What is your favorite Holiday Tradition? It could be watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, or decorating the tree. Well, my favorite tradition is making gingerbread houses.

In the 16th century, Germany began making Gingerbread houses. The houses originally were decorated with foil and gold leaves. This soon was adapted to our American culture as a Christmas tradition.

PBS.com reports, “Their popularity rose when the Brothers Grimm wrote the story of Hansel and Gretel, in which the main characters stumble upon a house made entirely of treats deep in the forest. It is unclear whether or not gingerbread houses were a result of the popular fairy tale or vice versa.”

According to the Guinness World Records, the largest gingerbread house had an internal volume of 1,110.1 m³ (39,201.8 ft³) and was created by Traditions Club. The house required a building permit and was actually built similar to a traditional house. There were about 4,000 gingerbread bricks used to create the house. If you think about that, a recipe for a house this size would probably need about 1,000 pounds of butter and ground ginger.

Holiday Heroines

Georgia Kreischer ‘22

Arts and Entertainments Editor

As the holiday season gets closer by the day, kids in every country are told stories about how their behaviour can affect what gifts they get. While most of these stories have a similar concept, a few of them have a darker twist. Here are a few short stories about the characters of Christmas…

Holidays with Celebrities!

Talia Marchewka’22

Features Editor

The Holiday’s are around the corner, and what better way to spend them than with family. Family traditions are very important, especially during this time of year, and here are some ways celebrities celebrate...

Jane Seymour, best known for her roles in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die and Somewhere in Time, invites all the exes and the wives as well as the ex-wives and the children for Thanksgiving; she calls it “Family-giving”. Along with all of the exes, she invites close friends and their families--it is a huge event with around 40 people. I personally find this very fun, and I would love to host an event like this post-Covid of course.

Blake Lively, known as Serena van der Woodson in CW’s Gossip Girl, explained how her family would all get in the same bed and spend hours at a time chatting. “It's really nice to have that time," Lively said to Canadian magazine The Kit. Being stuck in a cozy spot together is a cute way to bond with family during the Holidays.

Will Smith, known from starring in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith have their own Christmas rules from December 22nd to January 1st. The family calls it “Mummy time” and they have to do everything their mom says between that time. The family does their own thing all year long, but for Christmas, they have special orders.

One family tradition that always steals the spotlight is the Kardashian family bash. The Kardashian family is known for their reality tv show Keeping up with the Kardashians. The family throws a very special party for the Holidays. Kris, the matriarch of the family, used to throw the party at her house up until 2018, now the sisters take turns hosting and inviting the family. The decorations are extravagant and life-size due to their professional decorator. It is a beautiful evening that seems very fun and memorable. Some celebrities who have attended in the past have been Travis Scott, Quavo, Elon Musk, and Grimes. In 2018, when Kim Kardashian West hosted, she spent 1.3 million dollars on this extravagant evening. In 2019, Kourtney Kardashian hosted a special guest performer, Sia.

Traditions come in all shapes and sizes. During the Holiday season, these celebrities know how to take it up a notch in their own special way. Family traditions are very important so I hope you and your family have a safe and healthy holiday season!

Support a Small Biz: Featuring Generales & Generales

“Our mission is to create art that can be worn by anyone,” stated Sylvia Generales.

In 1994, Sylvia and her husband Peter Generales, took over the business due to her father’s illness. They renamed it Generales & Generales and modernized the brand. They handpick their gems to assure that no one was subjected to unacceptable working conditions from mining and cutting. They design extravagant custom pieces and offer multiple services, including jewelry repair, watch repair, watch identification, and appraisal services. They are currently working to create a brand identity and finish the new line they have developed while managing COVID.

“I get excited when a young woman is eager to start her own business. We need to nurture the aspirations and goals of our young creative women,” exclaimed Sylvia.

Sylvia’s advice for someone considering or starting their own business is to educate yourself on marketing, job shadowing, and confidence. Confidence will enable you to sell anything. It is vital to be passionate about what you do. It fuels your career and makes the hard work worthwhile.

COVID has had an immense impact on small businesses, including closing them for months, reducing foot traffic, delaying products, materials, and even going out of business. Generales & Generales have been adjusting to the COVID restrictions and adhering to the government guidelines, but it has not been easy. Their priority is to keep the customers safe by cleaning and sanitizing the store. They are asking customers to schedule appointments and wear a mask while still offering a personalized experience.

