1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:15,600 Welcome to Students Incorporated, a podcast exploring the topics of business, education, 2 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:17,160 technology and design. 3 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:18,600 I'm your host, Mr. Jason. 4 00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:24,960 Join me weekly as my team and I produce content that's informative, positive, fun and uplifting. 5 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:29,400 Episodes include student conversations, interviews with thought leaders and inspirational stories 6 00:00:29,400 --> 00:00:31,020 with an international flavor. 7 00:00:31,020 --> 00:00:34,960 This podcast is created and produced with the help of students from the International 8 00:00:34,960 --> 00:00:41,240 Community School of Bangkok. 9 00:00:41,240 --> 00:00:46,680 Today's episode is a holiday special filled with a variety of cheery gifts and surprises 10 00:00:46,680 --> 00:00:50,960 and I'm joined by the entire season two team for this episode. 11 00:00:50,960 --> 00:00:54,060 And we might even have some special guests show up. 12 00:00:54,060 --> 00:00:56,980 But we'll introduce our special guest as we go along. 13 00:00:56,980 --> 00:01:01,560 So sit back and enjoy this episode as we hope to spread some holiday cheer to all of our 14 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:04,120 faithful listeners out there. 15 00:01:04,120 --> 00:01:08,040 Before we jump on that sleigh, let's hear our quote of the day and get some headline 16 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:09,040 holiday news. 17 00:01:09,040 --> 00:01:11,960 Hey everyone, Chania here. 18 00:01:11,960 --> 00:01:14,560 Our quote of the day comes from Dave Berry. 19 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:20,380 He said, once again we come to this holiday season, a deeply religious time that each 20 00:01:20,380 --> 00:01:25,080 of us observes in his own way by going to the mall of his choice. 21 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:28,840 Ah, the holiday season is upon us yet again. 22 00:01:28,840 --> 00:01:34,080 It's that time of year when everyone's religious spirit awakens and we all have our 23 00:01:34,080 --> 00:01:36,280 unique ways of celebrating. 24 00:01:36,280 --> 00:01:41,440 And what better way to honor this sacred time than by embarking on a pilgrimage to the mall 25 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:42,680 of our choice. 26 00:01:42,680 --> 00:01:44,720 Yes, you heard it right. 27 00:01:44,720 --> 00:01:50,200 Just like our ancestors would journey to holy places, we venture forth to these grand temples 28 00:01:50,200 --> 00:01:52,080 of consumerism. 29 00:01:52,080 --> 00:01:58,880 For within the walls of these shopping meccas, we discover a divine spectacle of sales, discounts, 30 00:01:58,880 --> 00:02:03,280 and shiny bubbles that speak to the depths of our souls. 31 00:02:03,280 --> 00:02:09,400 The three wise men of old would be proud of our journey and commitment to gift, buying, 32 00:02:09,400 --> 00:02:12,160 and giving this holiday season. 33 00:02:12,160 --> 00:02:14,280 And that's our snarky quote of the day. 34 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:18,720 And now onto our not so snarky headline news. 35 00:02:18,720 --> 00:02:22,920 Hello everyone, Patience here and I'll be bringing you some historical holiday news that 36 00:02:22,920 --> 00:02:26,440 should bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. 37 00:02:26,440 --> 00:02:30,320 Our first story is about something we all have come to love and enjoy around this time 38 00:02:30,320 --> 00:02:32,440 of year, Christmas lights. 39 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:38,320 In 1882, Edward A. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison created the first string of 40 00:02:38,320 --> 00:02:40,520 electric Christmas lights. 41 00:02:40,520 --> 00:02:46,320 On December 22nd, he handwired 80 red, white, and blue bulbs and wound them around a rotating 42 00:02:46,320 --> 00:02:49,160 Christmas tree in his New York City home. 43 00:02:49,160 --> 00:02:53,280 This innovation marked a significant shift from traditional candles, making Christmas 44 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:58,040 trees lighting safer and eventually leading to the widespread tradition of decorating 45 00:02:58,040 --> 00:03:02,440 homes in public spaces with electric lights during the holiday season. 46 00:03:02,440 --> 00:03:04,360 And the rest is history. 47 00:03:04,360 --> 00:03:11,200 Now moving up in time a bit to 1914, during World War I on Christmas Day, an unofficial 48 00:03:11,200 --> 00:03:14,880 and remarkable truce occurred along the Western Front. 49 00:03:14,880 --> 00:03:20,800 British and German soldiers on opposing sides ventured into no-man's land where they exchanged 50 00:03:20,800 --> 00:03:25,880 greetings and sang Christmas carols and even played impromptu games of soccer. 51 00:03:25,880 --> 00:03:30,300 This extraordinary event highlighted the power of holiday spirit in bringing a temporary 52 00:03:30,300 --> 00:03:34,020 peace and a sense of shared humanity to the battlefield. 53 00:03:34,020 --> 00:03:39,280 This event, known as the Christmas Truce of 1914, is one of the most iconic and heartwarming 54 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:41,520 events in the military history. 55 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:45,920 It demonstrated the resilience of goodwill even during this dark time. 56 00:03:45,920 --> 00:03:50,480 And our final historical holiday news story comes out of England where Queen Elizabeth 57 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:55,200 II delivered her first Christmas message, which was broadcast on television on December 58 00:03:55,200 --> 00:03:57,520 25th, 1952. 59 00:03:57,520 --> 00:04:02,000 This marked a continuation of a tradition started by her grandfather, King George V, 60 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:03,600 in 1932. 61 00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:07,860 Although the message lasted about only six minutes, it was an important moment in British 62 00:04:07,860 --> 00:04:12,600 history symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy and its adaption to modern media 63 00:04:12,600 --> 00:04:14,000 at the time. 64 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:18,680 The Queen's Christmas message has since become an annual event watched by millions 65 00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:22,900 around the world, offering her reflections on the past year and her wishes for the new 66 00:04:22,900 --> 00:04:23,900 year. 67 00:04:23,900 --> 00:04:26,520 And that ends our historical holiday headline news. 68 00:04:26,520 --> 00:04:32,480 Oh wait, I'm told we have a recording of a part of Queen Elizabeth II's first broadcast 69 00:04:32,480 --> 00:04:33,480 speech. 70 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:35,400 Yen Ha is going to be playing that now. 71 00:04:35,400 --> 00:04:39,160 Yes, this part of her speech comes out of our fore-mouth into her speech. 72 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:40,720 It's a great message. 73 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:41,720 Here it is. 74 00:04:41,720 --> 00:04:49,720 On this proud foundation, let us set out to build a truer knowledge of ourselves and our 75 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:58,120 fellow men, to work for tolerance and understanding among the nations, and to use the tremendous 76 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:06,160 forces of science and learning for the betterment of man's lot upon this earth. 77 00:05:06,160 --> 00:05:15,240 If we can do these three things with courage, with generosity, and with humility, then surely 78 00:05:15,240 --> 00:05:22,560 we shall achieve that peace on earth, goodwill toward men, which is the eternal message of 79 00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:27,400 Christmas and the desire of us all. 80 00:05:27,400 --> 00:05:29,800 Thank you for the quote in our headline news. 81 00:05:29,800 --> 00:05:36,880 Those three words in the audio clip, courage, generosity, and humility, stood out to me. 82 00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:41,760 Such important things for us to remember this time of year, and all year long for that matter. 