For the Sharks, next fall will bring many firsts: living in dorms and making new friends outside of their direct community. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah are times for family bonding, but they also mark the seniors’ last holiday at home before they leave for college.

The holidays are traditionally considered one of the happiest times of the year. Finals are done, and students get a well-needed break. And while this break is definitely well-deserved for the seniors, as college applications are wrapping up for most, it also marks the last. Whether they go near or far, the Sharks have their last holiday season living under the same roof as their parents, siblings, and pets, and this is inevitably a big change.

“It’s sad. I’m gonna miss being here with my friends next year, and I will just miss everything in the Bay Area if I go away,” said senior Autumn Deetz-Rodriguez on how this is her last holiday season living at home.

While the seniors can come home during this time of year, college is one of the biggest adjustments that one goes through because the dynamics and traditions ultimately change. When in college, seniors can no longer just pop into the living room to see their glowing Christmas tree. They will set up their festive decorations in their dorm and bundle up for the cold weather from their dorm closets.

The holiday season for the Sharks is all going to change next year, and time is not slowing down. It is an inevitable shift, and while this is their last year living at home for the holidays, the memories made from opening presents in pajamas and eating with one’s family growing up will always remain close in their hearts.