The Pioneer, Vol. 51, Issue 3

Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
PIONEER
THE
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s student news publication, Est. 1974

2 / CONTENTS
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
THE
PIONEER
Web: piercepioneernews.com
Email: pioneer@pierce.ctc.edu
Facebook: /piercepioneernews
Twitter: @piercepioneer
Phone:253-964-6604
Room: CAS 323
CONTENTS
DEBATING
THANKSGIVING
STUDENT
CALENDAR
4-5
6-7
CRANES FOR KIDS
NEEDS HELP
9
WHO IS SAINT
NICK, KRAMPUS?
10,12
DIY GIFTS FOR
THE HOLIDAYS
TOP 10 UNIQUE
GIFTS
TOP 5 VIDEO
GAMES IN 2018
CARTOONS
18
20-21
22-23
26
WORLDWIDE
TRADITIONS
Celebrate the holidays and history
of Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s
and Kwanzaa
PAGES 14-17
ABOUT THE COVER: A simple, yet aesthetic watercolor depiction of
the fall season, in addition to the Thanksgiving holidays becoming near.
Hannah Nguyen/Contributing Illustration

piercepioneernews.com CONTENTS / 3
STAFF
Editorial Manager
Marji Harris
maharris@pierce.ctc.edu
WRITERS
Ashley Johnson
Ava Zolfaghari
Craig Hiblar
PHOTOS/
VIDEOS
Andrew Paulson
Ava Zolfaghari
Production Manager
Megan Quint
mquint@pierce.ctc.edu
Social Media Manager
Amber Smith
ansmith@pierce.ctc.edu
Hannah Nguyen
Justin Ngo
Marji Harris
Sabrina Orozco
SuYoung Park
Debbie Denbrook
Justin Ngo
Lorelei Watson
Marji Harris
Sabrina Orozco
Web Manager
Debbie Denbrook
ddenbrook@pierce.ctc.edu
LAYOUT
Amber Smith
Andrew Paulson
Ava Zolfaghari
Beatrix Cendana
Debbie Denbrook
Hannah Nguyen
Jon Paul Oledan
Justin Ngo
Lorelei Watson
Megan Quint
Sabrina Orozco
THE PIONEER MISSION STATEMENT
The Pioneer is an official publication of the Associated
Students of Pierce College and is sanctioned as such by the
college’s Board of Trustees and funded primarily by student
fees. It is a public forum for student expression since 1974.
The Pioneer’s mission is:
(1) to inform the student body of issues and events of
interest, relevance and importance;
(2) to provide students with a forum for discussion, opinion
and expression; and
(3) to provide the student body with editorial leadership.
In carrying out this mission, The Pioneer will use as its
ethical guide the Statement of Principles adopted by the
American Society of Newspaper Editors. Although it
will strive to represent the diverse views and interests
of the student body, The Pioneer is not responsible for
representing, endorsing or promoting any person, group,
organization or activity.
CORRECTION
In the Oct. 25 issue, an article on page 13 about Pierce
College’s Science Dome should have been attributed to Kate
E. Burrows.

4 / OPINION
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
Thanksgiving is an American holiday
Not everyone sees the holiday as something to celebrate
By MARJI HARRIS
Staff Writer
IT IS SAID THAT THE VICTORS
ARE THE ONES who write history. In
most schools across the country, this is
a fact. A tradition is passed down, that
of benevolent “Indians” helping the
Englishmen survive the winter. Thus, a
harmonious celebration was born.
However, Native Americans history
is very different than the whitewashed
version taught in school.
They have watched as their land was
taken from them, either by force or by
treaties, which were then broken. In
return, they were given pockets known as
reservations, sometimes land considered
worthless by the European settlers.
If they did not willingly relocate, they
were sent on a forced march thousands
of miles from their home to designated
“Indian territory” imposed by a federal
government. The Trail of Tears was just
another example of a white man breaking
his word.
Native Americans have been fighting
for more than 200 years for the right to
maintain their customs and be their own
people. Given than reality, it would be hard
to fault them if they thought that the head
of Wampanoag nation should have left the
Plymouth colonists alone to starve.
Last year’s events at Standing Rock only
served to highlight the battle they face for
survival of their customs and their land.
Granted, there are tribes that have
accepted, even embraced the Thanksgiving
holiday. There are two tribes within 50
miles Pierce College that operate casinos.
They will be among others around the
country that will serve the traditional
turkey and ham dinners on Thanksgiving
Day.
They recognize the reality in which
they live, that history cannot be rewritten.
Some, like the Navajo, have managed
to find a way to coexist with their
neighboring white man. They are part of
the local Thanksgiving Day parade and
will set up tables to sell their wares to
passersbys.
They still hold out hands to welcome
those who would come to visit. The Native
American has always held hospitality to be
a commendable and necessary trait. Even
as their homeland and culture shrinks,
they continue to hold that man, if he truly
recognized what it means to be part of a
community, he would come to the table in
fellowship.
SuYoung Park/Contributing Illustration