83 00:05:41,760 --> 00:05:45,680 Okay, moving on in this segment, we have some special things coming up. 84 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:50,000 So to kick off this segment, I welcome all three principals to our studio to discuss 85 00:05:50,000 --> 00:05:51,880 some holiday stories. 86 00:05:51,880 --> 00:05:55,520 These stories can be funny, heartwarming, or just plain weird. 87 00:05:55,520 --> 00:05:58,680 Either way, let's hear from them and see where it goes. 88 00:05:58,680 --> 00:06:04,040 Welcome Miss Donnie, Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Karen, Middle School Principal, and Mrs. 89 00:06:04,040 --> 00:06:06,060 Amber, High School Principal. 90 00:06:06,060 --> 00:06:10,560 Our first question is, if you had to give each other elf names, what would they be, 91 00:06:10,560 --> 00:06:12,560 and you cannot name yourself? 92 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:17,800 All right, well, I have a name for Miss Karen. 93 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:24,000 Miss Karen's elf name would be Holly Bright Shoes, because Miss Amber and I think that 94 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:26,560 Miss Karen is always wearing the cutest shoes. 95 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:27,560 Always. 96 00:06:27,560 --> 00:06:29,160 All of bright shoes, okay. 97 00:06:29,160 --> 00:06:32,240 Very, very wrong, but we'll get to me in a minute. 98 00:06:32,240 --> 00:06:33,520 Okay, Mrs. Amber. 99 00:06:33,520 --> 00:06:39,040 Okay, I have a name for Mrs. Donnie, Tinker Candy Fluff. 100 00:06:39,040 --> 00:06:40,760 Tinker Candy Fluff. 101 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:45,760 Candy Fluff, because she loves candy and she always keeps it in her office. 102 00:06:45,760 --> 00:06:51,600 And one time, Mrs. Karen invited every elementary school student to go get some from her office 103 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:53,000 at a cross country race. 104 00:06:53,000 --> 00:06:55,560 And elementary students all know that's not true. 105 00:06:55,560 --> 00:06:56,560 I'm not a candy fan. 106 00:06:56,560 --> 00:06:58,520 None of them believe me. 107 00:06:58,520 --> 00:07:00,800 But it would be a great elf name. 108 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:01,800 Yeah. 109 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:11,000 So, Mrs. Amber, we have chosen Sprinkle Sparkle Fingers for you, for obvious reasons. 110 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:12,400 Those fingers sparkle. 111 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:13,800 It's those fancy fingernails. 112 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:21,400 All right, ladies, there are many types of elves, and I think there are three most well-known. 113 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:24,880 We've got Dobby, the house elf. 114 00:07:24,880 --> 00:07:28,640 We've got Legolas from Lord of the Rings. 115 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:31,040 And then we've got Buddy. 116 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:32,040 I'm Buddy. 117 00:07:32,040 --> 00:07:33,040 No. 118 00:07:33,040 --> 00:07:34,040 I am so Buddy. 119 00:07:34,040 --> 00:07:35,040 You're not Buddy. 120 00:07:35,040 --> 00:07:36,040 You are not Buddy. 121 00:07:36,040 --> 00:07:37,040 Well, who's Legolas? 122 00:07:37,040 --> 00:07:38,040 Who's Legolas? 123 00:07:38,040 --> 00:07:41,040 Who's the really classy elf? 124 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:42,040 The classy elf. 125 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:43,720 Oh, the girl elf. 126 00:07:43,720 --> 00:07:44,720 I don't know. 127 00:07:44,720 --> 00:07:45,720 I don't know it that well. 128 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:46,720 Oh, yeah. 129 00:07:46,720 --> 00:07:47,720 This is Jason, no? 130 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:49,760 I forget her name, but I know who you're talking about. 131 00:07:49,760 --> 00:07:50,760 Okay, well, that's definitely the elf. 132 00:07:50,760 --> 00:07:51,760 I want to be late on this. 133 00:07:51,760 --> 00:07:52,760 That's definitely Mrs. Amber. 134 00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:56,360 She brings the class, as you know, from the Christmas concert. 135 00:07:56,360 --> 00:07:57,360 Super classy. 136 00:07:57,360 --> 00:07:58,360 Only super classy. 137 00:07:58,360 --> 00:07:59,360 Yeah. 138 00:07:59,360 --> 00:08:00,800 All right, so Dobby or Buddy? 139 00:08:00,800 --> 00:08:01,800 I have no idea who Dobby is. 140 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:02,800 What's it going to be? 141 00:08:02,800 --> 00:08:03,800 Dobby. 142 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:07,840 No, it's Dobby from the house elf from Harry Potter. 143 00:08:07,840 --> 00:08:08,840 Harry Potter. 144 00:08:08,840 --> 00:08:09,840 Harry Potter. 145 00:08:09,840 --> 00:08:15,200 See, I watched all of Buddy the elf every year, so that one ain't your favorite. 146 00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:19,600 But you were the one in the gingerbread man costume. 147 00:08:19,600 --> 00:08:20,600 Correct. 148 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:27,360 So, ICS, I would like to highlight the levels of respect given to the secondary principals. 149 00:08:27,360 --> 00:08:33,320 When asked to participate in the music concert, Mrs. Amber, what did you do in the music concert 150 00:08:33,320 --> 00:08:34,960 to bring Christmas cheer? 151 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:38,320 I played my clarinet with the high school band. 152 00:08:38,320 --> 00:08:39,320 Yes, she did. 153 00:08:39,320 --> 00:08:43,680 And Mrs. Donnie, what role was I given in the Christmas concert? 154 00:08:43,680 --> 00:08:46,640 Obviously, the only one that you could be trusted with. 155 00:08:46,640 --> 00:08:47,640 Correct. 156 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:49,760 Which is the gingerbread man. 157 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:50,760 Correct. 158 00:08:50,760 --> 00:08:51,760 Yeah. 159 00:08:51,760 --> 00:08:54,480 Jumping around on stage in a costume I could not breathe in. 160 00:08:54,480 --> 00:08:58,720 It was so hot in that costume. 161 00:08:58,720 --> 00:09:02,920 And then I couldn't see my feet, so I was trying to run up the aisle, bringing Christmas 162 00:09:02,920 --> 00:09:06,760 cheer, Mr. Jason, to all who could hear. 163 00:09:06,760 --> 00:09:07,760 Without falling on your face? 164 00:09:07,760 --> 00:09:08,760 Without falling on my face. 165 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:11,520 Did they know that it was you in the costume? 166 00:09:11,520 --> 00:09:13,240 No, it's all a big secret. 167 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:14,760 Okay, now they know. 168 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:15,760 Now they know. 169 00:09:15,760 --> 00:09:16,880 Okay, we got to move on. 170 00:09:16,880 --> 00:09:25,720 Our next question is, what's your favorite holiday flavor or your favorite holiday food? 171 00:09:25,720 --> 00:09:30,480 Favorite holiday food, I'm all about the savories, ladies, not the sweets. 172 00:09:30,480 --> 00:09:31,560 So which savory is yours? 173 00:09:31,560 --> 00:09:35,080 So it's pretty well anything, just the turkey dinner, bring it on, stuffing. 174 00:09:35,080 --> 00:09:36,640 Gravy, mashed potatoes. 175 00:09:36,640 --> 00:09:40,680 Gravy on everything, every single piece of Christmas food. 176 00:09:40,680 --> 00:09:42,480 So does that mean covered in gravy? 177 00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:44,200 You like the plate with no dividers. 178 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:46,160 You just want to put it all together. 179 00:09:46,160 --> 00:09:47,400 Why, your plate's divided? 180 00:09:47,400 --> 00:09:49,680 Miss Donnie, you don't like your food touching each other? 181 00:09:49,680 --> 00:09:52,000 I'm married to someone who doesn't like his food touching. 182 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:54,360 I'm okay with food touching. 183 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:56,880 Okay, we're getting real in this podcast today. 184 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:57,880 This is Christmas. 185 00:09:57,880 --> 00:09:58,880 I'll go with a holiday flavor. 