One thing we can all agree on is that 2020 has been tough. Between COVID, wildfires, killer wasps, and everything that we’ve been looking forward to being postponed, we need a little holiday cheer and to end the year on a good note. This is why the teachers and staff at Barlow want to share their favorite holiday traditions and their hopes for the new year. What better way to end the year than talking about the things we love most about the season of giving.

Mrs. LindaLee Frazier

Career Coordinator

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I love the decorations, the movies, the family, and friends. But this year I really am missing the social part of the holidays. One benefit is I am all done with my gifts, thanks to online shopping and keeping it simple.

Favorite holiday song?

“Silent Night” always brings me almost to tears, it is so special.

Favorite holiday movie?

I HAVE to watch “Muppet Christmas Carol” EVERY year. Best version ever.

Favorite holiday tradition?

About 12 years ago I got an idea to take all the family photos of that year and turn them into a video family album. It’s a big job! More than 1,000 photos, video clips, and music turn my Christmas morning (after the gifts are open) into snuggling with my family and watching their faces as they see our memories of the year on the video, laughing at the funny parts, cooing over the cute shots…To me, Christmas is all about the family. I’ve also become an expert at iMovie!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

I am so looking forward to being back to our new normal- at school and with friends and family.

Mr. Shaun Lutz

Special Services Staff

Favorite part of the holiday season? 

I love being able to see and hear from family, (in normal years) attend holiday parties with my best friends, and of course- the NBA on Christmas Day.

Favorite holiday song?

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by N*SYNC

Favorite holiday movie?

“The Santa Clause”/”It’s A Wonderful Life”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Baking cookies with my mom and delivering them to family and friends

What are you looking forward to in 2021?

I’m looking forward to *hopefully* seeing our athletics participate in their seasons, and most of all, becoming a student-teacher at Barlow and finishing my graduate studies program!

Mrs. Kena Nelms

Receptionist and Volunteer Coordinator

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Giving gifts! I love to see my kids and grandkids open presents.

Favorite holiday song?

“Little Drummer Boy”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Home Alone”… my kids and grandkids watch it on Christmas Eve after we open presents.

Favorite holiday tradition?

We do our family get together on Christmas Eve with our holiday meal and gift exchange. Whoever, usually kids, that passes out the gifts wear Santa and Elf hats. On Christmas Day, we stay in our pajamas all day, have cinnamon rolls, ham and eggs for brunch, and watch movies all day.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Getting to make up for all the hugs that we have missed this year!

Mr. Eric Strandberg

AVID and Social Studies Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

EVERYTHING! (except the (normally) crowded stores)  I love the reason for Christmas, the music, food, movies, presents, decorations, and time with family and friends!

Favorite holiday song?

“Silent Night”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Christmas Carol(s)” – both the live version with George C. Scott and the animated version with Jim Carrey.

Favorite holiday tradition?

We have a fantastic dinner on Christmas Eve (prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, etc.), then, on Christmas day, beginning with cinnamon rolls in the morning, we just eat snack/finger foods the entire day!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Being back in regular routines – teaching, coaching, church, NO MASKS, etc.

Mr. Dan Dalzell

Athletic Director

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I LOVE listening to Christmas music!  I buy about  3-4 new Christmas CDs (or just download them now) and probably own about 100.

Favorite holiday song?

It’s too hard to pick just one, but I always sing “Joy to the World” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” at church or in choir.

Favorite holiday movie?

“Christmas Vacation”

Favorite holiday tradition?

We always go out the day or two after Thanksgiving and cut down a tree at a tree farm.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

A COVID-19 vaccine shot!

Mr. Neil Collins

Health and PE Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Spending family time during Winter Break with our traditions and trips to the mountain to play in the snow.

Favorite holiday song?

Tough to narrow this one down… Pentatonix Christmas tunes are good (“Little Drummer Boy”, “Hallelujah”, etc.)

Favorite holiday movie?

“Christmas Vacation”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Trip to Leavenworth, WA

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Putting the year 2020 in the rearview mirror!

