Barnard Students Over Break

Amelia Lang ’25, Environment and Sustainability Major

“My family and I watch Love Actually together each Christmas. We also love to bake. We make hundreds of cookies to bring to friends and sing along to Moana in the car as we deliver them. On Christmas Day, we always cook French toast for breakfast and have dumplings for dinner — my dog takes care of leftovers.”

Reda Shaikh ’25, Economics Major

“Coming from a Muslim family, we don’t celebrate any specific holiday. Instead, we take the time off to slow down and catch up with family and friends. After New Year’s, we often travel to new places. Last year, we saw the Rose Parade in Pasadena, and this year we are going to Spain!”

Rengé Shirai ’25, Environment and Sustainability Major 

“To celebrate New Year, my family gathers at 6 in the morning for 初詣 hatsumōde, which is the first prayer of the year. Then, we head to our grandparents’ house to eat おせち osechi, a traditional Japanese New Year’s meal. We feast and talk for hours. On the second day, we meet around noon to visit my [paternal grandmother’s] side of the family, where we feast on 焼肉 yakiniku and sushi. Afterward, we go to all of the graveyards to make our prayers. We have three different locations, so it’s a drive for sure. The day ends with our traditional bowling competition, which has two rounds.” 

Olivia Toevs ’25, Psychology Major

“Over winter break, I plan to drink lots of cinnamon cappuccinos in my favorite coffee shops with my closest friends and visit hometown thrift stores. The actual holiday will be spent with my family at my grandparents’ house. I’m excited to eat my grandma’s famous orange jello, hide the pickle on Christmas morning, and make portzelky [deep-fried raisin fritters] on New Year’s Day.”

 Veronica Wang ’23, Sociology Major

“For my winter vacation, I plan to visit my friend in San Diego first and then go to see my uncle’s family for Christmas. I can’t wait to spend time on a California beach and play with my cousin’s dog, Lucas!”

Juliana Weber ’25, Political Science Major

“After finals, I plan on returning to my home on Long Island. Then I’ll return to campus early for a fencing winter training camp and will host a friend for a weekend. I look forward to resting, seeing hometown friends, and showing off New York. Happy holidays!”

Pru Yontrarak ’25, Computer Science Major

“My family usually plans a trip and we go skiing together to enjoy the winter. Because my parents have to go to work very soon so the holiday passes by swiftly, I take this break as a precious opportunity to relax and refresh by reading books for fun, which is rarely possible during school.”

Yi You ’25, Economics and Math Major

“I’m going to travel to Spain for Christmas to see the works of Gaudí, watch flamenco shows, and unwind on the beaches of Mallorca. After that, I will visit a friend in Germany and celebrate the New Year with him and his friends. Coming back to New York, I will probably participate in a few in-person networking events.”