piercepioneernews.com OPINION / 5
Thanksgiving to
Friendsgiving
Holiday shifts to friend-inclusiveness when family is not enough
By ASHLEY JOHNSON
Contributing Writer
THANKSGIVING IS A VERY
COMMON TRADITION within the
United States. It is one of the few federallyrecognized
holidays that is neither
religion-based nor commemorates
a historic event, such as the
Fourth of July.
It generally celebrates
giving thanks and
enjoying time spent
with our relatives.
Historically, schools
have taught us that
the first Thanksgiving
was in celebration of the
first successful harvest
for the pilgrims and
was a way to share
their appreciation
to the “Indians” for
teaching them how to
farm the land.
Thus, we
celebrate
each
Thanksgiving
to honor those
Native Americans who
helped us survive.
While historians have proven that this
story, while nice, is completely false, that
does not mean that Thanksgiving is a
holiday that should be ignored.
President Abraham Lincoln came
up with the “pilgrims and Indians”
Thanksgiving story to try and alleviate
some of the familial tensions during the
Civil War. His intention was to create a
holiday as a means of bringing families
together, and that is something the U.S.
needs now more than ever.
The past year of political tensions have
only
risen higher and
higher between the two parties… and for
many families, as well. Thanksgiving is a
day meant to celebrate what we have in
our lives, but perhaps it can also be a way
to set aside differences and enjoy being
together.
For some, however, such a thing is not
an option, whether it is for financial or
personal reasons.
Within the Pierce College community,
and within many parts of the United
States, Thanksgiving has taken a new path
of “Friendsgiving.” Generally celebrated
the weekend before traditional
Thanksgiving Day, it
is meant for friends
to celebrate their
own way, without
the pressures and
judgments
that can
sometimes arise
when spending
time with relatives
who have certain
expectations or
beliefs.
It is a
growing
trend,
especially
among
millennials, that
has started to get
attention,
with places such as
grocery stores starting
to cater toward it by advertising
their deals on social media.
While some may balk at the idea
of taking away the family aspect that
has become so ingrained with the
Thanksgiving tradition, it shows that the
concept itself is being taken somewhere
that could be more effective.
Hannah Nguyen/
Contributing Illustration

CALENDAR / 6
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
NOVEMBER
21
Clubs Council
CAS 526
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Men’s Basketball Home Game
Clackamas CC
28
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Student Life Office
Students Only/ Limit 2/ Cost $5
until supplies last
24 29
Men’s Basketball Home Game
Clark College
8 p.m.
.
Women’s Basketball Home Game
Mt. Hood CC
5 p.m.
25
Women’s Basketball Away Game
Olympic College
2 p.m.
26
Women’s Basketball Away Game
Southwestern Oregon
8 p.m.
.
Women’s Basketball Home Game
Portland CC
6 p.m.
30
Game Day
Performance/ Fireside Lounge
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
.
Student Government Meeting
Student Life Lobby
DECEMBER
10 a.m.
ELA Workshop
CAS 528
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
1 5
Lattes ‘n’ Lyrics
Fireside Lounge
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Men’s Basketball Home Game
Shoreline CC
6 p.m.
12:20 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
.
Clubs Council
CAS 526
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
IMPORTANT DATES
Nov. 22 - 24 Nov. 27
Thanksgiving Break
No Classes
RPD Day
No Classes
All Day
All Day

piercepioneernews.com CALENDAR / 7
6
Share - A - Bear
Student Life Lobby
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
7
Raider Review
Performance/ Fireside Lounge
4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
.
Student Government Meeting
Student Life Lobby
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
8
Last Day of Instruction
Women’s Basketball Home Game
Bellevue College
8 p.m.
Men’s Basketball Home Game
Chemeketa CC
5 p.m
13
Last Day to Apply for
June Graduation
Men’s Basketball Away Game
Everett CC
.
14
15
Men’s Basketball Home Game
Yakima Valley CC
4 p.m.
.
Women’s Basketball Away Game
Everett CC
7 p.m.
16
Men’s Basketball Home Game
Clackamas CC
2 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Away Game
Clark College
5 p.m.
17
Women’s Basketball Away Game
Yakima Valley CC
1 p.m.
25
Deliver Cranes 4 Kids to
Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital
30
Men’s Basketball Away Game
Bremerton
4 p.m.
31
Women’s Basketball Away Game
Shoreline CC
IMPORTANT DATES
6 p.m.
Winter Break
No Classes
All Day
12 p.m.
Dec. 25 - Jan 2 Jan. 3
First Day of Winter Quarter

CAMPUS / 8
Nov. 20 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
Representation matters
Illustration of
Native American
student Sierra
Seward.
SuYoung Park/ Contributing Illustration
The importance of
Native American
Appreciation Day
By JUSTIN NGO
Staff Writer
NATHANIEL DEVISH, ISSUES
AND AWARENESS COORDINATOR
FOR STUDENT LIFE, HOSTED a
presentation Nov. 14 in honor of Native
American Heritage Day. The event
included an exhibition of Native American
culture, representing different tribes in
Washington.
Legislation introduced by former U.S.
Rep. Joe Baca, a Democrat from California,
and signed into law by former President
George W. Bush in 2008, designates the
Friday following Thanksgiving as Native
American Heritage Day. The bill was
supported by the National Indian Gaming
Association (NIGA) and 184 federally
recognized tribes. The first holiday was
held Nov. 28, 2008, and commences
annually after being passed by the Senate
and House of Representatives.
Though a civic holiday, some individual
states such as Maryland recognize Native
American Heritage Day as a state holiday.
The importance of the holiday serves to
highlight the relationship between the U.S.
government and Native Americans as well
as Native American contributions in the
states.
The day is meant to encourage
Americans of all backgrounds to enhance
their understanding about Native
Americans and their culture through
participating in ceremonies and activities.
Schools are also more inclusive with
their learning experience by adding to
their curriculum of Native American
history and achievements. There’s also
individual states that celebrate November
as Native American Month.
Sierra Seward is a Native American
student works with the rehab center on the
Nisqually reservation and a Pierce student
studying criminal justice. When it comes
to Native American culture and identity,
she is proud of her heritage.
“It’s something that’s always been a part
of me, and I’m very proud of my heritage
and the ability to pass that down to my
daughter,” Seward said.
While she does not personally celebrate
Native American Heritage Day, she is
encouraged that Student Life is focusing
on it.
“Though I’m not personally involved
with the Student Life event, I appreciate
their efforts in trying to be inclusive and
celebrating different cultures,” she said.
Native American Heritage Day is
officially recognized this year on Nov. 24.

