The doors leading to Mrs. Merrell’s classroom decorated for fall.

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – For some people, as soon as it hits Nov. 1, Christmas trees, pine-scented candles and Mariah Carey songs come out of storage. Christmas wishlists are next on the list. 

Wishlists can simplify the stressful season. Instead of wondering what to buy for someone and scrambling to search for a gift that you hope they’ll like, a carefully curated list that serves as a person’s gift guide is a tip-top star solution.

“Honestly, (wishlists) alleviate stress on the part of the gift-giver and disappointment on the part of the receiver,” said Los Alamitos High School English teacher Mrs. Wels.

Mrs. Wels’ two kids, both in elementary school, have compiled a list that “grows each day,” much to her alarm, she said. 

Wishlists demonstrate the thought and effort of showing appreciation for someone and their presence in your life.

“You’re putting time and money into giving something, right? So if you have a wishlist, you know it’s going to be something that someone wants,” said Mrs. Merrell, LAHS anatomy teacher. 

So when is the perfect time to start?

“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”

For LAHS history teacher Mrs. Grimshaw, the holiday season is present year-round.

“In literature, there’s a great newspaper article where a girl asks the journalist if there is a Santa Claus. He responds back that yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he lives within the hearts of us all, and we can carry that with us all year long,” she said.

Even back in the 1800s, Saint Nick still had a bushy white beard and was climbing down chimneys to deliver presents!

“I just like the celebratory aspect of the holidays. People get together and enjoy the lights and decorations, food and people. I think that’s the best part. People carve out time where, normally, maybe they wouldn’t carve out,” Mrs. Merrell said.

Deck the walls

In Mrs. Merrell’s classroom, a string of lights can be seen hanging from the walls. But, they aren’t any ordinary Christmas lights: The bulb coverings are made of left-over micro tubes from a biotechnology lab. 

Every year, the alcove outside Mrs. Merrell’s classroom is decorated to the brim with extravagant posters. After climbing three flights of stairs, these eye-catching posters are a sight to behold for students.

“It’s never too soon to celebrate the holidays. I’m one of those ‘If you enjoy something, do it’ people. If everyone’s like, ‘Oh that’s weird, you’re doing it too early, you’re over the top,’ I say as long as it’s not hurting anybody else and if it makes you happy, do it,” Mrs. Merrell said.

Mrs. Merrell also calls herself a “surprise gifter” and embraces the spirit of spontaneity.

“I randomly buy gifts for someone because I might see something and be like, ‘I know that person would love it.’ It gives me a reason to give it to them without them feeling obligated to give anything back,” she said. 

Is it too late to make a Christmas wishlist?

Being a high schooler can already take the fun out the holiday season: A cold blast of finals, homework, games and performances is not a jolly feeling. 

“When I’m really overwhelmed by sports or homework, this season is a perfect time for me to relax and prepare,” said freshman Ruby Castro, who manages to balance soccer and schoolwork.

Now, our lists are changing from toys and trinkets to gifts a little more meaningful. 

My “Grown-Up Christmas List”

Like the song “Grown-Up Christmas List,” a sentiment of the meaning of Christmas wishes, people can channel their warm wishes into spreading positivity this season.

“My hope for anyone is to make the world a better place. I know that sounds so corny, but too many bad people, bad things, bad events, get the front page, and I think that wishes help us focus on some of the good things that are not necessarily material,” Mrs. Grimshaw said. 

During these chilly months, consider giving back to the community or participating in community activities. 

‘Tis the season at LAHS

Mrs. Grimshaw is the advisor of Interact Club, which will soon be hosting a gift drive where different teachers “adopt” a family or an individual and put together a wish list to fulfill, giving people the chance to become Santa.

“When we get too focused on material goods, that skews the point of the season. We need to think of more than just ourselves,” Mrs. Grimshaw said.

In the end, the short answer is no: It’s never to early to start making a Christmas wish list. Think of Mrs. Grimshaw, Mrs. Merrell and Mrs. Wels: The holiday season is just beginning!