186 00:09:58,880 --> 00:10:02,760 I don't know if I have a favorite holiday food, but peppermint. 187 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:08,800 So I really enjoy the peppermint latte that comes out around Christmas time. 188 00:10:08,800 --> 00:10:10,680 So peppermint would be my jam. 189 00:10:10,680 --> 00:10:15,280 Now your listeners, Mr. Jason, can't see what's happening here, but we are so close in order 190 00:10:15,280 --> 00:10:20,160 to be heard in this microphone that I can smell the peppermint on Mrs. Donnie's breath. 191 00:10:20,160 --> 00:10:21,160 And it's delightful. 192 00:10:21,160 --> 00:10:22,880 We're giving a breath mint before we started. 193 00:10:22,880 --> 00:10:24,040 Yes, we are. 194 00:10:24,040 --> 00:10:26,040 And it's delightful, very Christmassy. 195 00:10:26,040 --> 00:10:31,040 All right, Mrs. Amber, what is your favorite food or Christmas flavor? 196 00:10:31,040 --> 00:10:36,880 I do like the toffee nut latte that Starbucks puts out at Christmas time, or I guess I would 197 00:10:36,880 --> 00:10:41,720 have to go with my husband makes homemade cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. 198 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:42,720 Wouldn't that be wonderful? 199 00:10:42,720 --> 00:10:45,400 How would you feel about that, Mrs. Donnie? 200 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:49,280 If my husband made homemade cinnamon rolls? 201 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:52,000 I will contact him and let him know. 202 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:56,680 I did enjoy something that your husband made for a holiday treat in our staff room. 203 00:10:56,680 --> 00:10:58,640 What was that, Mr. Jason? 204 00:10:58,640 --> 00:11:01,480 I think we had cranberry bliss bars. 205 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:03,800 You did, and they were delish. 206 00:11:03,800 --> 00:11:06,720 Cranberry actually would be a pretty big holiday flavor. 207 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:08,000 Yeah, that's a good one. 208 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:10,160 I can't take full credit for those. 209 00:11:10,160 --> 00:11:14,240 But yes, I did participate in the making of part of them. 210 00:11:14,240 --> 00:11:19,040 The next podcast will be interviewing Mrs. Donnie and Mr. Jason about how they do while 211 00:11:19,040 --> 00:11:20,400 baking together. 212 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:21,400 Please ask. 213 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:23,200 Not very good. 214 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:29,160 Okay, our next question is, do you have a funny, weird or heartwarming holiday story 215 00:11:29,160 --> 00:11:32,080 do you'd like to share? 216 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:37,160 I have one from when my oldest Ben was maybe four years old. 217 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:41,360 He went to kindergarten and they made these cute little, it was supposed to be a bag of 218 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:46,720 reindeer food and it was oats and sparkles and I don't know what else they put into it. 219 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:49,720 Anyway, they made these little baggies and they took them home and there was a poem and 220 00:11:49,720 --> 00:11:53,400 you were supposed to go out the night before Christmas and sprinkle this reindeer food 221 00:11:53,400 --> 00:11:57,200 on the ground and recite this poem to get Santa to come or something. 222 00:11:57,200 --> 00:11:58,200 I don't really remember. 223 00:11:58,200 --> 00:12:01,760 And we did, we went out and we said it and you're supposed to make a Christmas wish. 224 00:12:01,760 --> 00:12:05,640 We went back inside, we put him to bed and he is crying. 225 00:12:05,640 --> 00:12:09,560 I hear him in the room later crying and I went in and was like, what is wrong? 226 00:12:09,560 --> 00:12:11,040 I'm having nightmares. 227 00:12:11,040 --> 00:12:12,040 I'm so scared. 228 00:12:12,040 --> 00:12:13,160 I was like, what are you scared about? 229 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:17,400 And he's like, the Christmas witch, the Christmas witch is gonna get me. 230 00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:20,320 And I'm like, what Christmas witch? 231 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:24,300 It was from the poem, the Christmas wish that we made. 232 00:12:24,300 --> 00:12:27,360 He thought there was a Christmas witch and it was gonna come for him. 233 00:12:27,360 --> 00:12:29,800 That was, that's a story we like to retell him. 234 00:12:29,800 --> 00:12:30,800 That's a good or baby. 235 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:31,800 That is sweet. 236 00:12:31,800 --> 00:12:32,800 That is sweet. 237 00:12:32,800 --> 00:12:37,400 Did your parents ever surprise you with anything ladies at Christmas? 238 00:12:37,400 --> 00:12:39,600 Well that was actually nice, nice lead in. 239 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:40,600 Oh, thank you. 240 00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:44,160 Because my- Very unplanned by the way this year. 241 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:45,560 It really was. 242 00:12:45,560 --> 00:12:47,280 I guess heartwarming holiday story. 243 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:48,280 It's heartwarming to me. 244 00:12:48,280 --> 00:12:51,520 I don't know if you guys can rate it later. 245 00:12:51,520 --> 00:12:58,800 But I grew up where my mom would do 12 days leading up to Christmas. 246 00:12:58,800 --> 00:13:02,480 She would put something small in our stocking every morning. 247 00:13:02,480 --> 00:13:07,600 And so before school, we'd get up and it's the first thing we would go and get this one 248 00:13:07,600 --> 00:13:08,600 little item. 249 00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:09,880 And I- A terrible parent. 250 00:13:09,880 --> 00:13:12,040 I just want to let everyone know. 251 00:13:12,040 --> 00:13:15,400 And I thought that that's what the 12 days of Christmas were. 252 00:13:15,400 --> 00:13:20,200 Like I thought they were the 12 days leading up to Christmas because that is what my mom 253 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:22,760 had made me believe to be true. 254 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:27,840 And then we have since we adopted that tradition in our family and did that for our oldest 255 00:13:27,840 --> 00:13:30,480 two for Asia and Coleman. 256 00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:35,960 And we have continued to do that for Everest. 257 00:13:35,960 --> 00:13:39,880 He's a little pickier and tells us what he wants in his stocking, but the other ones 258 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:43,680 were really happy with whatever they got. 259 00:13:43,680 --> 00:13:49,760 My story is how Mrs. Amber buys me Starbucks every morning for the month of December. 260 00:13:49,760 --> 00:13:50,760 She does. 261 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:52,760 She leaves little gifts outside my office. 262 00:13:52,760 --> 00:13:55,080 Does she not do that for you, Mrs. Donnie? 263 00:13:55,080 --> 00:13:57,560 Wow, that's- No? 264 00:13:57,560 --> 00:13:59,760 Are you stunned? 265 00:13:59,760 --> 00:14:02,560 I'm a bit speechless. 266 00:14:02,560 --> 00:14:04,040 Also don't believe it. 267 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:05,040 You don't know? 268 00:14:05,040 --> 00:14:06,040 You have a right to be speechless. 269 00:14:06,040 --> 00:14:07,280 Don't believe it? 270 00:14:07,280 --> 00:14:12,480 My favorite Christmas surprise when I was young was when I was about, boy, I feel like 271 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:14,240 it was like 10 years old. 272 00:14:14,240 --> 00:14:19,240 And my parents had given us all these clues leading up to Christmas. 273 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:22,320 Every day there was a clue about what this big gift was going to be. 274 00:14:22,320 --> 00:14:24,160 And it was like a little riddle. 275 00:14:24,160 --> 00:14:27,600 And the very last one on Christmas Eve, we're leaving. 276 00:14:27,600 --> 00:14:29,960 We went to a church service Christmas Eve and we're driving. 