piercepioneernews.com CAMPUS / 9
‘Caring for Kids’ needs
student help to reach goal
1,000 paper cranes
to be delivered to
Mary Bridge’s
oncology unit
By JUSTIN NGO
Staff Writer
STUDENT LIFE IS HOSTING
WORKSHOPS TO MAKE 1,000 PAPER
CRANES as gifts for the oncology center
at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and it
needs student help.
According to Student Life promotional
coordinator Dalisha Ellis, she was inspired
to jumpstart the project after hearing about
Hiroshima bombing victim Sadako’s story
and other similar projects.
“I’ve seen a lot of people doing similar
projects, so I thought it would be nice
to do it for the children in Mary Bridge
Hospital since they’re alone during the
holidays. I just want to remind them that
somebody’s out there. I also think it would
be nice for the school getting together to
achieve something,” said Ellis.
Ellis said she plans to get 100 cranes
Different type of paper
materials provided along
with instructional visual.
Number of cranes made
during a past event.
made during each session. Delivery of the
cranes is planned for Christmas Eve to the
hospital.
“The main goal right now is checking
on the community and how they feel
connected. It’s a nice way to relax in
between classes,” said Ellis.
According to William Syhlman, student
government vice president, as of Nov. 3,
the current crane count is 258.
“It’s our first year with Crane for Kids,
and hopefully Student Life could (make
it) happen again next year, but I’m unsure
about my involvement with the event and
Pierce College,” said Ellis.
There are additional sessions Nov. 30
and Dec. 7 that will take place in the
Student Life lobby. Tables are set up
with picture instructions and different
patterned paper materials to build the
cranes. Kandace Artero and Aiyana
Parham have been working alongside Ellis
and are available to help with guidance
and support.
Photos by Justin Ngo/ Staff Photo
Promotional Coordinator Dalisha
Ellis shows a finished crane.

10 / HOLIDAYS Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
The Origin of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus
By CRAIG T. HIBLAR
Contributing Writer
CHRISTMASTIME IS ALMOST
HERE and the air will be filled with joy
and cheer. Tradition says that all across
America, children find it hard to sleep on
the eve of Dec. 24 as they eagerly wait a
visit from Santa Claus.
Santa folklore says he comes from
the North Pole in his sleigh pulled by
eight reindeer. The children wake up on
Christmas morning to find gifts that Santa
has left for them in their stockings and
under the Christmas tree.
But how did the tradition of Santa Claus
get started in the United States? How did
Santa Claus become a cultural icon at
Christmas time?
The story of Santa Claus begins with St.
Nicholas. A bishop who lived in the 4th
century (A.D. 300) in Myra, what is now
Turkey, he was known as a kind man who
gave money and gifts to the poor.
The most famous story about St.
Nicholas involves a poor man who had
three daughters. According to biography.
com, the man could not marry off any of
his daughters because he had no money
for dowries. One night, Nicholas secretly
dropped three bags of gold down the man’s
chimney. The bags landed in the stockings
that had been hung by the fire to dry. This
extraordinary act of kindness started the
“HOW DID
SANTA CLAUS BECOME
A CULTURAL ICON AT
CHRISTMAS TIME?”
tradition of gift giving at the feast of St.
Nicholas held on Dec. 6 in many European
countries.
St. Nicholas became known by different
names in Europe, but all referred to a
kindly old man who delivered gifts at
Christmas time. In England and France,
he became known as Father Christmas.
In the Netherlands, he was known as
“Sinterklaas” or Kris Kringle.
Sinterklass was later changed to Santa
Claus when the celebration of St. Nicholas
reached America, according to news.
nationalgeographic.com. The celebration
of the feast of St. Nicholas was brought
to America by early Dutch and German
colonists in the 17th century, attribution.
With the publication of Washington
Irving’s work in 1809 “Knickerbocker’s
History of New York,” St. Nicholas soon
became very popular in New York, where
many Dutch and German immigrants
settled.
The image of Santa Claus as a big jolly
fellow in a red suit originated in early
19th-century America. The publication
of the poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas”
(better known today as “The Night Before
Christmas”) in December 1823, created
the Santa Claus icon in America.
The poem, written by Clement C.
Moore, described a jolly, fat man with a
beard. He wore a red suit, came down the
chimney and had a sleigh pulled by eight
reindeer. The cartoonist Thomas Nast
immortalized Santa as a bearded man
in a red suit who lived at the North Pole
when he drew cartoons of Santa Claus for
Harper’s Weekly in 1863. In 1889, the poet
Sabrina Orozco/Contributing Illustration
Katherine Lee Bates published the poem,
“Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride,”
first mentioning Santa’s wife in the United
States.
The 20th century saw an evolution in
department stores in America with the
commercialism of Christmas starting.
Soon, every department store in the
United States was hiring actors to play
Santa Claus and having them pose for
photographs with children, according to
answers.google.com.
Santa Claus’s image was used to sell
products, most notably by Coca-Cola.
Because of the heavy use of Santa on the
bottles, this contributed to a popular myth
that the Coca-Cola Company invented
Santa Claus, according to snopes.com.
Santa started showing up at Christmas
parades, most famously, the Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York
City. At family Christmas parties, Santa is
often impersonated by a male member of
the household.
Santa has had a long journey from a
kindly 4th-century bishop who really
existed, to the, jolly fictional character who
says: “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas.”