Chef Sam Mann

Culinary Arts Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

My favorite part of the holiday season is baking! I love making homemade pastries to give away as gifts.

Favorite holiday song?

I don’t love holiday music, but I like the “Charlie Brown Christmas” soundtrack by The Vince Guaraldi Trio.

Favorite holiday movie?

“How The Grinch Stole Christmas”

Favorite holiday tradition?

My grandma was one of the most important people in my life. She passed away a few years ago, but she made these wonderful molasses cookies for the holidays each year, so now I make them carry on the tradition in her honor.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

In 2021 I’m looking forward to starting toward my goal of visiting every national park.

Mrs. Patty Neuenschwander

College and Career Coordinator

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Slowing down! I love the chance to just relax, pick up a new craft, try a new recipe, watch a movie.

Favorite holiday song?

Anything holiday-related by Pentatonix

Favorite holiday movie?

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Baking and giving pies. Of course, this is an all year long favorite for me.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

Hopefully traveling to Alaska to see my daughter in Anchorage.  Also cooking fun new meals with my son here in Portland. He loves to cook and I benefit from that skill.

Mrs. Jana Inglesby

Spanish and Math Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Remembering the reason for the season and who we truly celebrate on Dec 25th.

Favorite holiday song?

“O Holy Night”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Elf”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Exchanging 12 small presents with my cousin in Seattle. We call it “The 12 Days of Cuz-ristmas”

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Attending a sporting event in person

Mr. Eric Pohl

English and AVID Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Cooking and treating friends and family to holiday goodies

Favorite holiday song?

“Let it snow” (reminds me of the town where my grandparents had a farm: Snowville, New Hampshire–where the motto is 11 months of winter and 1 month of lousy sledding

Favorite holiday movie?

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” after having a party on Christmas Eve, or going to see “The Nutcracker”

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Going to concerts, eating in restaurants, BBQs with friends

Mr. Dave Head

Coach and PD Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

The food, family, and fun.  I love seeing the surprise and joy on my son’s faces from all the festive activities. Plus the two-week break is not bad either!

Favorite holiday song?

“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby

Favorite holiday movie?

“Elf”!

Favorite holiday tradition?

Besides wrestling practice and the Snowball, I would have to say trying to make our family’s large Christmas tree (normal between 16-24 feet tall) stand up and be level!  The Yule log!!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

Getting back to normal! Being able to spend time with family and friends. Watching the Beavs beat the ducks again!!!

Mr. Chris Holzbach

Yearbook Advisor

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I look forward to family gatherings, church gatherings, and singing songs about the birth of Christ the King! And I enjoy the snow! Ask anybody, they all know that snow is my drug of choice! Skiing, Four Wheeling, drinking Coco and it’s also the time of our Anniversary. Everything comes together perfectly, just add snow!

Favorite holiday song?

“Stille Nacht” by Mannheim Steamroller or “Some Children See Him” by James Taylor

Favorite holiday movie?

It’s gotta be “A Christmas Story” or National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Hanging Christmas Lights, putting wreaths on Big Red, and cruising Peacock Lane with the top down!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Travel, we’re still trying to return to Italy, then visit Egypt, Syria, and Israel. Right now those plans are on major hold.

Ms. Chandler Ichikawa

Math Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Baking all the things! Cookies, bread, pastries, treats!

Favorite holiday song?

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms

Favorite holiday movie?

“Home Alone”

Favorite holiday tradition?

We cut down a tree every year and spend the day decorating it, making and eating treats, and listening to holiday music.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

I am looking forward to building out the back of my truck this summer to camp during summer break!

Ms. Rachael Joyce

Science Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

My favorite part of the holidays is taking my nieces and nephews to go see all of the holiday lights. They are young enough that they still get very excited about every color and decoration. “Ugly Sweaters” are fun too. I have a light up kitty one.

Favorite holiday song?

There are too many! I love Christmas music. If I had to pick one though, I would pick “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Favorite holiday movie?

“The Grinch” I guess. I will watch whatever is on.

Favorite holiday tradition?