277 00:14:29,960 --> 00:14:36,120 You have to think like Calgary snow, snowy weather, really delightful as a child, really 278 00:14:36,120 --> 00:14:38,360 awful as an adult to drive through. 279 00:14:38,360 --> 00:14:43,200 And they drove us out of the city and they drove up to this little farmhouse. 280 00:14:43,200 --> 00:14:46,720 And the last clue they gave us was, it's alive. 281 00:14:46,720 --> 00:14:48,840 You thought you were getting a horse or puppy. 282 00:14:48,840 --> 00:14:49,840 I got a puppy. 283 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:50,840 We got a puppy. 284 00:14:50,840 --> 00:14:51,840 Yes, we did. 285 00:14:51,840 --> 00:14:52,840 That's a good one. 286 00:14:52,840 --> 00:14:53,840 Wasn't that good? 287 00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:54,840 That was my favorite Christmas. 288 00:14:54,840 --> 00:14:55,840 Your parents are creative. 289 00:14:55,840 --> 00:14:56,840 Yeah. 290 00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:57,840 And I'm not. 291 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:04,640 And I think what we've established here is that sprinkle sparkle fingers and tinker candy 292 00:15:04,640 --> 00:15:07,020 fluff are excellent parents. 293 00:15:07,020 --> 00:15:08,020 And I am not. 294 00:15:08,020 --> 00:15:09,020 I would agree we are. 295 00:15:09,020 --> 00:15:10,020 You all are. 296 00:15:10,020 --> 00:15:11,520 But I will say you are too. 297 00:15:11,520 --> 00:15:13,120 Nice try there. 298 00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:14,120 OK, OK. 299 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:15,800 Those are really good. 300 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:18,560 OK, my final request for you three. 301 00:15:18,560 --> 00:15:20,280 This has been really fun. 302 00:15:20,280 --> 00:15:22,320 Thanks for coming on, by the way. 303 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:26,880 Our episode is about spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear. 304 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:30,720 So what kind of Christmas cheer could you give our listeners out there? 305 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:31,720 Wow. 306 00:15:31,720 --> 00:15:34,840 Maybe we can start with whoever comes up with it first. 307 00:15:34,840 --> 00:15:35,840 Uh huh. 308 00:15:35,840 --> 00:15:36,840 OK, Mrs. Donnie's ready. 309 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:37,840 I've got it. 310 00:15:37,840 --> 00:15:38,840 I can see it. 311 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:39,840 I've got it. 312 00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:40,840 OK. 313 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:45,720 Well, I'll share with you the same little message that I have been sharing with classrooms 314 00:15:45,720 --> 00:15:50,800 because I've had the opportunity to read some Christmas stories in some homerooms in the 315 00:15:50,800 --> 00:15:58,960 elementary and in each room we've talked about the fact that in Christmas stories and movies 316 00:15:58,960 --> 00:16:02,200 that have a Santa Claus, there's always a list. 317 00:16:02,200 --> 00:16:03,960 And that's the naughty and nice list, right? 318 00:16:03,960 --> 00:16:09,240 The good little boy and girl list and then those that don't make the list. 319 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:14,120 And so what I've been encouraging students to think about is that Santa has this list, 320 00:16:14,120 --> 00:16:16,220 but Jesus also has the list. 321 00:16:16,220 --> 00:16:23,000 And since we believe that Christmas is truly about Jesus coming to earth to be the gift 322 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:30,880 of love to us, that his list is much longer than Santa's list and that actually all of 323 00:16:30,880 --> 00:16:35,640 our names are on that list and that there isn't anything we can do good to get on it, 324 00:16:35,640 --> 00:16:36,800 but that we're already on it. 325 00:16:36,800 --> 00:16:41,360 So if you're listening, I hope you understand that message is for you as well. 326 00:16:41,360 --> 00:16:42,360 Mrs. Amber. 327 00:16:42,360 --> 00:16:43,800 You've got to follow that up. 328 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:45,960 Good luck following that. 329 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:49,720 You could just say, oh, amen or go ahead. 330 00:16:49,720 --> 00:16:51,920 Merry Christmas to everyone listening to this. 331 00:16:51,920 --> 00:16:56,800 I hope that your break is restful, that you find time to do something that you enjoy, 332 00:16:56,800 --> 00:16:59,800 to spend time with family and or friends. 333 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:07,760 Yeah, that you just have time to reflect and come back refreshed. 334 00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:08,760 Very nice. 335 00:17:08,760 --> 00:17:13,160 So middle schoolers, just hold it together. 336 00:17:13,160 --> 00:17:15,920 That's what I would like to encourage you to do. 337 00:17:15,920 --> 00:17:19,240 Just last week of school, just hold it together. 338 00:17:19,240 --> 00:17:25,240 We are scraping kids off the ceilings at this point, but we're all going to make it. 339 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:29,840 We're coming into the Christmas break and it is an opportunity, like Mrs. Donnie said, 340 00:17:29,840 --> 00:17:32,720 as Amber said, to spend time with your families. 341 00:17:32,720 --> 00:17:37,560 We've just been in middle school Christmas chapel and heard about the true meaning, I 342 00:17:37,560 --> 00:17:43,760 guess, of joy and hope and how sometimes we seek things that are temporary, but really 343 00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:49,160 encouraging you this Christmas to check out the story of Christmas and how that might 344 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:54,200 actually provide some lasting joy and hope in all of our lives. 345 00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:55,200 All right. 346 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:56,200 Thank you very much. 347 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:59,760 That was the first time we've ever had all three of you on at the same time. 348 00:17:59,760 --> 00:18:00,760 And live. 349 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:01,760 Do you want to sing a song? 350 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,080 Like a little Merry Christmas jingle? 351 00:18:04,080 --> 00:18:08,760 If you have a song you'd love to sing, we would for sure put it on. 352 00:18:08,760 --> 00:18:09,760 Wow. 353 00:18:09,760 --> 00:18:10,760 She's seriously going to sing. 354 00:18:10,760 --> 00:18:12,640 We wish you a Merry Christmas. 355 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:17,640 We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 356 00:18:17,640 --> 00:18:25,160 Okay, moving on and to close out this segment, we welcome some little people. 357 00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:28,280 I welcome Kane, Katie and Everest. 358 00:18:28,280 --> 00:18:32,280 To start off, could you please introduce yourself and tell me what grade you are in? 359 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:35,640 Hi, my name is Everest and I'm in third grade. 360 00:18:35,640 --> 00:18:39,080 Hi, I'm Kane and I'm in second grade. 361 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:43,560 Hi, I'm Katie and I'm in fourth grade. 362 00:18:43,560 --> 00:18:45,200 Thank you so much for coming on the show. 363 00:18:45,200 --> 00:18:51,040 My first question for you guys is, what is your favorite holiday food and why? 364 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:53,700 Ev, why don't you go first? 365 00:18:53,700 --> 00:18:59,760 My favorite holiday food is my mom's Christmas cookies because the way that she makes them 366 00:18:59,760 --> 00:19:04,520 with the icing on top, the icing is like not so sweet that you just can't eat them all. 367 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:06,960 It's like a little bit balanced and like, you know. 368 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:08,660 Oh, those sound really good. 369 00:19:08,660 --> 00:19:09,660 What about you Kane? 370 00:19:09,660 --> 00:19:11,080 Why don't you go next? 371 00:19:11,080 --> 00:19:16,880 My mom's cookie because it's kind of sweet and soft inside. 