December has just begun and the Sahuaro cougars have already begun to get in the festive spirits. With only about 2 weeks left until finals week and the holidays up and coming, various Cougars have started to go all out.

Many teachers and staff have set about showing off all of their Christmas spirits, like the Christmas tree sitting in the admin building, already creating a space in the office for the enjoyment of all the students.

Ms. Biddle has also decked out her room in all her available Christmas decorations, creating a fun and exciting space for all her students.

Along with these festive decorations around campus, there’s an abundance of fun, holiday-filled events showcased in different posters around each building.

Holiday Spirit Week has kicked off the festive spirit during the week of December 6th, with various holiday-themed days for everyone to participate in.

Monday – Ugly Sweater Day (Wear the ugliest sweater you can find!)

Tuesday – Santa’s Little Helpers (Dress up as an elf or reindeer, whichever you prefer)

Wednesday – Holiday Apparel (Wear any kind of fun, holiday-themed apparel, like fuzzy socks or a fun jingly hat)

Thursday – Grinch Vs. Santa (Pick either side of Santa (red) or the Grinch (green)

Friday – Holiday Eve Vs. New Year’s Eve (Dress up or dress down, wear your best or comfiest outfit)

Winter formal is also a much-anticipated event. Due to the pandemic and remote year of 2020-2021, winter formal has not gone on since the December of 2019 dance. This winter formal, thrown by our wonderful Student Council, is being set in the McConnell gym here at Sahuaro. Due to the COVID restrictions at venues normally used for formals like this, Sahuaro has decided to host the dance here at school, so more people can attend and to make sure everyone is as safe as they can be. The dance is going to be on Thursday, December 16th, the last day of school before the winter break. It will go from 8 PM to 11 PM, and include music, food, dancing, and much more!

Tickets for Winter Formal are being sold until the 16th. Last week, the 29th of Nov through the 3rd of December, was presale selling of tickets, where a single ticket was $25 and a couple ticket was $45. This week, single tickets are being sold for $35 and a couple ticket is $65. You can purchase your tickets in the finance office, and it’s first come first serve so get them ASAP!

Along with the excitement of Winter Formal, there are also nominations for Winter Royalty.

Winter Royalty, much like Homecoming Royalty, is a series of votes for the Winter King, Queen, and Sovereign. The days for voting last from November 29th to December 3rd. The difference this time around is the vote for each crowning is separate, with no coupling votes. The winners will be crowned at Winter Formal, so make sure to show up to see the victors.

Winter Grams is another cute little way that the students of Sahuaro could show their spirit and appreciation for those around them. With Thankful Grams back in November for Thanksgiving, Winter Grams are being sold for just $1 and are an adorable way to show how much you cherish those around you. Buy some while they’re being sold from December 8th to December 10th!

Toy Drive is a well-known chance of giving for students and the perfect opportunity to show some holiday spirit. There are boxes located in all of the English classes where you can leave your donations, and the class with the most donations wins a donut party! There are specific requests this year, and there is a list of items allowed on posters around the school and the specific list is located on the Toy Drive article published on the Paper Cut!

With all these exciting events going on, time is limited! Don’t forget to get involved and get in the spirit!

For any other information or questions about just how Sahuaro is embracing the holidays, check out the Sahuaro Student Council page on Instagram