This article barely scratches the surface of all the wonders, and the impact Generales & Generales has had on our community, alongside many other small businesses. Please, support small businesses to preserve the effect they have in their communities and your uniqueness. You are not just supporting businesses but dreams, families, cultures, legacies, and the economy.

Louisville Sisters as Essential Workers

“This summer, they cut the lifeguard position and had me work as a "pool attendant" in the gym. We had a reservation-based system for the gym when it was open, and the pool (both lap and recreational swimming). I had to answer the phone, handle accounting work for guest charges and aquatic classes, check everyone's temperatures that entered the premise, require masks at all times (except when in the pool), and ensure the safety of all club members” said Madeline Magruder ‘21.

Senior Milli Hopkinson had to be tested for COVID before beginning her summer job. Milli worked at a summer camp in Santa Monica as a camp counselor. She said that typically there would be around 30 to 40 kids per day at the summer camp but this year they had only 10 kids per day. Along with her own temperature being taken, she said that the children and parent’s temperatures were taken from their cars before entering the camp every day. Milli’s camp was actually recognized by the city of Santa Monica on how they were doing a great job at working to keep themselves and the children healthy.

Senior Madi McCrary started working for Menchies during the pandemic. She said that they are open for shorter hours. Madi also said that “the employees have to make every yogurt by taking personalized requests. So the amount of yogurt, which flavor(s), amount of toppings, spoon color, etc.” Her temperature is taken every day before starting her shift.

Like Madi, I began my job during the pandemic. I work for Chick-fil-A and my temperature is taken before entering the building. We are required to wash our hands every thirty minutes as well as wear gloves at all times. Because of the glove shortage, in the last month, we have had to cut down to only people working in the kitchen wear gloves. We have stopped doing ice cream cones and only do ice cream in a cup.

For the first few months of the pandemic, we also were not doing whip cream and cherries on our shakes. Both of these precautions were taken to help make more contactless desserts. We are required to wear our Chick-fil-A masks and no other mask are seen as a part of our uniform. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have had our dining room and bathrooms are closed to the public. This is nice for all of us workers because we are able to sit in the dining room during our breaks. What is weird for me is that when we eventually do open up our dining room, it will be like starting all over with something I’ve never done before.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, some people were unable to work. Sophomore Rosalia Cortese mentioned that her parents were not comfortable with her applying to jobs due to the health hazards and being in contact with many people.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share the experiences that they have had with working during a pandemic! It is amazing to see all the great work and adaptations that have been taken during these different times.

One of the most viewed performances was for Disney on television. The massive creative company brought artists from all over the world together in one giant show, hosted by Ryan Seacrest. This concert included beloved Disney musical animations like “Frozen”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Coco”, and “Princess and the Frog” performed by renowned artists such as John Legend and Beyoncé. There were also segments of dancers, like Julianne and Derek Hough, who choreographed a full routine to the “Mary Poppins” soundtrack in their living room. This was just one of the series that Disney put together for home concerts. They also included the widely popular Disney originals from Disney+ like the first “High School Musical” cast and newly made “High School Musical the Musical the Series”. What made these concerts so special were the clips sent in by fans all over the world. Kids of all ages expressed their love for Disney and its music by sending in videos to the concert to be broadcasted on television.

Musicians on Facebook and Instagram are now interacting with fans through both commenting and inviting them on their live streams. Musicians are taking this opportunity while being stuck indoors to sing for their followers and even connect with them personally. One in particular was Niall Horan who uses his Instagram almost everyday to play music and entertain his fans. He is constantly inviting followers to be on his live stream and always sings, talks, and thanks them for their unwavering support.

These concerts done digitally are showing just how committed both musicians and fans are to staying positive and strong during these weird times. There is not much that we can do indoors for such an extended period of time, so these free performances help families connect and provide a source of creativity.

Writer, Eleanor Brown said, “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

Louisville gave us Wellness Wednesdays, the perfect opportunity to focus on self-care! I found strategies that you can do (on Wellness Wednesdays and or other days) to undo stress and relax; both body and mind. Here are some activities that worked marvelously for me!

• Give Yourself a Spa Day:

I love treating myself to a face mask and during this quarantine, I have taken the opportunity to include my family with my spa day. Normally we are all on different schedules and would not be at home at the same time but now is the perfect opportunity to include the family. I set the mood with my diffuser and we all meet in the living room listening to meditation music with our face masks on. My favorite are sheet masks because they are so simple, with no messy preparation or cleanup. Other activities I recommend are to give yourself a manicure, do a hair mask, or do your eyebrows. There is a variety of activities you can do to pamper yourself during this time!

