This past weekend as I sat in my usual staff meeting at The Daily Eastern News, the staff did something different: we celebrated.

Usually, our meetings go the following way: get in a circle, talk about our weekends, go over what’s going on next week, and then it’s back to work we go.

Depending on the day and what stories we have running Monday, many of us are at our desks still working as the meeting goes on. This weekend, we did go about our business, but we also had a Secret Santa party with cookies, cake and gifts. We went around the circle, giving each other some of the most ridiculous things we could find for about $5.

Gifts included whoopee cushions, singing ties, Nutella, leopard print Santa hats and lots of candy. Then we had to take a “family” picture. Yes, you read correctly, I said family. For the past four months, I have spent my time outside of class in the newsroom and would say the staff have become like family to me.

We work in the newsroom, we eat in the newsroom, some people sleep there (sometimes you just need a nap) and sometimes we play there. This semester, I have probably spent more time in that room and with those people than anywhere else and with anyone else on campus. In the past four months, I have spent more time with these people than my own biological family.

So, yes, we have functioned just like a family, and I have no problem calling us that. We have fought and made up, just like a family has, and in the end, we all want what’s best for each other (I hope).

Like most students, we are here in Charleston about nine months per year. The friends we make on campus become our support groups and the people we spend our time with. It’s important to celebrate our school families because without each other, where would we be?

I know it is the last week of classes before finals and all most of us have on our minds is studying for finals, passing our classes and getting home as fast as possible. I am not an exception to this mentality and in fact am questioning right now why I am writing this column instead of studying, but that is beside the point.

So, before you rush out of town next week, take a break this weekend between all of your studying and packing for home and do something nice for your friends to celebrate the holidays with them.

I’m not saying spend hundreds of dollars or even any money at all. Our staff had a blast with baked goods and stuff from the dollar store.

Amy Wywialowski is a junior history major and can be reached at 581-2812 or denopinions@gmail.com.