Having our dinner. It is great to get everyone under one roof again, if only for a few hours. I remember the meals my grandmother would make when I was small. I hope to recreate those types of meals later on in my life. (I need more space!!)

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

I am just hoping it will be a calmer year. This was too much this year.

Ms. Adina Kiriac

Journalism and English Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I love driving around the neighborhood and seeing all of the lights or the Christmas trees in people’s windows. It makes me feel a little more connected with the world since most of us are celebrating this season together but apart.

Favorite holiday song?

“Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy

Favorite holiday movie?

“The Santa Clause” movies

Favorite holiday tradition?

My family and I always go to Peacock Lane on Christmas Eve and then come back home, bake cookies and drink hot cocoa and listen to Christmas music.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

Aside from all of the Marvel movies and shows that were just announced, I am looking forward to a fresh start and new experiences.

Mr. Casey Peters

Math Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season? 

Chex Mix and PJs all-day

Favorite holiday song?   

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”

Favorite holiday movie? 

“Love, Actually”

Favorite holiday tradition?   

Making pierogies with my family

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

The end of Covid, hugging friends, letting people hold our baby

Mr. Rod Heiser

Social Studies Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season? 

When our family and our extended family come from far and wide and we get to catch up and celebrate Christmas together.

Favorite holiday song? 

“O Holy Night”

Favorite holiday movie?

“White Christmas”

Favorite holiday tradition?

On Christmas Eve, my wife and I always watch a stand-up comedy special while we fill our kids’ stockings (they are all in their 20s now!).

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Getting back to Wrestling!  This is the time of year when we are usually busy with practices and competitions and I really look forward to getting back on the mats.

Mrs. Brandie Seibel

Student Management Secretary

Favorite part of the holiday season?

The overall feeling of the season. The twinkling lights, the beautiful decorations, and the jolliness you feel from others.

Favorite holiday song?

“All I Want for Christmas is You!” by Mariah Carey

Favorite holiday movie?

“A Christmas Story”

Favorite holiday tradition?

As a child we always got to open one gift on Christmas Eve, that gift was always pajamas. As an adult, my husband and I have continued that tradition with our own kids!!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

Being able to travel, being able to be with family and friends, and hopefully see some positive changes in America.

Ms. Anita Lamoureux

CTE Business and DECA Advisor

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Usually getting to see all my mom, sister, and oldest son that live on the East Coast. That will be altered this year to keep everyone SAFE!

Favorite holiday song?

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” or “Oh Holy Night”

Favorite holiday movie?

“ELF”!!

Favorite holiday tradition?

Our Pickle Ornament! A game where children have to find the hidden ornament for a special surprise gift! Santa Cookies are always fun too!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

I’ll be converting my SUV into a mini-camper to drive to the East Coast to see my family. Sassenach (pictured here with me) will be my faithful companion for the entirety of the trip as we visit and hike across the States!

Mr. Michael Nelson

English Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

There is a feeling unlike any other that I feel on a holiday, and Christmas is the biggest.  C.S. Lewis wrote this somewhere: “The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”  I think that gets close to it.

Favorite holiday song?

I love the Vince Gauraldi Trio’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” album.  “O Tannenbaum” is great.

Favorite holiday movie?

Hmm. Probably “A Christmas Story”, or “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” cartoon.

Favorite holiday tradition?

Seeing our families–my wife’s and mine–many times in the same week.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021? 

I’m looking forward to saying, “Remember when we couldn’t do anything?  That was weird.”  And having the memory of this year fade like any other.

Mrs. Amber Schroeder

Choir Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

After our house is decorated, I love the way it feels. I can go get cozy on the couch with some hot cocoa and just enjoy everything going on in the home.

Favorite holiday song?

That is a really difficult question to ask a choir teacher. I really like songs that have a minor key to them, like “Carol of the Bells”. Those are usually fun and mysterious sounding.

Favorite holiday movie?

Each year our family likes to watch a series of movies as a holiday tradition. This year we are going to watch all of the “Jurassic Park” movies while we wrap presents.

Favorite holiday tradition?

