Winter break should last longer: It benefits students, teachers and family

Lucille O’Brien, Reporter • January 21, 2026 • 89 Views

Holly and jolly is what people consider Christmas. Winter break is something that people largely anticipate, but the length of the break is not long enough.

In December, winter break is something students in school anticipate. It’s the time to be with family and friends, and to leave all the negative thoughts, feelings and stress of daily life behind, even if only temporarily. A longer break would benefit everyone, not only the students, but the teachers too.

It’s hard to spend time with loved ones with how busy life can be, whether it’s from school work, a job, a change of plans or not living nearby. A lot of factors can disrupt or impede someone’s free time, but the long awaited break in December takes those problems away and allows for precious family time. There’s no need to be in constant worry during leisure time. Spending time with family helps to make connections and bond with one another, which is important for maintaining stable familial relationships.

The amount of stress caused by homework can be a lot to handle sometimes. This affects honors and AP students most, as they are higher level courses. Keeping up with work and classes over a long period of time can be a struggle, so having that break during winter can temporarily take away the piling stress of balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Although some teachers will still give out an assignment or two to do over break, a longer break allows for more time to complete it and more time for students to have to themselves. A longer break allows for a longer amount of time to be stress free, and allows for a chance to prepare for upcoming work or tests that occur after break. The burnout, stress and anxiety is gotten rid of, and it allows for students to have a chance to relax in peace.

A longer winter break would allow for teachers to have time to grade assignments and to prepare lessons for when school resumes. This may take away some of the stress of getting all grades fully updated and finalized before the marking period ends, which ends shortly after winter break, and may give them a better chance to have some time to themselves or with family.

Overall, a longer winter break can create a better mood and environment for when the next year arrives, so it should be three weeks long as a minimum.

About the Contributor

Lucille O’Brien, Reporter

My name is Lucille O’Brien, and I am a junior. This is my first year working on the Mountain Echo staff, and I am looking forward to being a helpful and reliable member for the 2025-26 school year. I am going to be a part of drama club this year as well. When I don’t need to focus on school, I usually sketch, play video games and practice piano. Once I graduate, I hope to go to college and obtain a master’s degree or doctorate in Paleontology. This year, I hope to be a respectable member of the Mountain Echo staff and to work my hardest to make this year a great one!