[starbox]
1. What makes you experience joy?
Jaclyn:
For me joy is intrinsically human, something that stems from love and appreciation of another person’s existence- just being able to sit across from someone and embrace the energy of their voice and beauty of an honest smile. (PULL QUOTE)
Sai:
Seeing everyone so happy during the holiday season makes me feel joy. All the love being shared and smiles also makes me feel so happy! (PULL QUOTE)
Jamaal:
If I were to single out one thing that allows me to experience joy, it would singing.
Matt:
Ugly Christmas sweaters, having no class for two weeks and spending time with friends and family make me happy.
Anya:
Friends and family, free food, Captain America, Disney, naps, Harry Potter, movie soundtracks, my two roomies, giant teddy bears and puns all bring me so much joy.
Christina:
Channing Tatum, the Grinch, David Beckham and showers make me happy.
Josh:
Being able to spend time with important people makes me experience joy.
Devon:
Being able to go back to Ottawa and watch Senators’ games gives me joy.
Brittany:
Certainly my loved ones are at the forefront of all my joy. I would not be able to feel this wonderful experience without the help of my family and friends – furry friends included.
Ben:
To be honest, the joy of others gives me the most joy. I am much more happy when everyone around me is as well.
Taylor:
A thought provoking book and a glass of wine; or a bitter beer and some deep conversation; or tea and a challenging documentary all give me joy.
Dillon:
Reading, listening to punk rock and metal, and watching sports make me happy. I also love laughing and making others laugh, inspiring and encouraging others, and creating.
2. What do you look forward to most at the holidays?
Jamaal:
One thing that I look forward to during the Holidays is Christmas Day. The reason why is because it’s the only time that I get to hang out with my relatives and play a bunch of games, which tends to be very, very competitive.
Anya:
I love food of course and just being with family and friends. I love the feeling of Christmas with all the lights and especially driving with the song “Driving Home For Christmas” in the background. I love Christmas movies, TV specials, hot chocolate, mittens and sitting by the fireplace with a nice cup of hot chocolate. Christmas music on the radio is also one of my favourite things about this time of the year.
Brittany:
I love that moment when I wake up Christmas morning (typically around 3 a.m. and every hour after until my family will let me wake them up), and I open my brother’s door as say “Santa was here!!!” We then walk into the living room to see the beautiful Christmas tree glowing in the dim morning with presents scattered across the bottom, stockings filled, the beer emptied, the cookies nibbled on, and I feel like a child in a magical fairy tale all over again.
Dillon:
I’m a huge holiday goof. Eggnog and every Christmas CD ever, like Celine Dion’s and Bad Religion’s, but not Leona Lewis’. Seriously it sucks. Also Home Alone references, our family Christmas eve fondu, playing Taboo and Christmas Eve Risk. But mostly, treating the holidays like they are a two week vacation from work for everybody – even if you have to work at 7 a.m. the next day, you’ve still got to stay up late, struggle through the day, and do it all over again. Repeat until Jan. 3.
What is a guilty pleasure that makes you way-too happy?
Sai:
Michael Buble Christmas music.
Matt:
Eggnog, but adding a little rum makes you forget about that guilt real quick 😉 (PULL QUOTE)
Christina:
David’s Tea, presents that are in the form of cash, alcohol, oh, and some “me” time of course.
Josh:
Buying cheap presents that people think are expensive. (PULL QUOTE)
Devon:
Watching titanic and eating massive amounts of unhealthy food.
Ben:
Making Pillsbury Cookies for weeks on end and getting fatter and fatter.
Taylor:
Candy cane ice cream and dark coffee. Also lazy days listening to old timey Dragnet radio shows with my partner… But don’t tell him I told you that… Who listens to Dragnet? #BORING
Anya:
Pick-up lines, British accents, The Polar Express, Neville Longbottom and Ugly Christmas sweaters.
Brittany:
Crushing over Forest Gump while watching Forest Gump over and over again.