We haven’t done it for a while, but we used to decorate our house for Christmas…for Halloween. Trick-or-treaters would come to the door and be confused, saying “Trick-or…Merry…??” But as soon as we offered them hot cocoa, candy canes, and sang carols to them, they would join in the spirit. An added bonus, my house only had to be decorated once and was ready for the whole season. There is always great food and lots of singing in our family during the holidays!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

We are doing a lot of research on colleges for my son. I’m looking forward to going on road trips to visit campuses.

Mrs. Molly Ninneman

School Counselor

Favorite part of the holiday season?

So many things! I love driving/walking around looking at Christmas lights, seeing all of my family members, and watching my kids experience the magic of the Christmas season!

Favorite holiday song?

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Elf”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Going to get our Christmas tree, driving around looking at the lights, or baking cookies with my kids. I can’t choose just one!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Not being in 2020 anymore?! I think just things returning to “normal” at some point and getting to do social things again. I miss seeing people!

Ms. Alejandra Garcia

Math, Biology, and AVID Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Sitting in the living room with my entire family as we hang out and drink champurrado.

Favorite holiday song?

“Last Christmas”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Elf”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Tamales, buñuelos, and champurrado + driving through the neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights (while low-key judging them)

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

New opportunities for growth–there’s always something good even on the worst day.

Mr. Brent Cunningham

Special Services

Favorite part of the holiday season?

We love to decorate the Christmas tree as a family and talk about the ornaments as we hang them.  We have a tradition of getting a Christmas Tree ornament for all the places that we like to travel, so we “revisit” that trip as we hang ornaments.

Favorite holiday song?

Favorite holiday movie?

Favorite holiday tradition?

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

I am looking forward to it not being 2020! It has to get better right? Also hoping that we can get the Barlow Staff activities back up and running!

Mrs. Lauren Duncan

Math Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

All of the beautiful lights!

Favorite holiday song?

“Santa Baby” sung by Eartha Kitt because Eartha Kitt is AWESOME.

Favorite holiday movie?

“Christmas Vacation!”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Giving gifts… I love seeing how happy people get when they get presents!

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

My family is going to Disneyland this summer (if it’s open!), so I’m pretty excited about that!

Mrs. Sherry Gustafson

PD and Health Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Spending time with my grandchildren/family

Favorite holiday song?

“The Christmas Song”

Favorite holiday movie?

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Picking out the Christmas tree

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Going to a Dodger game or any other sporting event.

Mrs. Amara Wood

Mobile Computer Lab Coordinator

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Being with my family

Favorite holiday song?

“Silent Night” and “Mary”

Favorite holiday movie?

Any Hallmark Christmas movie

Favorite holiday tradition?

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Going back to Barlow, seeing friends, students.  Plus all the dances, games (sports), and not wearing masks.

Mrs. April Anderson

Activities Director and Head Dance Team Coach

Favorite part of the holiday season?

The events that happen and the time you get to spend with family

Favorite holiday song?

“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

Favorite holiday movie?

“White Christmas”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Door decoration contest at school.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Having the ability to change the way I do things based on the lessons learned from 2020.

Mrs. Amanda Gibson

Art Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

SNOW!

Favorite holiday song?

“The Christmas Can-Can” – Straight No Chaser

Favorite holiday movie?

“The Santa Clause”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Home-made croissants Christmas morning (the making and eating of)

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Getting back in the building and traveling hopefully!

Mrs. Ashley Harper

SpEd EA

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Seeing all of the beautiful Christmas lights when driving around.

Favorite holiday song?

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

Favorite holiday movie?

“A Christmas Story”

Favorite holiday tradition?

My mom makes these breakfast Christmas wreaths, which is sort of like a Danish pastry. We also will make a Norwegian food called Lefsa. My entire family loves Lefsa and we put butter and cinnamon sugar on it. Although I don’t like cinnamon so I just do butter and sugar.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

A trip to go see my dad and stepmom with my kids. My dad goes to AZ during the wintertime here and usually doesn’t return until June. But I believe this year he will be gone most of 2021 traveling after the winter seasons are over.