372 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:23,320 I know this might not be a holiday food, but my birthday, we get to have junk food like 373 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:26,960 chicken and like KFC, Bonchon and McDonald's. 374 00:19:26,960 --> 00:19:28,840 I don't normally to get it. 375 00:19:28,840 --> 00:19:33,240 I'm not normally allowed to eat it because my doctor told me. 376 00:19:33,240 --> 00:19:34,240 All right. 377 00:19:34,240 --> 00:19:36,120 Thank you so much for those answers. 378 00:19:36,120 --> 00:19:37,120 Those are really good. 379 00:19:37,120 --> 00:19:38,840 I too like junk food a lot. 380 00:19:38,840 --> 00:19:39,840 I like cookies. 381 00:19:39,840 --> 00:19:41,680 I like fried chicken as well. 382 00:19:41,680 --> 00:19:42,680 Okay. 383 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:43,680 Moving on. 384 00:19:43,680 --> 00:19:49,360 Our next question is, what is your favorite Christmas song and can you sing a short line 385 00:19:49,360 --> 00:19:51,200 from it for our listeners? 386 00:19:51,200 --> 00:19:53,640 Everest, why don't you go first again? 387 00:19:53,640 --> 00:19:54,640 Okay. 388 00:19:54,640 --> 00:19:57,360 My favorite Christmas song is rocking around the Christmas tree. 389 00:19:57,360 --> 00:20:00,280 Do you mind sharing just a little bit of it with our listeners? 390 00:20:00,280 --> 00:20:01,280 Okay. 391 00:20:01,280 --> 00:20:14,440 Rocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop. 392 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:21,080 Mistletoe hung where you can see every couple tries to stop. 393 00:20:21,080 --> 00:20:27,600 Rocking around the Christmas tree, let the Christmas spirit ring. 394 00:20:27,600 --> 00:20:32,680 Later we'll have some pumpkin pie and we'll do some caroling. 395 00:20:32,680 --> 00:20:34,600 Wow. 396 00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:35,600 Very good. 397 00:20:35,600 --> 00:20:36,600 Okay. 398 00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:37,600 Kane, what about you? 399 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:39,200 Do you have a favorite Christmas song? 400 00:20:39,200 --> 00:20:43,320 My favorite Christmas song is joy to the world. 401 00:20:43,320 --> 00:20:44,320 Oh, wow. 402 00:20:44,320 --> 00:20:45,440 And how does that go? 403 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:47,640 How does like the first part of that song go? 404 00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:51,760 The Lord has come. 405 00:20:51,760 --> 00:20:53,640 That's okay. 406 00:20:53,640 --> 00:20:55,920 That's okay. 407 00:20:55,920 --> 00:20:57,880 That's really good. 408 00:20:57,880 --> 00:20:58,880 Good job. 409 00:20:58,880 --> 00:21:00,080 I know you're kind of... 410 00:21:00,080 --> 00:21:01,080 That's okay. 411 00:21:01,080 --> 00:21:02,080 I know you're kind of nervous. 412 00:21:02,080 --> 00:21:04,160 All right, Katie, what about you? 413 00:21:04,160 --> 00:21:08,840 My favorite Christmas song is last Christmas. 414 00:21:08,840 --> 00:21:09,840 And okay. 415 00:21:09,840 --> 00:21:13,080 How does that go? 416 00:21:13,080 --> 00:21:25,800 Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away. 417 00:21:25,800 --> 00:21:29,440 I think I've heard that song a lot at the mall especially, right? 418 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:37,240 My dad forces my family to listen to it every Christmas and I'm begging him to stop doing 419 00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:38,240 it. 420 00:21:38,240 --> 00:21:41,560 I'm still begging him to listen. 421 00:21:41,560 --> 00:21:42,560 I like that. 422 00:21:42,560 --> 00:21:43,560 Okay. 423 00:21:43,560 --> 00:21:44,560 All right. 424 00:21:44,560 --> 00:21:45,560 Good job, dad. 425 00:21:45,560 --> 00:21:49,360 And for our final part of this first segment, what heartwarming Christmas message would 426 00:21:49,360 --> 00:21:51,800 you like to share with all of our listeners? 427 00:21:51,800 --> 00:21:54,080 Everest, go ahead and go first. 428 00:21:54,080 --> 00:22:02,200 Okay, my heartwarming message would be I hope you have a Merry Christmas and if you're traveling, 429 00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:05,360 I hope you see your family and friends that you want to see. 430 00:22:05,360 --> 00:22:06,640 And Cain, what about you? 431 00:22:06,640 --> 00:22:10,120 What heartwarming message would you like our listeners to hear? 432 00:22:10,120 --> 00:22:13,080 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 433 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:14,880 And Katie, what about you? 434 00:22:14,880 --> 00:22:21,080 This is a Bible verse and we say, God loved the world so much He gave His one and only 435 00:22:21,080 --> 00:22:25,000 and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 436 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:32,080 I think the son that He's talking about is Jesus who came down and died for us. 437 00:22:32,080 --> 00:22:36,120 We're celebrating Christmas because of His birthday. 438 00:22:36,120 --> 00:22:37,360 Happy birthday, Jesus. 439 00:22:37,360 --> 00:22:39,920 Thank you so much, kids, for coming on the show. 440 00:22:39,920 --> 00:22:44,840 And now to end this first segment, we'll play part of a cover our very own patients sang 441 00:22:44,840 --> 00:22:46,760 and recorded for us. 442 00:22:46,760 --> 00:22:48,840 Sit back, listen and enjoy. 443 00:22:48,840 --> 00:22:51,760 All I want for Christmas is you. 444 00:22:51,760 --> 00:23:08,760 I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need 445 00:23:08,760 --> 00:23:15,760 I don't care about the present Underneath the Christmas tree 446 00:23:15,760 --> 00:23:24,760 I just want you for my own More than you could ever know 447 00:23:24,760 --> 00:23:46,760 I want to make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you 448 00:23:54,760 --> 00:24:04,200 Hey everyone, we'll be giving the ICS Design Workshop 101 a shout out today. 449 00:24:04,200 --> 00:24:08,160 The ICS Design Workshop encourages students to turn their designs into real products and 450 00:24:08,160 --> 00:24:11,240 raise money for the ChildLand Foundation through selling them. 451 00:24:11,240 --> 00:24:15,360 The ChildLand Foundation strives to provide children in Thailand with trusted and reliable 452 00:24:15,360 --> 00:24:18,760 access to protection, health and human services. 453 00:24:18,760 --> 00:24:23,620 The ICS Design Workshop 101 club was also at the ICS Makers Fair two weeks ago, selling 454 00:24:23,620 --> 00:24:27,640 self-made bracelets and rings with proceeds going to the ChildLand Foundation. 455 00:24:27,640 --> 00:24:33,400 You can also follow the ICS Design Workshop 101 at Instagram at ics.designworkshop101 456 00:24:33,400 --> 00:24:35,880 for more information and join the club. 457 00:24:35,880 --> 00:24:37,320 Christmas is coming up as well. 458 00:24:37,320 --> 00:24:39,840 Such a great way to give back and spread Christmas cheer. 459 00:24:39,840 --> 00:24:44,880 Hey everyone, this is Camila from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the United States. 460 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:50,200 I'm the co-editor-in-chief of the Alexandrian Review, a literary magazine accepting poetry, 461 00:24:50,200 --> 00:24:54,840 fiction, non-fiction and art cover submissions from youth all over the world. 462 00:24:54,840 --> 00:24:58,760 Our mission is to advocate for and provide a space to amplify the voices and stories 463 00:24:58,760 --> 00:25:02,120 of those in marginalized communities around the world. 464 00:25:02,120 --> 00:25:06,520 The deadline for this edition will be January 15th, 2024. 465 00:25:06,520 --> 00:25:12,600 Visit our Instagram and TikTok at AlexandrianReview or our website linked in our bio or also at 466 00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:32,160 https://thealexandrianrevi.wixsite.com slash Alexandrian dash review for more information. 467 00:25:32,160 --> 00:25:36,480 We are back with our second segment and I'm joined by the podcast team again. 468 00:25:36,480 --> 00:25:41,360 Have you ever wondered why we say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Christmas? 469 00:25:41,360 --> 00:25:43,080 Reviews happy in everything else. 470 00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:47,320 We don't say Merry Birthday or Merry Anniversary or Merry New Year. 471 00:25:47,320 --> 00:25:51,400 Premi, what does the word Merry mean and why do we use it for Christmas? 