• Declutter:

Normally, my time is split between sports, school, extracurriculars, and chores so there is not a lot of time to clean. Usually, my floor would be covered with sports bags and a number of different shoes blocking the doorway which is ridiculous. I found that when I was decluttering, whether it was doing laundry, organizing, sorting through files on my computer, finally going through the 1,207 emails, or even vacuuming the floor I felt extremely productive and it was shockingly relaxing. It gives you a clean and peaceful environment to work in. Once I get motivated while cleaning, it becomes hard to stop. I really encourage you to declutter because not only will cleaning benefit you but your parents too; now they do not have to nag you, it’s a win-win!

• Practice Yoga & Meditate:

Sri Ravi Shankar said, “Meditation is the journey from sound to silence, from movement to stillness, from a limited identity to unlimited space.”

Meditation is a great way to relax your mind. It can help control anxiety, promote emotional health, and reduce stress. Additionally, it improves sleep! Meditation can be done anywhere, outside, on your couch, or even on your bed. Yoga is another great destresser I really enjoy and highly recommend because there are so many benefits that vary depending on the pose. Some physical benefits include increased flexibility, strength, and energy. Mental benefits include less stress, increased mental well-being, sharpness, awareness, and calmness. Recently I have been taking a lot of free online classes and they have been very energizing.

• Create New Habits & Set New Goals:

For the month of April, I challenged myself to make my bed every morning and read every night. Although these are simple tasks, I believed it would be unobtainable for a non-morning person and non-book worm. By the time I reached closer to the end of the month reading became just as addictive as my Instagram feed. So much that I finished three books: Tuesdays with Morrie, Travels with Charley in Search of America, and Messenger. I have recently started my fourth, Little Women! My goal is to finish the remaining six books on my shelf before summer. Also, making my bed made me feel extremely organized and put together. Now I do these two things without even having to think about it. I am so proud and will make new healthy habits every month.

Robyn Conely Downs said, “mindset, habits, and routines are the building blocks for success toward your wellness goals.”

There are hundreds of different solutions to cure your stress. These were just a few that worked for me and I hope that these help you! If you are struggling with stress and need easy activities to do at home, the internet is filled with creative aspiring ideas.

People are also staying connected through social media. Apps like Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook gives people an opportunity to express themselves as well as create a platform that allows people to keep in contact. These apps are more than just social media platforms, they act as outlets that continuously keep users informed. It is also the way most people are passing time.

“Technology has not only made a huge advance in society but emotionally has advanced families and friends to be closer. As much as people say technology has ruined current, and future generations, it truly has been a blessing in times like these. I have personally been blessed to have my family home and healthy during these hard times but technology has also kept me so close to all my Louisville sisters. Not only are they one text message or snap away but I can still see their beautiful faces through all the amazing platforms created. So I believe technology has impacted my life in truly positive ways during COVID-19!” said Nina Hall ‘21

Whether it's a walk or a movie night, people in quarantine can rely on Spotify and Disney+ as close companions to listen to your favorite song or to watch a movie. If social media isn’t for you but you want to stay pop-culturally relevant, Netflix has become a huge talking point for fans as well as critics of shows like the very popular show Tiger King. Social media is how many teens are choosing to spend their time, either scrolling through their Instagram feed or laughing at TikToks. Youtube is also very popular right now since it's a good way to learn something new or watch the latest video of your favorite Youtuber.

“I have been Facetiming and texting friends frequently to stay in touch during quarantine! Technology has made a positive difference in quarantine for sure!” said Ava Browne ‘22.

Technology holds more importance in our society than it did before. It keeps us connected even when we are apart, it provides a distraction to pass the time and give us a good laugh. Quarantine helps us value time with each other more than we did before. It serves to remind us not to take moments with family or friends for granted.

Quarantine snacks: fun, easy, delicious

Amanda Coye '21

Features Editor

One student even said her neighborhood had a social distancing block party that was one to remember. With our creative and outgoing students, the Louisville community made sure that this virus did not stump their time of celebration.

Although these methods of celebration are not exactly favorable, the time among family and close friends is unbeatable. Finding new ways to have Easter at home was not only relaxing but it also started up some new traditions for many families. We are so thankful that our community was able to stay safe during this event, but we hope that next year we will be able to commend this day outside of our homes.