12 / HOLIDAYS Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
By JUSTIN NGO
Staff Writer
KRAMPUS RIDES AGAIN!
‘Devil’ of the holidays has a wicked backstory
HALF-GOAT, HALF-DEMON AND
100% HORRIFIC — it is the horned
monster of the night, Krampus.
He’s the antithesis of Saint
Nicholas, and he rides with chain
and bell in hand lashing about
with a bundle of sticks to punish
misbehaved children. The punishments
of wicked children vary from kidnapping
to whipping and cannibalism, but
the history of Krampus wasn’t always
nightmarish.
The historical influences and
manifestations of Krampus predates that
of Saint Nicholas himself, but the history
behind Krampus is alluded to. According
to historians and folklore, Krampus could
be identified as the horned god of the
witches or the son of the Norse god of the
underworld, Hel. The influences of which
are profound characteristics of Krampus
himself, and parallel toward Christianity’s
devil.
The practice of masked devils and Pagan
practices contribute to the establishment
of the Krampus figure. These traditions
of masked devils occurred in early
Germany during the 16th century, long
before the celebration of Christmas.
Krampus’ creation added a counterpart to
Saint Nicholas, highlighting the contrast
between good and evil figures.
By creating counterparts, the different
celebrations of holidays became Krampus
Night, followed by Saint Nicholas Day. On
Dec. 5 — the night before Saint Nicholas
Day — Krampus arrived in town with
the holiday known as Krampusnacht, or
Krampus Night. Krampus Night stirred
fear and intimidation within children,
incentivizing them to behave well.
The celebration of Krampus has been
suppressed for years by the Catholic
Church and fascists in World War II,
according to nationalgeographic.com. This
added to the fading of the Krampus figure
in public prominence.
The fallout added changes within
traditions of how
Krampus Night is
celebrated, along with
Krampus himself. The
pop-culture attitude of
celebrating the holidays and
Christmas has changed
and allowed for nontraditional
ways to
celebrate, including
the emergence of suppressed
holidays.
Within European countries
like Austria, celebrations of
Krampusnacht have been
tamed. Chocolates shaped as
horns and demon figures have
become popular. Celebrations
with drunk men dress as devils and
they proceed in taking over the streets and
“KRAMPUS’
CREATION ADDED
A COUNTERPART TO
SAINT NICHOLAS,
HIGHLIGHTING THE
CONTRAST BETWEEN
GOOD AND EVIL
FIGURES.”
Ava Zolfaghari /
Contributing Illustration
chasing “wicked” people, are all done in
fun.
Today, adding to the entertainment
factor, a horror film produced in
Hollywood called “Krampus” was released
Dec. 4, 2015. Comic book fans know of the
series written by Michael Dougherty about
the horned demon.

14 / HOLIDAYS
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
HANUKKAH
By ASHLEY JOHNSON
Contributing Writer
“Put on your yarmulke… Here
comes Hanukkah…” sings actor
Adam Sandler in the now-infamous
“Saturday Night Live” skit. While
the song may be silly, it highlights
something that can be forgotten
during the Christmas craze — not
everyone celebrates the same
holidays, and as a result, many are
left feeling left out from the things
that are commonly seen in pop
culture.
In layman’s terms, Hanukkah is
an eight-day Jewish holiday that
commemorates the fight between
the mighty army of the Greeks and
the small band of Jewish fighters.
As the story goes, the Greeks came
and tried to force the people of
W
O
RLD
W
IDE
HANUKKAH continued on page 16
CHRISTMAS
By MARJI HARRIS
Staff Writer
The Christmas season is full of
traditions. For many people they
evoke memories filled with bright
lights, elves who make toys and Bing
Crosby singing with Danny Kaye.
But Christmas traditions are not
always about Santa, reindeer, or
even about a Jewish baby born in a
Bethlehem barn.
According to christmastraditions.
com, Christmas in Sweden is
celebrated in honor of St. Lucia, the
patron saint of the blind. Several
traditions exist around how a young
girl lost her sight, but all agree that
it was connected to persecution of
the early Christians.
The holiday season starts on
Dec. 13. The oldest daughter in
CHRISTMAS continued on page 16

piercepioneernews.com HOLIDAYS / 15
NEW YEAR’S
By SABRINA OROZCO
Contributing Writer
T
R
A
D
ITI
O
Across the world people welcome
the new year by celebrating with
their friends and loved ones. All
cultures find optimism in the
prospect of the coming year,
and each culture has their own
traditions relating to it.
USA
Many are familiar with America’s
New Year’s traditions, but very few
are familiar with the origins.
Perhaps the most well-known of
American New Year’s traditions in
the annual ball drop in New York
City. Every year in Times Square, a
large, decorated ball descends 77
feet on a flagpole at the stroke of
midnight Eastern Standard Time.
According to timessquarenyc. .org,
NEW YEAR’S continued on page 17
KWANZAA
By SUYOUNG PARK
Contributing Writer
N
S
This year’s Kwanzaa in the United
States begins on Dec. 26, and
continues through Jan. 1.
A celebration of African American
heritage and traditional values,
Kwanzaa was created by Dr.
Maulana Karenga in the U.S. in
1966, according to University of
Pennsylvania’s African Studies
Center website.
During the week, participants
celebrate different principles
by lighting one candle at a time
each day, similar to Hanukkah.
Three candles are red, which
represents struggles. One black
candle represents people. And the
remaining three green represents
the future. These colors represent
KWANZAA continued on page 17
Lorelei Watson / Contributing Illustration