472 00:25:51,400 --> 00:25:55,000 Actually, there's a lot of articles written about this very question. 473 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:59,400 The tradition of Christmas wishes, particularly the greeting Merry Christmas, has an interesting 474 00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:00,560 history. 475 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:06,480 One of the earliest known uses of Merry Christmas was in 1534 in a letter by Bishop John Fisher. 476 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:11,800 The phrase gained popularity with the publication of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in 1843, 477 00:26:11,800 --> 00:26:14,600 where it appears 21 times. 478 00:26:14,600 --> 00:26:19,000 In the same year, the first commercial Christmas card sent by the British inventor Sir Henry 479 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:23,600 Cole included the greeting, A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you. 480 00:26:23,600 --> 00:26:28,800 The use of Merry and Merry Christmas reflected a more jovial celebratory gesture associated 481 00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:30,160 with the holiday season. 482 00:26:30,160 --> 00:26:33,820 Chanyeol, what does the word Merry actually mean? 483 00:26:33,820 --> 00:26:38,280 Merry means to be full of cheerfulness and to have a joyous disposition. 484 00:26:38,280 --> 00:26:42,160 It also means to be laughingly happy and to be festive. 485 00:26:42,160 --> 00:26:44,600 So what does that word mean to each of you? 486 00:26:44,600 --> 00:26:47,720 Patience, what about you? 487 00:26:47,720 --> 00:26:53,160 I think that Merry means to be jolly or like, you know, festive or high-spirited. 488 00:26:53,160 --> 00:26:54,800 What about you, Rebecca? 489 00:26:54,800 --> 00:26:59,640 Merry means full of joy and celebration and also reminds me to be grateful, especially 490 00:26:59,640 --> 00:27:01,480 around the time of the year. 491 00:27:01,480 --> 00:27:03,320 Yehaw, what do you think? 492 00:27:03,320 --> 00:27:07,680 When I think about that definition, I think that Merry really captures a spirit of warmth 493 00:27:07,680 --> 00:27:12,320 and giving since just the mention of the word is recognizable by most people as associated 494 00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:13,320 with Christmas. 495 00:27:13,320 --> 00:27:17,160 It really ties into the gift-giving aspect and joyful and cheerless lights that go up 496 00:27:17,160 --> 00:27:18,160 during Christmas. 497 00:27:18,160 --> 00:27:20,040 Back to you, Chanyeol. 498 00:27:20,040 --> 00:27:24,720 When I think about that idea, I think the word Merry has a helpful and celebratory tone 499 00:27:24,720 --> 00:27:25,720 to it. 500 00:27:25,720 --> 00:27:31,000 I personally feel like the word Merry sounds much more upbeat and optimistic than the word 501 00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:32,240 joyful. 502 00:27:32,240 --> 00:27:37,080 In a way, the word Merry sounds more informal and feels like a warm welcoming. 503 00:27:37,080 --> 00:27:38,960 Premi, how about you? 504 00:27:38,960 --> 00:27:44,400 I think for me, Merry is a word that feels more festive, yes, and I think also more special. 505 00:27:44,400 --> 00:27:49,160 And I do think that we overuse the word happy a lot or we throw the word around a lot. 506 00:27:49,160 --> 00:27:53,400 And so as a result, I think the meaning of the word has lost some of its value or meaning 507 00:27:53,400 --> 00:27:54,440 over time. 508 00:27:54,440 --> 00:27:57,880 And so I think that's where the word Merry comes in so much more special. 509 00:27:57,880 --> 00:28:02,120 Also, whenever I think of Merry, this image of Santa Claus clutching his white beard saying 510 00:28:02,120 --> 00:28:04,520 some variation of ho ho ho comes to mind. 511 00:28:04,520 --> 00:28:05,720 What do you think, Mr. Jason? 512 00:28:05,720 --> 00:28:08,120 Yes, I agree about the word happy. 513 00:28:08,120 --> 00:28:11,080 Merry means more than just the word happy. 514 00:28:11,080 --> 00:28:12,320 Happy is such a common word. 515 00:28:12,320 --> 00:28:14,720 We hear it all the time and we use it all the time. 516 00:28:14,720 --> 00:28:17,560 And it has somewhat lost its impact and meaning. 517 00:28:17,560 --> 00:28:22,660 We assign everything to happy where Merry has much more of a cheerful and joyous meaning 518 00:28:22,660 --> 00:28:25,800 that isn't attached to things or objects necessarily. 519 00:28:25,800 --> 00:28:29,060 In the context of Christmas, it's attached to an event. 520 00:28:29,060 --> 00:28:33,940 Let's face it, and if we had to admit it, we may feel happy a lot, but I think there 521 00:28:33,940 --> 00:28:40,080 are very few times we can say we felt joyous jubilation or that we were in a deep festive 522 00:28:40,080 --> 00:28:43,320 spirit as the word Merry implies. 523 00:28:43,320 --> 00:28:47,960 Speaking of Merry Christmas and spreading Christmas cheer, we have some special Christmas 524 00:28:47,960 --> 00:28:50,200 cheer messages coming up. 525 00:28:50,200 --> 00:28:55,000 And to start us off, we welcome the school's headmaster, Mr. Luke, to the studio. 526 00:28:55,000 --> 00:28:56,360 Welcome, Mr. Luke. 527 00:28:56,360 --> 00:28:58,140 Thank you for joining us on our show. 528 00:28:58,140 --> 00:29:02,160 We have a few questions for you first, then we understand you'll give a kickoff message 529 00:29:02,160 --> 00:29:05,640 for a spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear part of this last segment. 530 00:29:05,640 --> 00:29:09,280 But first, we'd like to know a few things about your Christmas. 531 00:29:09,280 --> 00:29:10,640 First question is this. 532 00:29:10,640 --> 00:29:14,880 What is the worst or best Christmas gift you have ever received? 533 00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:17,160 That's a great question. 534 00:29:17,160 --> 00:29:21,860 I think the best Christmas present I ever received was actually when I was a junior 535 00:29:21,860 --> 00:29:22,860 in high school. 536 00:29:22,860 --> 00:29:29,520 I had been begging my parents for a North Face Gore-Tex jacket. 537 00:29:29,520 --> 00:29:33,800 And it was something that I was desperate to get and then they finally got it for me. 538 00:29:33,800 --> 00:29:34,800 It was amazing. 539 00:29:34,800 --> 00:29:38,860 It was like the most versatile jacket I had had. 540 00:29:38,860 --> 00:29:43,220 And I actually still have it today and wear it in the U.S. when we go back over the wintertime. 541 00:29:43,220 --> 00:29:47,080 So it's stood the test of time. 542 00:29:47,080 --> 00:29:51,520 I would say the worst Christmas present I ever got was that weird transition between 543 00:29:51,520 --> 00:29:53,980 like being a kid and being a teenager. 544 00:29:53,980 --> 00:29:58,800 So I transitioned from like getting toys and cool fun things that I thought I was going 545 00:29:58,800 --> 00:30:06,000 to get to more adult type things like clothes and socks and underwear and things like that. 546 00:30:06,000 --> 00:30:07,340 And it was really boring. 547 00:30:07,340 --> 00:30:08,640 At the time, I hated it. 548 00:30:08,640 --> 00:30:11,840 Now obviously I see that I need those things as well. 549 00:30:11,840 --> 00:30:17,680 Our next question is growing up, did your family have any special holiday traditions? 550 00:30:17,680 --> 00:30:24,080 Yeah, actually that was one thing that my family did really well was kind of the traditional 551 00:30:24,080 --> 00:30:30,200 American or Western idea of Christmas with lots of Christmas presents under the Christmas 552 00:30:30,200 --> 00:30:31,320 tree. 553 00:30:31,320 --> 00:30:37,160 So my family was very traditional in the sense that they wanted no Christmas presents to 554 00:30:37,160 --> 00:30:40,080 be under the tree until Christmas morning. 555 00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:42,280 So we had a Christmas tree with no presents under it. 556 00:30:42,280 --> 00:30:47,800 And then on Christmas morning, I remember we would wake up to what looked like this ocean 557 00:30:47,800 --> 00:30:54,560 of presents under the Christmas tree because it was for me and my parents and my two brothers. 558 00:30:54,560 --> 00:30:55,720 And it was really cool. 559 00:30:55,720 --> 00:31:00,960 And one cool tradition that for some reason carried on for I think my entire childhood 560 00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:05,080 was that everything was wrapped in white gift wrapping. 