December was a numb and chilly month, but Christmas saved us from the gloomy weather. The inhabitants of Hogwarts Castle had prepared for this very special day, and nobody could miss it. In the dorms, we could see stockings put up, ready for the gifts on Christmas morning. The snow had fallen heavily from the sky. It snowed more than we had expected, and snow took over the whole of the Hogwarts grounds. But that didn’t stop us from having fun.

Many students met on the castle grounds and engaged in snowball fights to get the Christmas vibe. Animals hid beneath the snow to survive the winter months. Some of us sat in our common rooms, heating our hands so we wouldn't freeze to death. Although all craved the snug, toasty fire, some didn't want to miss the excitement of snow falling and winter being onboard. They were seen running through the snow, not caring how cold the air was, while some others covered up with woolens to the extent that we couldn't see their faces, to shield from the chill breeze hitting them. Snowmen were built, and angels were made.

Many also enjoyed watching the Quidditch matches for amusement. Though the players were facing bitterly cold weather, they still fought hard to win the games.

Despite everything, students kept visiting the library with friends and revising for their exams. Remember, your teachers and the staff around the school are more than happy to help. Students completed assignments and participated in Professor Plumb's monthly house point competition to earn rewards.

For the whole year, all of us have studied hard to ensure good marks in our chosen subjects, but sometimes we need a bit of a break. Those who missed their families were finally ready to spend the Christmas holidays back home. Some stayed back at Hogwarts, but they could still enjoy their time. They waited for the famous Hogwarts Christmas feast to pull open Wizard Crackers and see what’s inside. Staff and students sent presents to their families, hoping to get something interesting back on Christmas Day.

Everyone was secretly looking for someone special to spend Christmas Eve with—someone who would make them want to gear up for the festive occasion.

Various students, staff, and Professors helped put up the decorations in the Great Hall so that Christmas could be the best day for everyone at Hogwarts! Professor Aspen had worked hard to set up the Christmas tree, and when he did, many students walked past it to admire it. Professor Draekon had put in a lot of time and effort into making potions that lit up the Great Hall, bringing merriness in. Professor Mitchell, with her outstanding Transfiguration skills, turned different objects into sleighs, baubles, Santa hats, and presents. Her creativity was remarkable!

The Christmas feast at Hogwarts was incredible, with students blabbering day and night about all the mouth-watering dishes. The house elves served delicious food, such as roast turkeys, mountains of boiled potatoes, and platters of chipolatas, and Wizard Crackers were strewn all over the table.

- Kyra, Journalist, Marketer (temporarily volunteering marketer for this month), Hogwarts Monthly Magazine.