The hallways of Liberty High School are twinkling, finals are looming and a unique, bittersweet feeling is settling over the Class of 2026. This December marks the final Christmas break of their high school careers, a moment suspended between the past four years and the rapidly approaching future of college and independence.
We sat down with a few seniors to capture their thoughts on this milestone, from gift lists to cherished memories, and the advice they have for the younger Patriots.
For many seniors, the priorities this Christmas have shifted dramatically from years past. Instead of the latest gadgets, the focus is turning inward.
Gabbie Schrobilgen noted a profound change in her approach to the holidays. “With college coming, I’ve been asking for less and focusing more on the time and memories, because it really is starting to hit how fast time is going and how much I’m not ready to leave the people I’ve grown up with,” she shared.
This shift isn’t just sentimental. For others, it’s a practical necessity. Kailey Salvador is asking for “more essentials, knowing that I’ll have to move out soon and get rid of some stuff.”
Similarly, Noah Bernal is thinking about his future wardrobe. “Thinking about college made me ask for more clothes-based things. When I’m on my own, I feel like I won’t be able to just go out and buy new clothes or shoes.”
Lucas Devilla is focused on finance, saying, “I’ve definitely been trying to save and ask for more money for Christmas.”
When asked about their favorite high school Christmas memory, the seniors pointed to moments of friendship and freedom.
Schrobilgen fondly recalled her freshman year: “My favorite memory was my freshman year sleepover and gift exchange with my friend group before break, because every assignment, stress, and problem disappeared, even though it was temporary.”
Salvador’s favorite moment came from sophomore year: “Me and my friends did Secret Santa and spent all of our break at each other’s houses.”
For Bernal, the simple joy of winter fun stands out: “Freshman year going out with all my friends to go sledding after my family did all the presents.”
These memories highlight the core fear felt by most seniors: the imminent separation from their close-knit school community. The part of high school they’ll miss the most revolves around constant togetherness.
Salvador will miss “being able to spend all my time with friends and the people closest to me.” Lucas shared a similar sentiment, fearing “probably not being able to see everyone anymore. I don’t think I’ll see many of my friends from school after we all graduate.”
Schrobilgen even expressed that the part she’ll miss most is finals week! “Getting out early, wearing Christmas pajamas, and the excitement of ‘we made it halfway.’”
What advice would these seniors give their freshman selves, or any underclassman rushing through these years? The message is unanimous: slow down and savor the small things.
“As soon as finals are over, forget all your work and whatever happened during the semester,” Schrobilgen advised. “Leave it at the door, slow down, and enjoy the time. I wish I could be a freshman again every day. The little moments matter.”
Salvador offered a similar stress-free perspective: “I would say enjoy being with family and not to stress over finals because everything works out.”
Bernal, while urging perseverance, added a note of pragmatism: “I know finals week sucks, but you just got to push through it because it’ll be worth it in the end. Don’t be lazy.”
Devilla, looking back, simply wished he had been more proactive: “I would tell myself to go out and do more stuff. I feel like I was inside all the time.”
Looking ahead five years, the seniors envision themselves maintaining their holiday traditions while navigating their new adult lives.
“I hope that in five years I’ll be far from home doing big things, but still coming back to Colorado for the holidays, just like the Christmas movies I loved as a kid,” Schrobilgen said.
The theme of returning home for the holidays resonated with everyone. Salvador imagines “coming home from college to see my family and eating pozole while we listen to Christmas music and talk.”
Both Bernal and Devilla look forward to returning home to celebrate with their families, with Devilla adding, “reuniting with old friends.”
This year’s Christmas break is more than just a pause; it’s a final act in a four-year story. As the Class of 2026 takes their last high school bow before the holidays, they remind us all to appreciate the simple magic—the friends, the family, and the brief, beautiful respite before the next chapter begins.
