The “two weeks”—the fourteen days of school between Thanksgiving and Winter breaks—is something many Groton students cherish and look forward to. This period of time marks the beginning of the winter term and is the peak of winter and holiday festivities at Groton. The primary tradition that takes place during the two weeks is Lessons and Carols; however, there are many other activities that are symbolic of the two weeks.
My friends and I spent our two weeks immersing ourselves in a variety of activities to fully take advantage of the winter spirit. Unfortunately, it has yet to snow this year, but nevertheless, we made do with the flurry-less, chilly weather. The first Saturday back, Groton held its annual Groton Pops that featured performances from the Maqupellas (Groton’s a capella group), Soul Sauce (the jazz ensemble), and the Orchestra. While we listened to spectacular covers of holiday songs, we frosted and embellished gingerbread cookies and sipped hot chocolate. It was the perfect way for the holiday activities to commence.
The following Wednesday, there was a barrage of formal proposals at Roll Call. One of Groton’s traditions that takes place during the two weeks is winter formal proposals. Typically, lower schoolers will ask upper schoolers through a creative poster with a catchy phrase or rhyme, and sometimes, people will put on elaborate performances and create raps, songs, or even poems. Formal asks are always entertaining to watch and even more amusing to receive.
On Thursday, we went to Ms. Phan’s house to make chocolate chip cookies and holiday cards for a local soup kitchen as part of our GCE (Groton Community Engagement) programming. While baking and decorating, we listened to holiday music and played with Nortie, Ms. Phan’s energic labradoodle puppy.
The two weeks culminated in our dorm’s (Ho’s Dorm) Secret Santa exchange during check-in on the last night before break. We went around opening gifts and guessing our Secret Santa. Check-in was filled with laughter and jubilation as we giggled over each other's gifts. Male Montero ’25 gifted Maddie St. Clair ’24 multiple pairs of funky socks and silly SpongeBob shorts, and Eleanor Taggart ’24 gave Julia Ehrgott ’26 a fuzzy blanket and candy.
As I sit on the bus ride home writing and reflecting on my joyful two weeks, I look forward to the rest of winter term and what the new year has in store.