On a cold December morning in 2022, two curious BASIS students set out to investigate the secret holiday lives of their teachers. They decided to interview select teachers about the best Christmas gifts they have given and received in their life. However, these two students could have never guessed how heartfelt and emotional all of the gifts were.
Mr. Klein
Gift Given: If you are looking for a gift for your significant other, you can find some inspiration from Mr. Klein, our high school college counselor. Mr. Klein gifted his lovely wife a beautiful engagement ring for Christmas. This gift not only demonstrates Mr. Klein’s loving nature but also symbolizes an integral step in his life. Congratulations on your engagement, Mr. Klein!
Gift Received: Christmas presents are often material goods, but they can also come as good news. Maybe your parents told you about a trip to Japan during winter break, or maybe you found out that Argentina had just won the World Cup. During Christmas one year, Mr. Klein received the best Christmas present ever: his mother’s remission from cancer! We’re beyond happy to hear about this wonderful news, Mr. Klein! To all our readers, we hope you receive some good news this Christmas!
Ms. Barnes
Gift Given: Who doesn’t love a surprise vacation during winter break? In 2019, Ms. Barnes and her husband decided to surprise their lovely daughters with a trip to an elephant conservation park in Thailand. Although her daughters were shocked when they first heard the elephants squeal and roar, they enjoyed their time in Thailand, bonding with elephants while preserving the environment. What a marvelous way to spend Christmas!
Gift Recieved: Don’t stress if you are unable to afford a pricey gift because handmade items are just as appreciated. Ms. Barnes has been teaching for a long time, and the top three Christmas gifts she has received were all handcrafted by her students! One student from 20 years ago painted a portrait of Ms. Barnes’s beautiful face. A painting is worth a thousand words, and Ms. Barnes feels immense gratitude towards that student. Another one of her students gifted her a sculpture of a dog that reads “Good Morning, Ms. Barnes”. This sculpture was kept on Ms. Barnes’s desk for years so that she would be greeted vicariously by her student every morning. Lastly, if painting or sculpting has no appeal to you, perhaps try making something different, like bracelet-making! When Ms. Barnes taught at a Chinese school, her class of eleven students gifted her a bracelet crafted from their birthstones. Although simple, this gift carried the love and appreciation of her students. These three gifts hold a special place in Ms. Barnes’ heart, and it’s heartwarming to witness the effect of a student’s thoughtful gift. Remember that gifts don’t need to be expensive to make a lasting impact of your teachers!
Mr. Ong
Gift Given: As most high schoolers should know, time is perhaps the most important aspect of one’s life. Spending time with friends and family during the holiday season shows appreciation and love. That is exactly what Mr. Ong did with his family; he was able to show his family that he loves them by making time in his busy schedule to simply be with them. Thank you Mr. Ong for reminding BASIS students that sometimes, it is necessary to take a break from all the work we have in order to spend time with our loved ones.
Gift Received: When Mr. Ong’s daughter was only six years old, she made a wonderful Christmas card for him. To Mr. Ong, the handmade card was more valuable than any store-bought gift. Remember, people will most likely prefer a handmade item over a store-bought item because it shows that you truly put effort into their gift!
Madame Laquidara
Gift Given: One Christmas, Madame Laquidara wanted to give her friends and family something unique. That is why our lovely French teacher gave mugs to everyone she knew, personalizing each one with sarcastic commentary catered towards the person she was gifting it to. These mugs were a really thoughtful Christmas gift since, in addition to saving herself time and energy, she was also able to incorporate a unique message to each person, emphasizing how much she values everyone in her life.
Gift Received: Our teachers were once children too! The most memorable gift for Madame Laquidara was the bike she received for her 6th birthday. This gift reminds everyone of their childhood and also demonstrates how teachers are more similar to us than we think. While you can, make an effort to connect with your teachers and share some life stories!
To all readers
Be sure to give the best presents 🎁(not necessarily the most expensive ones) to those you love. Christmas presents should come from your heart ♥️, not from your wallet💰. Writing cards, giving gifts that are personal and special to each person, and even just saying “Happy Holidays” to those around you can brighten up⚡their day. Holiday time spent with loved ones is also a great way to express your affection! Merry Christmas🎄and happy holidays to all our Yellow Jackets 💛🧥!