Mother's Day: My Built in Superwoman

Earth Day: Join the fight, do what's right!

Emma Walker ’21

Staff Writer

Earth Day was celebrated on Wednesday, the 22nd of April. This year was notable because it marked 50 years of honoring Earth Day. For 2020, the theme was Climate Action.

Based on the article “Earth Day 2020” by The Editors, the theme for this year was significant because “climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.”

Usually, Earth Day is designed for events ranging from river cleanups to invasive removals. However, this year was a little different. In order to still show appreciation for the environment, many virtual events took place. These events included environmental lectures and films. Also, many people still went outside to responsibly and safely enjoy nature on this day!

Earth Day dates back to 1970. According to the article “Earth Day 2020” by The Editors, “the goal was to raise awareness about mankind’s role in protecting our natural world.”

On this day, 20 million Americans protested in favor of a more eco-conscious society.

Earth Day originally had roots of being celebrated as a political holiday whereas now it is a popular day for communities to “gather together and clean up litter, plant trees, or simply reflect on the beauty of nature”, based on the article “How to celebrate Earth Day 2020 online” by Barbara Krasnoff.

The first Earth day paved the way for this holiday to be recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.

Due to the Coronavirus, digital media was how communities connected on this holiday. Throughout the 24 hours of Earth Day, the 50th anniversary filled the “digital” landscapes with performances, calls to action, video teachings, and most importantly, global conversations.

Even though Earth Day 2020 went digital, the goal of this day remained the same which was to “mobilize the world to take the most meaningful actions to make a difference”, said The Editors.

In addition to all the online sources that helped communities celebrate Earth Day, there are still things that you can do from the comfort of your home. These projects include planting a vegetable garden, creating a recycling center, using reusable bags when you must attend a grocery store, keeping cars in the garage, and unplugging the television when not in use. It is important to remember that no matter where or who you are, you can make a difference and help save the Earth!

Humanity Against Human Trafficking

The scary reality of being a teenage girl is locking your car door immediately after getting in, your keychain being composed of more weapons than keys, and pretending to talk on the phone as you walk by yourself to your next location. However, these precautions are all justified as more females than males are kidnapped.

Recognizing the threat of being a female today, Louisville’s Girl Up and Empowerment Club took matters into their own hands when it comes to preparing the Royals to take safety precautions. On 9 March 2020, Louisville hosted Josh Brenner, a self-defense instructor who has trained in martial arts since 1985.

Taking place in the P.E. pavilion after school, Mr. Brenner taught techniques of how to correctly fall, take control of a dangerous situation, and avoid potential peril. The space was transformed from a dance pavilion to a room of palpable confidence and empowerment.

Madeline Magruder ’21 remarked, “learning how to defend myself in places where I feel insecure or if I’m ever attacked was really valuable and now I feel confident that I can defend myself.”

Self-defense is for everyone but is especially important for girls. The goal of self-defense is to instill confidence as you walk through the world.

After the class Madeline Magruder ’21 commented, “I feel really empowered and think it’s important for both men and women to take a self-defense class to just know how to be safe.”

If you are interested in taking a self-defense class you can find Josh’s school, Team MMA located in Woodland Hills. It is recommended that everyone take a self-defense class starting from ages early as five-years old but it is never too late to know how to protect yourself!

Remember: in the words of Josh Brenner, ``Be alert, never be alone, because you can avoid 99% of these incidents by just knowing what’s going on around you.”

Emma Walker ’21

Staff Writer

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March every year. According to the International Women’s Day article “An equal world is an enabled world”, this day focuses on celebrating the

“social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women”.

It is also a day where women from all different backgrounds and cultures come together to fight for women’s rights.

As stated in the Good Housekeeping article, “Why International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8”, the history of this day dates back 108 years. The first appearance of it was when the Socialist Party of America celebrated 15,000 women who protested low pay, long work hours, and the lack of voting rights in New York City. The event led to the spread of this celebration around the world. However, Russia started the tradition that International Women’s Day should be celebrated on the 8^th of March. On that day in 1917, Russian women demanded change on the streets which later paved the way for Russian women to be granted voting rights.

