With the Yule Ball, Christmas and New Year soon approaching, I thought I would write a letter addressing all of my fellow students with advice and encouragement for Christmas and the New Year.
Since the start of our first term Hogwarts has seen many events- the banshee, the vampire and maybe even… Events that have not hit each student’s ears at all, kept secret by those involved… You never know with Hogwarts, so much goes on.
I would firstly like to say, with all these events, though they may have been scary, exciting, and even unforgettable, you have all gotten through this and in your own little ways recovered looking towards the future. Keep that attitude up, as you are all young determined witches and wizards and if you have low self esteem or don’t believe in yourself, then I remind you to believe in yourself. You are you, you are strong, you have just been witness to some scary events and lived to tell the tale. This has been a small bump in the long road but just think, with each year you grow a more powerful witch or wizard in your own little ways.
Secondly, with the Yule ball approaching, I know you will all be excited as ever in planning what you are wearing- girls especially, boys, I am not so sure. Just remember though, this event is a warm, friendly event. A declaration. Christmas has hit Hogwarts and given us an excuse to dress fancy, socialise and dance.
I would advise not to get your hopes up when asking someone to the ball as sometimes it doesn’t always go that way. If you end up not having a date, don’t feel you can’t go. Attend the ball with friends or try to make conversation with people you may have not spoken to yet, you never know what may come out of it, a friendship or maybe more?!
Lastly, with Christmas and New Year drawing closer and closer, if you’re staying at the castle and not going home, don’t feel you have to just hang with students from your house. Now is your chance to socialise with others and don’t do what I did- Listen to your parents’ thoughts that other houses or witches and wizards of different backgrounds are lower than you. Ignore all that for one month! Make friends! If you hardly have any or want some more, put aside rivalries and quarrels and just enjoy the Christmas season because you only get it once a year. Enjoy it while you can.
Take this from someone who has learned the hard way over and over for 4 years. At the moment, I am still undecided if I’m staying at the castle or going home but if I do go home I do wish all you students a Merry Christmas and a New Year, however chaotic or fun it is for you.
Yours
Kamila Bullstrod
Head Girl
P.S. If you’re unsure what to do over the holiday period at Hogwarts look to articles for ideas. Soon Christmas articles may come out. I can admit myself and Essa Nazari are currently working on one.
