It is Dec. 19th and Christmas is less than a week away, but by the looks of the halls at Wahlert, you would never know it. We are a Catholic school and the whole reason for celebrating Christmas is because of our faith, yet how are we celebrating at all? There is no evergreen tree in the lobby to decorate, streaming lights and garland, or even an ornament or two to remind us of past Christmases.

It has been said that the administration prefers students focus on the season of Advent rather than Christmas. According to the 2014 Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, they’re right. The designated dates for the advent season are Nov. 30th to Dec. 24th.

My question is: When do we celebrate the dates on the liturgical calendar labeled for Christmas? Dec. 25th to Jan.12th is when the Catholic church is to recognize the Christmas season. As students, we are not in school due to break during those days. Are we being told that we shouldn’t want to honor this time in our faith with our friends, peers and teachers at school?

The reason we attend a private Catholic school is so we can practice our beliefs freely and as a community. Out of all holidays, shouldn’t Christmas be the most celebrated in our Christian school?

Advent is when we are preparing for the birth of Jesus. Christmas lights are often said to be a symbol of guiding Mary and Joseph through the dark to Bethlehem. Is that not a way of honoring Advent and Christmas alike? Why can’t we celebrate both religious time periods?