Holidays and Halloween

As summer is quietly saying bye to us, Monika Pedersen shares the joy of autumn break and Halloween festivity, especially among school children.

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Monika Pedersen

The last lingering days of September’s warmth are fading away, but within the classroom, a lot of material has been covered in various subjects, routines established, friendships made, parent-teacher conferences dealt with, and multiple staff meetings attended, so the academic year is in full swing. October approaches with the promise of festivities and a much-needed holiday.

A welcome break

The first term of the academic year is one of the longest, stretching from August until October. Despite all the newness, fun, and opportunities, both students and teachers are in need of a pause and a time to pursue other activities.

Holidays are for having fun, and after a lot of academic rigour and discipline, a change of scene and routine is a wonderful way to re-energise the mind and body. A trip to a warm climate is a welcome bonus, especially for those living in Denmark, where the days are becoming shorter and bright days are few and far between. A recharge in a sunny climate to soak up some much-needed vitamin D is a wonderful prospect. If this option is too expensive for a family with a few children, then a trip to a summer house by the beach or in the woods is also a great alternative; the prospect of fresh air and some lovely landscapes can definitely nurture the soul.

There are many superb locations on the west coast of Denmark, or along the so-called ‘Danish Riviera’ on Sjælland, north of Copenhagen, that are a must-see. If the luxury of a week-long escape is not possible due to work schedules, some day trips to see different cities in Denmark, such as Aarhus or Odense, or visits to interactive museums like Experimentarium in Copenhagen, are an ideal choice.

And, if all else fails, simply having cosy days at home is an excellent solution. Pursuing favourite hobbies, or enjoying books or movies, allows children to relax and decompress from the rigours of their daily lives. Countless statistics suggest that children experiencing excessive stress and duress are highly susceptible to developing anxiety and even depression. It is absolutely vital to prevent this at all costs, to spot the warning signs early, and to ensure a healthy school-life balance, even from a young age.

Another crucial factor to maintain is ensuring young people get enough sleep. A minimum of ten hours of sleep is recommended, as it is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being, alongside a healthy diet.

Festivities

Once the holiday is over, school is back in session, but with Halloween just around the corner, this is a huge deal. While not traditionally a Danish celebration, this American import is rapidly growing in popularity each year and seems to be a real highlight on a young person's social calendar.

At school, the responsibility often falls to the teachers to recognise its importance and find time in the schedule for engaging activities. These can include pumpkin carving or other simple arts and crafts to make the occasion as special as possible. Many schools have embraced this day, holding special events that feature dressing up and a parade, where customs can be appreciated and admired, as well as a special assembly and exciting events coordinated by the after-school care team.

Once the school day finishes, parents take the lead. They usually gather in groups to take their children on ‘trick-or-treating walks’ around the local neighbourhood. The emphasis is more on ‘treats’, so neighbours and friends are well-prepared with their sweets! The following day, there is endless chatter about the amount of candies gathered and how quickly they might be consumed!

Winter beckons

October has disappeared almost in a flash, the clocks have turned back, the days are shorter, and the onset of the winter months is upon us. Nevertheless, there are still numerous exciting events to keep a school community inspired and engaged.