Mr. Paul Nickolas

Band Director

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Hanging out with the family

Favorite holiday song?

“Mele Kalikimaka”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Die Hard”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Making cookies and homemade pasta for dinner.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Being done with COVID!

Mrs. Erin Boelow

School Counselor

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I love decorating my house for the holidays.  It puts a smile on my face and reminds me to find joy in the little things

Favorite holiday song?

“O’ Holy Night”

Favorite holiday movie?

We love to watch “Elf” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Favorite holiday tradition?

Making breakfast pizza, decorating our outside Christmas tree, and enjoying time with my family.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

The possibility of going on vacation!

Mrs. Stephanie Edens

Office Manager

Favorite part of the holiday season?

My favorite part of the holiday season is the overall feeling of hope and happiness. Oh, and the cookies.

Favorite holiday song?

“Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt

Favorite holiday movie?

“White Christmas”. I play it on repeat as I put up my decorations.

Favorite holiday tradition?

Family Christmas breakfast with favorite family recipes.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

I am looking forward to making new memories with family and friends.

Mrs. Kim Koppenhafer

Administrative Assistant

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I love Christmas lights and all of the decorations.

Favorite holiday song?

“The Little Drummer Boy” by King and Country. I love their rendition of it.

Favorite holiday movie?

“Christmas Story”. When my son was in elementary school he was mortified because all the kids called him Ralphie.  He looked just like him, glasses and all.

Favorite holiday tradition?

On Christmas Eve we all go to my parents for dinner and to open presents. My niece is 6 years old so it’s so fun to have a little one this time of year. I am so thankful to be able to continue this tradition and that I still have both of my parents to celebrate it with.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Renewed hope for the new year and that COVID is under control and that we are able to return to our “new normal”. I miss seeing my co-workers and students every day.

Ms. Jenna Arnold

Social Studies Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

My favorite part of the holiday season is the baking, the knitting, the family, and throwing my animals into the first snowbank of the season!

Favorite holiday song?

“O Tannenbaum” by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Favorite holiday movie?

National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Every time I go home for Christmas in Spokane, there’s always snow on the ground, the whole family watches “White Christmas” (because Bing Crosby is from Spokane), and we always eat at The Milk Bottle at least once during our visit. Huckleberry and marshmallow milkshakes in December are better than they sound, I assure you.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

I’m looking forward to getting vaccinated so that I can travel again. I have tickets to Japan with my name on them, just waiting to be used when it’s safe to travel again!

Mr. Neal Bridgnell

Science Teacher

Favorite part of the holiday season?

Snow in the mountains and skiing Meadows.

Favorite holiday song?

“Run Run Rudolph”

Favorite holiday movie?

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Opening English crackers.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Looking forward to high school sports!

Mr. Andrew Pate

Social Studies Teacher

Mrs. Lori Engdall

TMC

This is kind of a new tradition for me, but for the last 13 years or so I always do some sort of holiday run. This year on I am doing a 1/2 marathon run/walk called the Resolution Run with Mrs. Lamoureux, Ms. Mann, and Mrs. Caine!

Mrs. Rachel Wilczewski

English Teacher and Speech and Debate Coach

Favorite holiday movie?

“Four Christmases”

Favorite holiday tradition?

Every year the whole family gets matching pajamas as an early Santa delivery; we open them up on Christmas Eve and everyone gets in their new PJs and watches “The Grinch” together in the glow of the Christmas tree.

Mrs. Kim Simmons

Bookkeeper

Favorite part of the holiday season?

I love getting up early in the mornings and turning on the tree, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee w/only the tree lights on!

Favorite holiday song?

Bruce Springsteen’s version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

Favorite holiday movie?

“It’s A Wonderful Life” (black and white version), but I also love Jim Carrey as the Grinch!

Favorite holiday tradition?

Hanging with family and friends, from playing games, holiday performances, an annual holiday “sister” day with my sister Debbie.

What is something that you are looking forward to in 2021?

Our oldest son wedding, (postponed from 2020), but really just getting back to being with people, I work in this beautifully updated school, I am so looking forward to the kids coming back!