16 / HOLIDAYS Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
HANUKKAH from page 14
Israel to give in and observe their
own culture and beliefs; the small
band of Jewish fighters impossibly
drove the Greek forces away. As
they relit the temple’s menorah, they
discovered that only a drop of olive
oil had been left uncontaminated by
the Greeks. Amazingly, the oil lasted
for eight days, and so the holiday
Hanukkah is meant to celebrate
those eight days of oil. A candle is
lit for every night of Hanukkah, and
celebrated with gifts, songs and
special food, such as latkes (thin
potato pancakes).
Perhaps out of guilt, popular
culture has made Hanukkah out
to be the Jewish equivalent of
Christmas, although that is not
necessarily true. Gabrielle Stubbs
and Elliot Mayer-Yeager, both PC
students, said Hanukkah is not
an especially important holiday
for them, and that it is more of a
nostalgic tradition.
According to a Pew Research
Center article “How many Jews
are there in the United States?”
published on article Oct. 2, 2013,
there are about 4.2 million adults
who identify as Jews by religion.
By getting to know how different
cultures celebrate their traditions,
communities could benefit from
knowing more about other
traditions that are celebrated. By
being aware of those who practice
different traditions, a more tolerant
and understanding society is
encouraged to flourish.
WORLDWIDE TRADITIONS
continued
Lorelei Watson / Contributing Illustration
CHRISTMAS from page 14
the family rises before the rest of
the family, dresses in a long white
gown tied with a red sash. She takes
a crown fashioned with twigs and
set with nine candles, lights the
candles, and carefully places it upon
her head.
As “Lussibruden” (Lucy’s bride),
she wakes the rest of the family,
and then they gather around the
breakfast table and dine with
candles lit around the room. Torches
were used when hunting or fishing
was done and at the end of the day,
a parade would be held with the
people carrying torches to light a
bonfire in the common area.
In warmer and drier climates,
snow does not exist, nor does the
scent of pine fill the air. In Egypt, the
holiday is primarily celebrated by
a small portion of the population.
According to whychristmas.com,
only about 15% are Christians.
Christmas is considered an Advent
and the season starts on Nov. 25.
and finishes Jan. 6. For 43 days,
they do not eat any animal products,
including milk and eggs.
On the eve of Jan. 6, everyone
goes to the Christmas service. They
start about 10 p.m. and end around
midnight, but sometimes can run
as late as 4 a.m. Afterwards they
break the fast by serving foods with
all of the animal products they went
without. Sweet biscuits called kahk
are baked and given as gifts as they
wish each other Eid Milad Majid
(Arabic for merry Christmas).
In Banglidesh, Christmas is
celebrated as a public holiday.
According to whychristmas.com,
Muslims and Christians wish
each other shubho [or shuvo]
bôrodin, which is Bengali for Merry
Christmas.
Nishans (small pink paper
triangles strung on string) are
also hung to decorate buildings. In
rural areas, people gather at the
church after the Christmas service
for dinner, called the “Preeti-bhoj”
or the love feast. Chicken and
vegetables cooked with curry is
served along with “pitha” which are
sweet rice cakes made with rice
flour mixed with milk, coconut and
molasses.
Christmas in Greece has its
own legends and stories as
well. According to history.com,
the primary difference are the
mischief makers. It is believed
the “kallilantzeri” (goblins) appear
during the 12 days of Christmas.
Also, gifts are not exchanged until
Jan. 1, known as St. Basil’s Day.

