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Let’s Not Forget the Happiness of the Holidays

By Eugenie Pflieger, British International School of Houston, School Buzz Editor | January 17, 2020

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Parents, students, and staff congregated in Gold Gym at BISH for End of Year Assembly. (Photo: Jo Turner)

It has been two weeks since students at British International School of Houston returned from their holiday break. The end of the fall semester at BISH ended with a bang. At the End of Year Assembly, one of BISH’s student-led bands, Band Together for a Change, performed some rocking holiday carols that got everyone on their feet. In addition, the students left BISH for the holidays with wise words to ponder from principal Mark Wilson: “This holiday season [ ], take a moment to tell someone what they mean to you or how they have helped you … if we all just do one thing to spread happiness and joy then we will be sending thousands of positive moments into the world.” Mr. Wilson encouraged the student body to think outside of themselves during the Christmas season.

So, how did the students of British International School spread happiness this season? Year 13 student Lily Shenoy spread happiness this holiday season by “supporting an initiative … that increases literacy rates in lower income areas in Houston [ ].” She feels proud of her work and hopes that she will continue to spread happiness in this area beyond the holiday season. Spreading happiness comes in many different forms.

Year 8 student Olivia Vind spread happiness by visiting her family in Denmark. During Olivia’s holiday, she spent time with her grandparents and visited some of her old friends. Olivia also mentioned that spreading happiness in Denmark has a slightly humorous undertone. Around New Year’s, neighbors will go from door-to-door with funny tricks in store. The “tricks” elevate the spirits in quiet neighborhoods around the holiday season.

Lily and Olivia are just two examples of BISH’s student body who spread happiness this holiday season. In their own ways, each student at BISH brought joy to their communities. The holidays are a great time to rekindle the light that happiness and joy brings to all people in the world.

However, it is important to remember that spreading happiness is not a one-time ordeal. The challenge is now set: can we all continue to spread happiness outside of the holidays?