Solving the dilemma over winter break
By Kaitlyn Burkett Special to The Acorn

Aug. 30 is when you start to feel it: “I can’t wait for winter break!” The three-month haul to Dec. 22 is brutal; school, sports, activities and work bombard students as soon as summer ends, making Dec. 22 all the more praiseworthy.

By this time jackets and scarves have crept out of closets, hot chocolate has become one of Starbucks’ most popular addictions, and Christmas lights have added an extra sparkle to the midnight sky; but most important, there is a 17-day hiatus from school, work and stress in general.

But other than wearing a winter wardrobe, sipping hot cocoa and gazing at holiday decorations, what is a high school student supposed to do? Of course, those Grinch-like teachers will assign a day’s worth of busywork to prevent students from going completely brain-dead, but the other 16 days still remain wide open.

Students say their dollars are spent supporting various businesses where they can entertain themselves. Some of the leisure-time venues frequently mentioned are listed below.

Movie theaters: Since summer ended and school started, students have been dealing with the wish factor, as in “Oh, I wish I had time to see that movie.” As schedules get cluttered and academic work prevails, weekdays are rarely spent at the local movie theater, so winter break is catch-up time to pay the $8.50 and see the flicks that have yet to be viewed.

Ski/snowboard resorts: Mountain High, Big Bear and Mammoth. Between Dec. 22 and Jan. 7, you’re bound to bump into at least one classmate on the slopes. Many skis and snowboards have been shoved into the attic for the past 11 months and winter break is their only chance to see snow.

Restaurants: It’s no secret that those who decide not to travel are stuck in “the village” for 17 days and eating develops into “the” social activity. Eggs ’n Things for breakfast, In-N-Out for lunch and BJ’s for dinner. These boring forms of socializa

tion grow old after just minutes, forcing teens to come up with alternatives. But winter break boredom can lead to something absent during the school year: creativity.

Bowling: Try going bowling in Hollywood. One of the most popular attractions is the ever-so-famous Lucky Strike Bowling Alley off Hollywood (Boulevard) and Highland (Avenue). This is not your typical “smelly shoes, dirty floors” alley; it’s classy. Lucky Strike provides pool tables and couches, serves food and has an open bar for all the Hollywood socialites.

Ice skating: If the alley atmosphere is not of interest, get some exercise by ice skating. The Lakes provides a scenic experience for SoCals trying to grasp the true feeling of winter . . . the only problem is that the skating rink is about the size of a swimming pool. Easy Street Arena offers the authentic skating atmosphere: scuffed skates, freezing temperatures and burning hot chocolate from a machine. (The rink is also large enough for more than five people to skate at the same time.)

Dining out (of town): And if tradition is a necessity on the menu, spice things up by dining outside of Westlake. Yes, going out to dinner is a

mundane routine for teenagers, but everyone’s got to eat, right? Create a new dining experience in a new location. Travel to Beverly Hills for a meal and a possible celebsighting at The Ivy, or indulge yourself at Freebirds in Santa Barbara— taste spectacular burritos and a bit of collegiate life.

Whether spent at home or out of town, winter break can be made memorable with just an open mind and a little creativity.

Kaitlyn Burkett is a senior at Westlake High School who writes on campus life.