piercepioneernews.com HOLIDAYS / 17
NEW YEAR’S from page 15
the first ball drop was hoisted in
1907 with the design made of iron,
metal, and 100 25-watt lightbulbs,
The creator, an immigrant
metalworker Jacob Star, also
formed a sign making company
which became responsible for
lowering the ball.
The ball drop has occurred
annually every year since, except for
1942 and 1943, due to World War II.
Other states in America have made
their own versions of the ball drop,
such as Georgia’s “peach drop”
in which, a giant replica peach is
dropped at the stroke of midnight.
LATIN AMERICA/SPAIN
When the Spanish came to
America, they influenced the
pre-established culture greatly,
introducing many New Year’s
traditions that are still practiced
today.
A common practice is to eat 12
grapes only during the countdown
for the new year: one for good luck
each month, according to npr.org.
In Mexico, the more superstitious
practices of eating lentils the whole
day; sweeping toward and dumping
a bucket of water outside to expel
the ‘bad’ from the household; and
wearing special colored underwear
for luck, such as red for love and
yellow for money are common.
UNITED KINGDOM
New Year’s celebrations in the UK
are rich in area’s history according
to projectbritain.com. At the stroke
of midnight when Elizabeth Tower’s
Big Ben chimes in London, people
link hands with their kin and sing
“Auld Lang Syne,” an old Scottish
song that translates to “times gone
by.”
Many years ago, people partook in
a tradition, “the first foot,” in which
the first person to enter a household
would bring coal, bread and money
inside to signify good prospects in
the coming year. They would take
out a pan of ash to signify the end of
the last year.
People may also be gifted a Welsh
“calennig,” an apple that has been
propped up on three sticks and
adorned with cloves and dried fruit.
JAPAN
According to Japan Monthly Web
Magazine, in Japan, it is customary
to visit a Buddhist temple on the
night of Dec. 31. During this time,
a large bell will be rang 107 times,
and once more after the stroke
of midnight, symbolizing the 108
human sins presented in Buddhist
belief. Many people wait in line for a
chance to ring the bell.
There are many foods that
Japanese people also associate with
the New Year, such as mochi (sweet
rice cake), soba (buckwheat noodle),
KWANZAA from page 15
Pan-African, according to Oxford
Living Dictionary’s “Relating to
all people of African birth or
descent.”
A Youtube video published by
BuzzFeed in 2015, “Black People
Learn about Kwanzaa,” explains
what Kwanzaa is and notes that
not all in the black community in
America celebrate it. This weeklong
celebration starts with a
wake-up greeting to one another
of “Habari Gani!” which means
“what’s up?” or “what is the
news?” every morning.
According to
officialkwanzaawebsite.org, the
eight days celebrate the Nguzo
Saba, which is Swahili for “Seven
Principles.”
The first day is to celebrate
unity. In Swahili, this is said
“umoja.” On this day the emphasis
in on family, community, nation,
and race.
The second day celebrates selfdetermination,
“kujichagullia.”
On this day is to bring up the
awareness and the importance of
empowering voices within.
The third day is collective work
and responsibility, or “ujima.”
Rather than neglecting and being
ignorant, but to support one
and osechi-ryori (a meal consisting
of many small parts.)
NIGERIA
According to 123newyear.com,
in Nigeria, New Year’s is truly the
time to forget the past with many
people taking vows to end rivalries
and turn past foes into friends. Also,
regardless of one’s faith, prayers
are offered to the supreme Lord for
the coming year.
The biggest events are annual
masquerade parties held on New
Year’s Eve. The Nigerian people see
these lively parties and extravagant
costumes as a way to bring good
spirit and cheerfulness into the new
year.
another to do better as family.
The fourth day, “ujamaa”,
meaning cooperative economics.
This means to promote the
economic growth within
communities, benefiting all.
Fifth day is “nia,” means
purpose. On this day is to remind
the greatness of the root, African
traditions and let that flourish.
The sixth day celebrates
“kuumba” or creativity. Whenever
the circumstances that are to be
faced, use whatever means to
overcome, being creative in ways
to preserve for next generations
to come. The emphasis is to leave
the community better than what
was.
The seventh day celebrates,
“imani” or faith. On this day is to
remember to keep pursuing to do
greater than yesterday and endure
for manifestations of better
tomorrows.
And the final day everyone
comes together to celebrate
“karamu” which is a dance that
represents African American
heritage in the United States.
Nelson Mandela said, “Education
is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the
world.” Further information on
Kwanzaa, is available at
officialkwanzaawebsite.org.

18 / HOLIDAYS Nov. 20 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
4 DIY HOLIDAY PRESENTS TO
FIT YOUR STUDENT BUDGET
BY HANNAH NGUYEN
Contributing writer
STUDENT BUDGETS can be small,
but these four gifts will make the stingiest
Scrooge smile. An inexpensive, lovely and
meaningful handmade gift is perfect for
any one on your gift list.
A PERSONALIZED MUG
What you need: a mug and some Sharpie
markers.
STEP 1: Wash a ceramic mug, make
sure that it is clean.
STEP 2: Dry it out.
STEP 3: Decorate your mug with
Sharpies (let creativity shine through!).
STEP 4: Bake your mug for 30 minutes
at 350°F (180°C).
(Reminder: Put your mug inside the
oven before heating and make sure the
oven is completely cool when taking your
mug out to prevent cracks).
STEP 5: Re-bake it if the colors and
design did not set completely; make sure
to follow step 4.
STEP 6: Hand-wash your mug gently to
protect the design and colors. Your full-oflove
project is now ready to use!
It is hard to compare the feeling of
enjoying the snow and drinking coffee
or tea from a unique cup. That’s why
a personalized cup for your friends or
family is a more-than-perfect present for
Christmas!
A JAR OF STARS
What you need: A4 paper with patterns
or color (you can use wrapping paper,
letter paper, writing paper, anything),
ruler, scissors, jar, vase (that can keep the
stars in).
STEP 1: Cut the paper into long pieces
approximately ½” wide by 12”-18” long.
STEP 2: (Optional) Write some wishes
on each piece of paper (this could be
wishes, encouragements or just simply
show them how important they are to
you).
STEP 3: Make a
knot at the beginning
of each piece.
STEP 4: Take
other end of strip
and feed through
knot hole completely,
pulling snug but not
tight.
STEP 5: Take
small spare end of
knot and fold over,
making a firm crease.
STEP 6: Continue
folding the strip over the knot, following
the sides of the pentagon, until the end
of the strip will not fold over completely.
Tuck over inside the start to secure it.
STEP 7: To make a puffy star, pinch the
corner edges.
Finally, put the stars into a jar that you
will give to your friends or family. Tie with
ribbon around the edge. You now have a
super cheap and special Christmas present.
A good step-by-step video tutorial can
be found at tinyurl.com/ybxy5xbb.
KEY CHAIN
What you need: Transparent plastic
container (any clear take-away food
container), Sharpie markers, small x-acto
knife, oven, small jump ring, 2 jeweler’s
needle-nose pliers, and split ring
STEP 1: Use the small cutter to cut out
the flat part of the food/plastic container.
STEP 2: Use sharpies to draw and color
your design (you can draw the design on
paper then copy it into the plastic piece).
STEP 3: Cut your design out and make
sure it’s nice and neat. Use the knife to trim
any excess plastic, taking care not to cut
into design.
STEP 4: Using a paper punch or small
nail, punch a hole in the top of the design.
Using the pliers, carefully place ring
through the hole.
STEP 5: Bake the design into the oven
at 330°F (165°C) for two to three minutes
on a baking sheet covered in aluminum
foil, or an aluminum pie pan may be used.
Andrew Paulson/Contributing Photo
If you do not have an oven with a window,
you may leave the door open at the resting
point as long as you put the design as far
back as you can go. Once the design stops
moving, you may take it out. Silicon tongs
are best for removing from pan, but you
may use your fingers, carefully lifting up
as evenly as possible. It is also helpful
to note that it will shrink about three
times smaller and nine times thicker, so
remember not to draw your design too
small!
STEP 6: after baking, hang design from
jump ring in split ring.
CARE PACKAGE
This present does not have any specific
instructions since it depends on what you
want this present to consist of.
What you need: A container, colors,
ribbons and a combination of stuffs you
want to give to your family or friends.
STEP 1: Cover your container with
acrylic color.
STEP 2: Use sharpies to decorate your
container.
STEP 3: Tie a ribbon around the
container and put the name tag of
whomever you want to give this present to.
STEP 4: Fill it up with prepared stuffs.
For example, a Christmas card, some
makeup brushes, a pack of candies, and
a Starbucks gift card would be perfect
for a girl who loves sweets, make-up and
drinking coffee.

