your family, to some people it is important to consider how much you should be spending on a Christmas gift.

Everyone has different budgets, and the prices of gifts don’t often show how thoughtful the gift really is. This is what Alessandra Vilchez said, ” I don’t think there should be a price range for gifts and should just get what you can.” Genesis Reyes also said something similar, ” No, I think there shouldn’t have to be a certain price as long as it means something to you and who’s giving it to you.”
Once you’ve thought about what to get others, some people start thinking about their own Christmas wish-lists and what they want. Mostly everyone has some gifts they are hoping to unwrap on Christmas day, this is what Alessandra Vilchez said, “ I hope for jewelry like bracelets or a necklace.”

Thinking about gifts you hope for this year could also make you think about past presents you’ve received that were very special to you. Some gifts could be special to one because they came from a loved one who passed, or a gift that could come to you at the right moment. This is what Genesis Reyes said, “ A gift I have received has been my phone because I have really been wanting one for years and I finally got it.”

Getting special gifts will always be special to people, but giving a gift to someone else can also be special to others. Some people give their family members something special to make them feel good. This is what Stephany Paredes said, “The best gift I’ve given someone was an iPhone, which I gave to my cousin for Secret Santa.”