In an area with endless opportunities for fun and exploration, there is never truly a boring day in Los Angeles County. The true scope of events and celebrations in the area can best be seen during the holiday season. There are a wide variety of festivities scattered all around the county, and the sense of community established from these festivities are unmatched.
Many EF Academy students have been to a variety of holiday celebrations around LA. The community of day students at EF have been able to experience these events over the course of many years because of their residence in LA County. As such, a few day students at EF were willing to give their feedback on how they like to spend their holiday season.
“Candy Cane Lane is a personal favorite of mine,” said Grade 11 student Isabella Daniella Bermudez. Located in Woodland Hills, Bermudez explains that she enjoys the decorative event because she gets to “see the impressive decoration work of the people who are passionate about Christmas.” She mentioned that, “I won’t do it again this year since I only experienced it with relatives who were visiting the US,” though Bermudez still says it’s a worthwhile event to experience.
That is just one of the many events offered within LA County, however. Grade 11 student Dheva Castillo Mohlman mentioned a personal favorite event of his that he consistently attends.
“I enjoy going to the annual Sierra Madre Christmas Fair,” Mohlman stated. The fair is very enjoyable to him for multiple reasons, which he elaborates on by adding, “There are many food trucks and local businesses there and you have the option to buy lots of cool stuff!” With Sierra Madre being Mohlman’s hometown, he makes it evident that he always makes an effort to go to the fair whenever he possibly can. This year, he mentioned that he “wanted to go but was unable to” due to plans made in advance at the same time as the fair.
Circling back to Pasadena, there are many events held within the city limits that students at EF Academy love; from the grandeur of Old Town to the laid-back inner neighborhoods of Pasadena, students truly enjoy everything there is to offer.
Grade 10 student Addison Gassama commented, “There isn’t one specific event for me, I just love going to celebrations in Pasadena!” Though she mentioned that she wouldn’t be attending a celebration this year, she clarified that she will always enjoy the holiday spirit. “I enjoy being able to celebrate with family and friends during the holiday season,” Gassama said.
Clearly, the bright lights and creative decorations win students over during the holidays. On the other hand, some students prefer to spend the holidays in a calmer, more peaceful setting.
Rather than an event, Grade 10 EF Academy alum Ashton Davis prefers a quieter approach; “I love going to The Last Bookstore during the Christmas season,” stated Davis. He describes his admiration for the Downtown LA bookstore by saying, “I like The Last Bookstore because it’s very chill and in line with my aesthetic.” The bookstore is a favorite of Davis’s even outside the holidays, and he enjoys going there regularly since it is open all-year round. “I have already been there this year for the holidays,” Davis elaborated, showing his true liking for what the bookstore has to offer.
Ultimately, it is evident that students at EF enjoy doing all different kinds of activities during the holiday season, regardless of how grand the occasion is.