20 / HOLIDAYS
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
10 UNIQUE, FUN CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
AT REASONABLE PRICES
By SUYOUNG PARK
Contributing Writer
The holiday season is here and budgets are tight. Even with Black Friday deals, finding the right gift can be an overwhelming
challenge. There is always the risk that a gift given that was affordable ends up as a white elephant gift at the next Christmas party. Want
a way to relax and chill with family? Here are 10 fun and unique Christmas ideas available online that will fit any budget gifts ideas:
1. AvoSeedo Avocado Tree Starter Kit, $12.99, avoseedo.com
Who doesn’t like avocados? Avocados are must when active in social media.
This is an Instagram-worthy product for that soon-to-be or occasional vegetarian/vegan
who would love to brag about how perfect their lives are. Why
not meet their need to be appreciated and their love for nature by giving them
a tree starter kit? Other past gifts will be forgotten, but when looking back,
they will remember, “Oh yeah! Grandma got this for me! She is so hip!”
avoseedo.com/Courtesy Photo
2. Pick Punch “Standard 351,” $24.95, pickpunch.com
This is a great gift for musicians in the family. With this pick punch, loved
ones can make their own, customized picks! This also promotes recycling old
credit cards and student IDs and turns them into a new collection of picks.
pickpunch.com/Courtesy Photo
3. “What’s Your Poo Telling You?” $9, uncommongoods.com
To show loved one a sense of humor and how much you care, give them this
illustrated book. Not only will it provide them something to read during visits
to the bathroom, but it will guide them to examine what they leave behind
and lead them to make healthier life choices. They will become experts in
describing their symptoms based on the color, looks, shapes and smells of
their bowel movements.
uncommongoods.com/Courtesy Photo
thinkgeek.com/Courtesy Photo
4. Brain Specimen Coasters, $19.99, thinkgeek.com/product/huir
Anyone going into or already working in the medical field in the family? This will be
a great gift for those who devote themselves to service to those whom are in need and
taking care of the sick. According to the website, 10 glass coasters are stacked to form a
brain. Loved ones no longer needs to make expensive trips to ‘Bodies: The Exhibition,’
but could own collection of these coasters, including one for the heart. It is useful in
everyday lives instead of heavy, expensive science illustration books. Show them appreciation
for their efforts to memorize all those terminologies to save lives with this gift.

piercepioneernews.com HOLIDAYS / 21
5. “Minecraft” foam pickaxe, $19.99, thinkgeek.com/product/e847
This gift will be great for all generations who love “Minecraft.” It is a lifesize
foam pickaxe, just like in the game. Kids can go outside with this safe
“heavy-duty EVA foam” axe and have an adventure, without violence. A word
of caution — it will melt under open flame. And for the alternative, the sword
is available too.
thinkgeek.com/Courtesy Photo
6. Boys’ “Minions” slippers, $12.99, target.com
It might say boys but “Minions” shouldn’t be gendered. It is good for all who
loves the “Minions.” Of note, the size charts are numbered with standard
boys’ shoe sizes so find the right fit for younger ones.
target.com/Courtesy Photo
7. Light-up LED fidget spinner, $10, urbanoutfitters.com
This is no ordinary fidget spinner — it lights up! If kids have a hard time
sleeping during the night, then give them one of these and let them play until
they fall asleep. This will be a great toy to distract children so their parents
can continue shopping in peace, getting ready for supper and so on.
urbanoutfitters.com/
Courtesy Photo
9. Poké Ball serving bowl set, $19.99, thinkgeek.com/product/jgpo
Gotta catch ‘em all: this large serving bowl accommodates popcorn, chips and
sweets! It could be used during dinner time as salad bowls. Very unique —
parents, perhaps, could entice their kids to enjoy salad at mealtime.
urbanoutfitters.com/Courtesy Photo
8. “Wonder Woman” mug, $10, urbanoutfitters.com
Everyone talked about when the movie, “Wonder Woman” came out earlier
this year. Women who watched the movie sang its praises, saying how
empowering it was. Celebrate that empowerment. Encourage them with this
mug daily as they get ready for school or work, reminding them that they are
all wonder women.
thinkgeek.com/Courtesy Photo
urbanoutfitters.com/
Courtesy Photo
10. “Star Wars” lightsaber salt and pepper grinder set, $40, urbanoutfitters.com
This is exclusively for Star Wars fans. Use them during a movie marathon of the
first original three — and for those extra special fans, the recent ones. Give this
set and watch the joy and smiles.