International Women’s Day is considered an official holiday in 20 countries. In many nations, this day is celebrated just like Mother’s Day, where mothers and mother figures receive gifts from their children. In countries like Nepal and China, IWD is a holiday only for women. However, in the United States, IWD is not acknowledged as an official holiday. Even though this idea has been proposed and rejected, celebrations still take place across the United States. Many political rallies and corporate events happen all over the country to commemorate this day and bring women from different backgrounds together, in unity.

This year, the campaign theme is #EachforEqual. In the opinion of the International Women’s Day article, “Let’s all be each for equal” together, each one of us can help create a gender equal world. There will be many events held worldwide where you can join in the celebration for International Women’s Day that range from global gatherings to festivals. Otherwise, if you cannot attend an IWD event, wear purple in the month of March to signify justice and dignity.

Emma Walker ’21

Staff Writer

Around the world, Valentine’s Day is known as the day where people show their love for another by sending cards, flowers, or chocolates. Although some may dread this holiday full of love, here are some fun facts about Valentine’s Day.

According to the Good Housekeeping article, “Fascinating Valentine’s Day Facts You Probably Didn’t Know” by Amanda Hawkins, the history of Valentine’s Day dates all the way back to Ancient Rome. Unfortunately, this day has some deep beginnings. It started as a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia. The celebration was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. This celebration included sacrificing animals in attempt to signify their fertility. It was not until the 1300s until the holiday was Christianized, which meant no more animal sacrifices! The Roman Pope Gelasius declared the date February 14 as “St. Valentine’s Day.” This day was then associated with love because it was believed that birds started their mating season on February 14.

Despite what others think, Saint Valentine is more than one person. The most known “founder” is Saint Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II because he thought it was unfair how Claudius banned marriage. He then took it upon himself to illegally marry couples until he was caught. He made such an impact that even after his sentencing, young couples would visit his cell to give him cards and flowers. Saint Valentine allegedly died on February 14.

Today, Valentine’s Day is extremely popular. Roughly 55% of Americans celebrate and spend about $19.6 billion on the holiday. This includes more than $1.8 billion on candy alone. Valentine’s Day cards remain as one of the most popular gifts to give to a loved one, bringing in 145 million cards each year. Not only do Americans give gifts to their loved ones, but more than 5 million American households gave presents to their dogs last year, and more than 2 million got presents for their cats.

Even though this holiday is not enjoyed by some, it has come a long way since its beginning in Ancient Rome. Whether it is giving a card, flowers, or candy in the long run it is about making the important people in your life feel loved!

‘Joy to the Girls’ in the spring musical!

Bella's Top 5 Christmas Treats

By Bella Lira '21

Here are my most favorite treats that I look forward to every Christmas season! They are quick, easy, and delicious.

Mary's Fabulous Food Reviews

By Mary Kearin '21

Mary's Fabulous Food Reviews

By Mary Kearin '21

From food trucks to five star restaurants, tacos are always number one! I tried four of the top rated Mexican restaurants near Louisville that you are going to want to try out.

Nicole & Bella's Morning Cravings

By: Nicole Brunel ‘21 and Bella Lira ‘21

Have you ever woken up on a late start day wanting to go get breakfast but you’re craving something new, something different? Well, we have the perfect list of breakfast locations close to Louisville that have amazingly delicious food!

Leo & Lily

Hours: 7:30 AM- 3 PM

Location: 22420 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Description: It is a scrumptious, cute, sit-down European and Mediterranean breakfast place with appetizing plates. Leo & Lily’s is known for its various breakfast options and cute location. They also offer vegan and vegetarian alternatives too!

Price Range: $$

Recommend: Egg Benedict, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Italian Omelette

Juicy Ladies

Hours: 7 AM- 6 PM

Location: 22423 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Description: A healthy quick breakfast, perfect for on the go if you just want a tasty smoothie but you can also have a sit-down meal as well. Juicy Ladies is vegetarian and vegan based and they have a menu full of healthy unique meals that are quite appetizing. Their mission is to influence a healthier lifestyle for all.

Price Range: $$

Recommend: Chocolate Almond Smoothie, The Super Power Coffee

K’s Donut Emporium

Hours: 4 AM- 10 PM

Location:14354 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Description: K’s Donut Emporium is a highly recommended donut shop on Ventura that has crazy donut flavors that are weirdly flavorful. They also have a deli and they make breakfast sandwiches if you want a savory breakfast!

