Winter has officially arrived, bringing with it a wave of seasonal excitement that students have been waiting for since the first fall leaf hit the ground. Across North High, winter traditions are in full swing: holiday drink releases, festive fashion trends, glowing city escapes and the irresistible urge to start gift shopping before December even begins. Whether students are bundling up in the hallways or exploring New York City, this season offers something for everyone.
Starbucks, as usual, has kicked off the winter energy with its highly anticipated holiday menu. This year’s lineup features returning classics like the Peppermint Mocha and the Caramel Brulée Latte, alongside season favorites such as the Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai and the Sugar Cookie Latte.
Students have been lining up before school to snag the first festive sip of the day, cups decorated in the brand’s bright 2025 holiday patterns.
“The holiday drinks honestly get me through the morning,” senior Lauren Salehani said. “Once Starbucks brings out the Sugar Cookie Latte, it feels like the season finally starts.”
But the winter excitement doesn’t end there. As temperatures drop, the hallways of North High have transformed into a parade of this year’s coziest styles.
Oversized sweaters, sherpa-lined jackets and structured wool coats are staples. Neutrals continue to dominate, but students are also embracing winter metallics to elevate simple looks.
Leg warmers have also made a surprise return, and students are pairing them with platform UGGs, loafers and even sneakers for both warmth and style.
“Everyone is dressing comfy, but there’s definitely more effort this season,” senior Adi Hakim said. “It’s like the trends are mixing comfort with that New York winter aesthetic.”
In the city, Bryant Park Winter Village has become the go-to winter escape. Students have been making the trip to Manhattan to take part in everything the village has to offer: sipping hot chocolate, skating under lights, browsing handmade gifts and stopping by the market’s unique food vendors.
The atmosphere, filled with twinkling lights, holiday music and the smell of roasted nuts, brings an instant rush of holiday cheer. Even the cold air feels part of the magic.
“Bryant Park never gets old,” freshman Ayden Sedaghat said. “It’s crowded and freezing, but it’s the one place that makes you feel like you’re in a holiday movie.”
For students who prefer a quieter seasonal experience, the winter deals rolling out across major brands have been a highlight of November and December.
Stores like Aerie, Uniqlo, Hollister and American Eagle are pushing major discounts on fleece-lined leggings, sweaters, gloves and puffer jackets, all essentials as temperatures continue to drop.
Meanwhile, Bath & Body Works launched its full winter candle collection, featuring scents like Winter Candy Apple, Fresh Balsam and Frosted Coconut Snowball. Students have taken advantage of early sales to stock up on both gifts and personal winter “essentials.”
In addition to shopping and seasonal drinks, winter is inspiring students to take time for traditions at home. Craft nights, movie marathons, matching pajama photos and early cookie-baking sessions are making their rounds through social media feeds.
The return of classic movies, everything from “Elf” to “Home Alone” to “The Grinch,” has also helped set the seasonal tone.
Winter is more than a break from warm weather; it’s a chance for students to reconnect with one another, take part in traditions and enjoy the small joys the season brings.
Whether it’s skating at Bryant Park, picking up a peppermint drink on the way to school or cozying up in this year’s best trends, the season offers moments of brightness during the busiest months of the year.
And although winter can be hectic, students at North High seem ready to embrace it all: one peppermint latte, one oversized scarf and one sparkling Bryant Park visit at a time.