22 / FEATURES
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
TOP 5 MOST ANTICIPATED
VIDEO GAMES OF 2018
2018 is fast approaching, and with that comes an awesome lineup
of new video games. Here are five upcoming releases
that are worth the wait.
By AVA ZOLFAGHARI
Contributing Writer
“Far Cry 5”
DEVELOPER: Ubisoft Montreal
PLATFORMS: PS4, XB1, PC
RELEASE: Feb. 27
WHAT TO EXPECT: Emphasis on narrative,
new rural Montana setting, continued
open-world playstyle, tons more
customizable features
far-cry.ubisoft.com/ Courtesy Photo
“Metro Exodus”
DEVELOPER: 4A Games
PLATFORMS: PS4, XB1, PC
RELEASE: To be announced, 2018
WHAT TO EXPECT: Story rich gameplay,
continued post-apocalyptic Russia setting,
combat and stealth, survival horror
metrothegame.com/ Courtesy Photo

piercepioneernews.com FEATURES / 23
“God of War”
DEVELOPER: SIE Santa Monica Studio
PLATFORMS: PS4 Exclusive
RELEASE: Early 2018
WHAT TO EXPECT: Hard reboot of original
franchise, new methodical combat system,
Norse mythology, over-the-shoulder camera
movement
godofwar.playstation.com/ Courtesy Photo
“Red Dead
Redemption 2”
DEVELOPER: Rockstar Games
PLATFORMS: PS4, XB1
RELEASE: Spring
WHAT TO EXPECT: Action-adventure
gameplay, new online multiplayer, openworld
environment, third-person perspective
rockstargames.com/ Courtesy Photo
“Sea of Thieves”
DEVELOPER: Rare, Ltd.
PLATFORMS: XB1, PC (Microsoft Exclusive)
RELEASE: Early 2018
WHAT TO EXPECT: Shared-world adventure,
exploration, crew co-operation, pirate
theme, customization
@seaofthieves/ Courtesy Photo

24 / OPINION Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
REMEMBERING
MY SANTA CLAUS
By HANNAH NGUYEN
Contributing writer
I JUST REALIZED that Santa Claus is
no more Santa. Actually, I just realized I
did not believe in Santa a long time ago.
I remembered when I was six, I doubted
how could an old man have such a good
memory to buy all the presents for all the
children. My grandpa was only 60 at that
time and he began to forget things. How
could Santa Claus know the pink scooter
in the store my mum and I went to this
afternoon was in my favorite shopping
center?
Hannah Nguyen/Contributing Illustration
When I was seven, I kept wondering
why the little girl living on our street did
not have any presents. She was really nice
to me when sharing her only almost-torn
teddy bear that she got from the trash
can. She told me, “Homeless children do
not get presents at Christmas.” I did not
understand why Santa did not like the
homeless children.
When I was eight, I thought it was
ridiculous when people dressed up as
Santa Claus and gave candies to children
in the shopping malls, parks and fun fairs.
I thought they wanted to replace Santa
Claus and what they did was offensive to
the real Santa. I did not know that was
their way to earn a living.
When I was nine, I stop believed in
Santa Claus when I saw my parents put the
presents under my bed and my brother’s
bed at Christmas Eve…
I thought about that night a lot. To
me, it was something that put an end to
my childhood. It felt like I just woke up
from a dream where an old chubby man
in red gives presents to every good child,
everyone receives the same love, and
nothing but happiness is present.
I was wrong. I regretted sneaking off to
see Santa. I hated myself for completely
believing in magic for such a long
time. But then the memories from my
childhood, like an oldie song, started
playing in my mind. I have received so
many presents — some priceless and many
did not come from Santa Claus — but
from a different guy.
He always knows what I want, what
I love and what I need. He was clumsy,
but he was willing to spend three hours
studying hair-braiding when I told him
that I wanted my hair braided when I went
to school. He did not buy me a boat with
a remote control when I asked him to.
Instead, he secretly made me a floatable
and movable boat using a water bottle.
That boat turned out to be the most special
toy that no one in my class would have. He
is the only one who could tell one story all
night — again and again — as long as it
made me happy.
“HE ALWAYS
KNOWS
WHAT I WANT,
WHAT I LOVE
AND
WHAT I NEED.”

Attention
Poets, Writers,
Photographers
and Artists
SLAM, the award-winning Student
Literary and Arts Magazine of Pierce
College, seeks poems, short stories,
creative non-fiction, photographs and
artwork for its Spring 2018 issue.
Submission Guidelines
Anyone who has been a student at Pierce College
in the past year is eligible to submit work.
Please limit your submissions to no more than ten
in any one category.
Submit your work electronically
or via campus mail to SLAM
or to Corrina Wycoff, Olympic 207, FS campus
(cwycoff@pierce.ctc.edu).
Please include on a separate page your name,
telephone number and a brief biographical note.
student literary arts magazine
2017 Cover Design by Aiden Woods
Artwork and Photographs:
If possible, submit electronically. Otherwise,
photograph and submit as a slide.
Poems, Short Stories, and
Creative Non-Fiction:
Manuscripts should be typed and include name,
address and telephone number in the upper
left-hand corner of the first page.
Poems should be single spaced.
Fiction and non-fiction should be double spaced.
Submissions of your work on disk is encouraged.
Please note the file format and program.
Submission deadline is
Wednesday,
Dec. 13
All submissions will be recycled unless
accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped
envelope.

26 / CARTOONS
Nov. 20, 2017 / Vol. 51, Issue 3
Debbie Denbrook/Staff Illustration