561 00:31:05,080 --> 00:31:06,080 So it was really cool. 562 00:31:06,080 --> 00:31:10,640 So we would walk down and it would just look like this massive pile of presents that also 563 00:31:10,640 --> 00:31:13,040 kind of looked like snow and it was really cool. 564 00:31:13,040 --> 00:31:14,040 I loved it. 565 00:31:14,040 --> 00:31:17,840 And finally, we'd love for you to kick off our spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear 566 00:31:17,840 --> 00:31:19,120 a segment. 567 00:31:19,120 --> 00:31:21,040 How would you like to spread Christmas cheer? 568 00:31:21,040 --> 00:31:22,440 What message would you like to share? 569 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:28,120 Yeah, I think the message I would say is just to take a moment and extend my heartfelt wishes 570 00:31:28,120 --> 00:31:29,600 to each and every one of you. 571 00:31:29,600 --> 00:31:35,560 This time of the year is not just about glittering lights, colorful decorations and presents, 572 00:31:35,560 --> 00:31:40,080 but it's also a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, God's own son sent to earth as 573 00:31:40,080 --> 00:31:45,080 a beacon of hope and love and salvation that is available to each and every one of us. 574 00:31:45,080 --> 00:31:50,160 I hope that your Christmas season is filled with joy, laughter and the company of loved 575 00:31:50,160 --> 00:31:51,280 ones. 576 00:31:51,280 --> 00:31:56,100 Let's embrace the spirit of giving kindness and gratitude together as a community. 577 00:31:56,100 --> 00:32:01,520 And I really do encourage you to take every opportunity you can to show kindness, generosity 578 00:32:01,520 --> 00:32:03,520 and love to others. 579 00:32:03,520 --> 00:32:07,440 Whether you're celebrating with old family traditions or creating new ones, may the Christmas 580 00:32:07,440 --> 00:32:11,320 season bring you a sense of peace and togetherness. 581 00:32:11,320 --> 00:32:14,960 And thank you for being an integral part of the ICS family. 582 00:32:14,960 --> 00:32:18,780 I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 583 00:32:18,780 --> 00:32:20,200 Thank you, Mr. Luke. 584 00:32:20,200 --> 00:32:23,440 Let's continue with some more messages of Christmas cheer. 585 00:32:23,440 --> 00:32:25,720 Patience, do you have a message? 586 00:32:25,720 --> 00:32:27,440 Yes, I do. 587 00:32:27,440 --> 00:32:31,940 My message to all of our listeners is to have a restful break. 588 00:32:31,940 --> 00:32:37,320 Make some heartfelt memories, sleep in, watch some Christmas movies and drink some hot cocoa. 589 00:32:37,320 --> 00:32:39,480 On to Rebecca. 590 00:32:39,480 --> 00:32:44,480 I want to say that always remember that you are loved by the best Father in the world 591 00:32:44,480 --> 00:32:47,120 and he will always love you as his own child. 592 00:32:47,120 --> 00:32:49,360 Rejoice, rejoice and rejoice. 593 00:32:49,360 --> 00:32:51,960 Praise the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 594 00:32:51,960 --> 00:32:54,040 Okay, Yan Hao, it's your turn. 595 00:32:54,040 --> 00:32:58,600 Okay, so my message would be to kick back and relax with your friends and family around 596 00:32:58,600 --> 00:33:01,440 the table or relax on the sofas. 597 00:33:01,440 --> 00:33:05,300 So I hope everyone has a great time being away from an academic environment to recharge 598 00:33:05,300 --> 00:33:06,960 their motivation. 599 00:33:06,960 --> 00:33:08,240 Jimmy, back to you. 600 00:33:08,240 --> 00:33:12,880 I would say to spend lots and lots of time with your family, your friends and yourself. 601 00:33:12,880 --> 00:33:16,420 And don't forget to do the things you love and to give yourself some time to recharge. 602 00:33:16,420 --> 00:33:17,420 You deserve a break too. 603 00:33:17,420 --> 00:33:21,520 And to find happiness and appreciation in the unexpected little beautiful moments in 604 00:33:21,520 --> 00:33:22,520 life. 605 00:33:22,520 --> 00:33:23,520 Tanya, what about you? 606 00:33:23,520 --> 00:33:27,960 My message of cheer would be take a break, have fun and spend some time with your family 607 00:33:27,960 --> 00:33:29,640 and friends this Christmas break. 608 00:33:29,640 --> 00:33:31,200 Mr. Jason, who's next? 609 00:33:31,200 --> 00:33:35,940 Well, we just happened to get several Students Incorporated Season 1 team members to join 610 00:33:35,940 --> 00:33:37,760 in on these festivities. 611 00:33:37,760 --> 00:33:40,400 Here are a few messages from them as well. 612 00:33:40,400 --> 00:33:41,400 Enjoy. 613 00:33:41,400 --> 00:33:42,400 Hello, everyone. 614 00:33:42,400 --> 00:33:46,120 I am Lion, the co-host of the Students Incorporated podcast in Season 1. 615 00:33:46,120 --> 00:33:50,280 I am currently back in the studio recording this very special message for you all. 616 00:33:50,280 --> 00:33:55,080 Aside from that, I am studying Financial Engineering at Kingmongkut Institute of Technology, Lakerabong. 617 00:33:55,080 --> 00:33:58,520 With Christmas being right around the corner, I have some special words to give to you all. 618 00:33:58,520 --> 00:34:03,320 Now, let's rewind back to March 13th, 2020, which happened to be my birthday as well. 619 00:34:03,320 --> 00:34:06,960 A lot of us, including me, were still in 8th grade, and we were happy to hear that we'd 620 00:34:06,960 --> 00:34:11,440 be getting a two-week break from school because of some random virus from China. 621 00:34:11,440 --> 00:34:14,320 We thought that it would be a short break and everything would come back to normal. 622 00:34:14,320 --> 00:34:16,280 We could not be more wrong. 623 00:34:16,280 --> 00:34:20,600 The next thing we knew is December of 2023 and many of us are in their senior year, waiting 624 00:34:20,600 --> 00:34:24,400 for their acceptance letters to college, or in my case, starting my second semester of 625 00:34:24,400 --> 00:34:25,400 university. 626 00:34:25,400 --> 00:34:27,840 What I'm trying to say is that time moves fast. 627 00:34:27,840 --> 00:34:31,120 Looking back at those three years, I'd regret not trying new things in school, making new 628 00:34:31,120 --> 00:34:35,280 friends, being more grateful, being kinder, or cherishing the time I spent with other 629 00:34:35,280 --> 00:34:36,280 people. 630 00:34:36,280 --> 00:34:39,760 So, for this Christmas, I want you all to go and spend time with your friends, your 631 00:34:39,760 --> 00:34:41,480 family, and your loved ones. 632 00:34:41,480 --> 00:34:45,120 I want you to be kind, be grateful, make memories that you will cherish. 633 00:34:45,120 --> 00:34:48,240 In the future, you don't want to look back to this time and feel regret because you wish 634 00:34:48,240 --> 00:34:52,140 you could have been kinder to someone, or be grateful for someone or something, or forget 635 00:34:52,140 --> 00:34:54,440 what even happened because you didn't make today memorable. 636 00:34:54,440 --> 00:34:59,320 So, I'd like to end my message with a quote from a modern poet, Avicii. 637 00:34:59,320 --> 00:35:04,360 He said that, one day, you leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember. 638 00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:07,480 With that, I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Jason for having me today in the studio. 639 00:35:07,480 --> 00:35:10,160 I really miss being here and recording my voice. 640 00:35:10,160 --> 00:35:12,320 And I'd like to say thank you to you all as well for listening. 641 00:35:12,320 --> 00:35:16,560 I wish all Students Incorporated podcast listeners a very, very Merry Christmas. 642 00:35:16,560 --> 00:35:19,400 Hey, I'm Kush Natani. 643 00:35:19,400 --> 00:35:23,600 I was the previous tech engineer for Students Incorporated. 644 00:35:23,600 --> 00:35:30,560 Currently, I am the only remaining Students Incorporated member still studying at ICS. 645 00:35:30,560 --> 00:35:33,520 This is my final senior year. 646 00:35:33,520 --> 00:35:37,720 You know, college application season, capstone, papers, all of that. 647 00:35:37,720 --> 00:35:42,560 Currently, I'm also the president of the Model United Nations Club, as you'll remember from 648 00:35:42,560 --> 00:35:46,680 our episode 18 from last season. 649 00:35:46,680 --> 00:35:52,720 We're deep into planning for our third conference, ICSMUN3, looking like it's going to be a massive 650 00:35:52,720 --> 00:35:54,840 conference, 200 plus people attending. 