Price Range: $

Recommend: Oreo’s donut, Pink Sprinkled donut

Nekter

Hours: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Location: 14006 Riverside Dr. Suite 122, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Description: Nekter serves freshly made juices, smoothies, and handcrafted acai bowls. They have a wide selection of juices with different benefits specific to what you are looking for with a great number of toppings.

Price Range: $$

Recommend: Dragon Fruit Bowl, Acai Banana Berry Bowl, Vegan Coconut Vanilla Skoop, Chocolate Bliss Skoop

Chaumont Bakery and Cafe

Hours: 6:30 AM-Varies in closing time (Check ahead before you go)

Location:143 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Description: A cute French bakery, which is a comfortable place to enjoy breakfast. If you are in a hurry you can enjoy your fresh pastries and drinks to go. They provide many sweets of all kinds.

Price Range: $$-$$$

Recommend: Tarte Aux Framboises

Nicole & Bella's Morning Cravings

By Bella Lira & Nicole Brunel Sucar

Have you ever woken up on a Late Start day really just wanting to treat yourself for breakfast? Well, we have the perfect spots for you!!

Le Macaron Ladurée Paris

Location: 311 N Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Description: A delicious French Bakery, which is known for their famous macaroons. The Parisian Cafe serves Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and dessert. They also have vegan alternatives.

Recommend: The Vanille and Cafe Macaroons and Tarte Passion Framboise

Cici’s Cafe

Location: 18912 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356

Description: Cici’s specializes in its homemade recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are known for their most famous and creative pancakes, French toast, waffles, and crepes. They also offer salads, unique kinds of pasta, burgers, and sandwiches.

Recommend: Green Tea Pancakes, Red Velvet Pancakes and the Eggs Benedict

Coral Tree Café

Location: 17499 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316

Description: An organic healthy restaurant perfect for family and a bunch of friends in the beautiful indoor or outdoor atmosphere.

Recommend: Avocado Toast Matcha Tea

Blu Jam Café

Location: 23311 Mulholland Dr., Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Description: Blu jam Café is an organic breakfast place oriented on fresh ingredients locally grown. They have a variety of delicious, healthy breakfast options that are unique.

Recommend: The Hawaiian French Toast, Eggs Benedict and the Breakfast Risotto

March 14 is a scrumptious day: crispy, buttery, delicious crust, apple, banana crème, blueberry, peach, and an assortment of flavors that dance on your tongue. March 14 is Pi day and just like banana crème pie, it is rich in history.

Pi is used by mathematicians to represent the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and is represented by the lowercase Greek letter π (pi). It is derived from the first letter of the Greek word perimetros, meaning circumference. It was founded in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw. The first three digits of Pi are 3.14, this is how Pi day came to be in the third month of March on the 14th.

It became an official holiday in 2009 when the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation recognizing it. This holiday first took place in San Francisco in a science museum. Inside the museum, they had fun curricular activities and fruit pies.

To honor the tradition of pie-making I decided to test it out for myself. I started by finding a recipe online. I stumbled upon “Peach Pie the Old Fashioned Two Crust Way” and got my ingredients out. The peaches are thrown into a brown and white sugar mixture as the crust is being made. I set the temperature of the oven to 314 degrees in honor of Pi day but it came out slightly undercooked. I then set the oven to 450 degrees and 40 minutes later my pie was a perfect golden brown. The flavor of sugar-coated peaches in a flaky crust danced on my tongue. It was truly the perfect treat.

Here are some fun facts about this lovely holiday:

• Albert Einstein was born on pi day

• MIT releases admissions decisions on this day,

• There are no occurrences of the sequence 123456 in the first million digits.

• Finally, there are many references to Pi in movies such as “Star Wars” and “Star Trek”.

Just remember unlike other holidays, Pi day never ends because it is infinite.

Saori Cochachin ‘22

Around Campus Editor

In preparation for the holiday season, you may have noticed your local Trader Joe’s or Target stocking up with advent calendars, gingerbread houses and decorations. The radio is also helping people get into the holiday spirit by playing Christmas music! With Christmas in mind, you should start thinking about what presents you will purchase as a gift this year. Below is a detailed list of some of the best, unique items that most likely no one has ever received on Christmas that you can buy for your co-workers, peers, family and friends.

Some may say that these are strange gifts. If you agree with that statement, then you most likely receive socks and candy canes for Christmas every year. It is time to change it up a bit and get a new, confused but humorous reaction from your grandma or friend. I hope that this random selection of gifts helps you decide what to buy for your loved ones to open on Christmas day!