651 00:35:54,840 --> 00:35:56,440 It's going to be incredible. 652 00:35:56,440 --> 00:35:58,560 I'm excited for that. 653 00:35:58,560 --> 00:36:04,000 So I just wanted to leave the podcast off with some great quotes to live life by that 654 00:36:04,000 --> 00:36:09,460 I found inspirational and that I really think is going to help a lot of people in moving 655 00:36:09,460 --> 00:36:11,720 on from the current stages of life. 656 00:36:11,720 --> 00:36:16,340 So you know, as a senior, I'm applying to college, like I said before, and I really 657 00:36:16,340 --> 00:36:22,200 just needed a bunch of advice to proceed in these difficult times. 658 00:36:22,200 --> 00:36:23,360 It's always a stressful time. 659 00:36:23,360 --> 00:36:25,600 It's always wondering, where am I going? 660 00:36:25,600 --> 00:36:28,100 What am I going to do in my future? 661 00:36:28,100 --> 00:36:31,160 And so a few quotes I had, this one's by Oscar Wilde. 662 00:36:31,160 --> 00:36:33,440 To live is the rarest thing in the world. 663 00:36:33,440 --> 00:36:34,620 Most people exist. 664 00:36:34,620 --> 00:36:35,620 That is all. 665 00:36:35,620 --> 00:36:36,880 I found this quote interesting. 666 00:36:36,880 --> 00:36:40,240 It's just some people live and some people live. 667 00:36:40,240 --> 00:36:46,360 Yeah, I just I really want to make sure that I'm living my life by living and not just 668 00:36:46,360 --> 00:36:47,360 living. 669 00:36:47,360 --> 00:36:51,400 The second quote I had is from Richard L. Evans, which is, when in the world are we 670 00:36:51,400 --> 00:36:55,160 going to begin to live as if we understood that this is life? 671 00:36:55,160 --> 00:36:58,180 This is our time, our day, and it is passing. 672 00:36:58,180 --> 00:36:59,840 What are we waiting for? 673 00:36:59,840 --> 00:37:04,080 I think it's just a really nice quote to just seize the moment and to just, like I 674 00:37:04,080 --> 00:37:05,480 said, live life. 675 00:37:05,480 --> 00:37:08,640 Thank you so much for having me on here for such a short period of time. 676 00:37:08,640 --> 00:37:11,360 It was great to be back in the studio. 677 00:37:11,360 --> 00:37:12,360 Happy holidays. 678 00:37:12,360 --> 00:37:13,660 Hey, everyone. 679 00:37:13,660 --> 00:37:18,480 I'm Rani Kotari, and I was the writer and editor during season one. 680 00:37:18,480 --> 00:37:23,160 I'm still in Bangkok currently, and I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in media and 681 00:37:23,160 --> 00:37:27,280 communication at Mahidol University International College. 682 00:37:27,280 --> 00:37:32,840 So one of the traditions here on this podcast is to share quotes every episode. 683 00:37:32,840 --> 00:37:37,600 I came across a quote about Christmas and thought I'd share it with you all. 684 00:37:37,600 --> 00:37:43,440 Norman Vincent Peale, an author who wrote books about his philosophy of positive thinking, 685 00:37:43,440 --> 00:37:49,640 said, Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift giving, and of 686 00:37:49,640 --> 00:37:52,500 families united. 687 00:37:52,500 --> 00:37:56,600 I hope that this Christmas break is truly joyful and restful for everyone. 688 00:37:56,600 --> 00:38:01,760 Spending time with family and friends is always a great way to relax, and I hope everyone 689 00:38:01,760 --> 00:38:04,360 has a wonderful holiday this year. 690 00:38:04,360 --> 00:38:06,760 Merry Christmas and happy holidays. 691 00:38:06,760 --> 00:38:08,380 Hello, everyone. 692 00:38:08,380 --> 00:38:14,240 This is Darren Waddenholm, ICS alumni currently in Melbourne, Australia. 693 00:38:14,240 --> 00:38:18,840 I was the previous outreach coordinator for Students Incorporated in season one. 694 00:38:18,840 --> 00:38:23,520 My current role is working full time for a company called Dynamic Outreach, which is 695 00:38:23,520 --> 00:38:26,760 a marketing company that helps promote charities. 696 00:38:26,760 --> 00:38:31,400 My Christmas message comes from Buddy the Elf when he said the best way to spread Christmas 697 00:38:31,400 --> 00:38:33,840 cheer is singing loud for all to hear. 698 00:38:33,840 --> 00:38:37,920 So make sure to sing some good Christmas carols this year. 699 00:38:37,920 --> 00:38:43,440 And I would like to sign off this message with some tinsel ASMR. 700 00:38:43,440 --> 00:38:44,760 Merry Christmas, everyone. 701 00:38:44,760 --> 00:38:48,680 And with that final message, I'd like to thank everyone that helped make this special 702 00:38:48,680 --> 00:38:51,080 holiday episode come to life. 703 00:38:51,080 --> 00:38:56,400 We'll end this final segment by sharing with you the best Christmas message ever given. 704 00:38:56,400 --> 00:39:01,900 In fact, it's because of this event we celebrate Christmas and why we say Merry Christmas. 705 00:39:01,900 --> 00:39:06,360 And to do this, we welcome Mrs. Anne to our show and she'll be reading the true Christmas 706 00:39:06,360 --> 00:39:07,440 story. 707 00:39:07,440 --> 00:39:10,400 Thank you, Mrs. Anne, for joining us. 708 00:39:10,400 --> 00:39:16,380 In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 709 00:39:16,380 --> 00:39:21,120 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 710 00:39:21,120 --> 00:39:24,920 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 711 00:39:24,920 --> 00:39:31,360 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city 712 00:39:31,360 --> 00:39:34,360 of David, which is called Bethlehem. 713 00:39:34,360 --> 00:39:39,600 Because he was of the house and the lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his 714 00:39:39,600 --> 00:39:42,420 betrothed, who was with child. 715 00:39:42,420 --> 00:39:46,380 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 716 00:39:46,380 --> 00:39:52,200 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him 717 00:39:52,200 --> 00:39:56,840 in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 718 00:39:56,840 --> 00:40:01,280 And in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their 719 00:40:01,280 --> 00:40:06,960 flock by night, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone 720 00:40:06,960 --> 00:40:08,160 around them. 721 00:40:08,160 --> 00:40:10,680 And they were filled with great fear. 722 00:40:10,680 --> 00:40:17,260 And the angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy 723 00:40:17,260 --> 00:40:19,600 that will be for all the people. 724 00:40:19,600 --> 00:40:26,600 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. 725 00:40:26,600 --> 00:40:28,800 And this will be a sign for you. 726 00:40:28,800 --> 00:40:34,060 You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 727 00:40:34,060 --> 00:40:40,240 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying 728 00:40:40,240 --> 00:40:46,680 glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. 729 00:40:46,680 --> 00:40:51,960 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us 730 00:40:51,960 --> 00:40:57,300 go over to Bethlehem and see this thing which has happened, which the Lord has made known 731 00:40:57,300 --> 00:41:04,080 to us. And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. 732 00:41:04,080 --> 00:41:08,440 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning 733 00:41:08,440 --> 00:41:10,280 this child. 734 00:41:10,280 --> 00:41:14,120 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 735 00:41:14,120 --> 00:41:18,960 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 736 00:41:18,960 --> 00:41:24,840 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen 737 00:41:24,840 --> 00:41:36,920 as it had been told to them. 738 00:41:36,920 --> 00:41:41,920 As we end this episode, and from all of us at the Students Incorporated Podcast Studio 739 00:41:41,920 --> 00:41:49,520 from Bangkok, Thailand, we want to say, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 740 00:41:49,520 --> 00:41:58,560 Have a wonderful and warm holiday season, and we'll see you next year! 741 00:41:58,560 --> 00:42:03,520 As always, this podcast would not be possible without the hard work and support of our International 742 00:42:03,520 --> 00:42:05,120 Student Production Team. 743 00:42:05,120 --> 00:42:10,840 All music and sound effects are courtesy of Pixabay.com, a vibrant community of creatives 744 00:42:10,840 --> 00:42:14,720 sharing copyright-free images, videos, and music. 745 00:42:14,720 --> 00:42:17,120 And we are signing off until next time. 746 00:42:17,120 --> 00:42:20,240 Be your Students Incorporated, because your voice matters.