Introducing… Bucket lists!

By: Sofia Flores, Staff Photographer

Ever need ideas on what to do in your free time? Look no further! Here at The Highlander, we are going to be starting a new tradition. Every month, we will be publishing a monthly bucket list where you will be given ideas on what to do for each day. Of course, you will be given the option to pick what you want to do for the day. Once you have completed the task, post it on your Instagram story and include the hashtag #RUHighlander to be featured on our account. We would love to see your creations and can’t wait to see what y’all come up with! Have fun!

What to Do When You’re Alone for Christmas

By Sofia Flores, Staff Photographer/ Writer

Some of us will be surrounded by loved ones this Christmas and will have some company to celebrate with. However, there are also some that will be alone this Christmas. 

A lot of the time, being alone on Christmas is seen from a negative point of view, it has been evident in the media that there is a stigma on loneliness. Little did you know, there are some positives that come from being alone on Christmas.

I have included some tips for those of you that need ideas on how to spend your Christmas. I hope you have a day filled with joy, see you in the new year!

1. Do Something That You Enjoy

A great way to start off the day, especially Christmas day, is to do something that you enjoy. For some it is painting, and for others it may be binge-watching Netflix or having a movie day! Whatever it is, do it! What will put you in a better mood than doing what you love! 

2. Treat Yourself

Don’t hold back, and treat yourself! You want a new coat? Buy it! Wanna binge watch your new show? Watch it! Don’t feel guilty about treating yourself on your special day. You deserve it. 

3. Stay Off Social Media

If you plan on having a relaxed, fun-filled day; stay off of social media. Seeing your Christmas-themed feed will most likely lead to sadness and feeling lonely. Take this opportunity to have a social media detox and put your mental-health first. 

4. Write Goals For 2022

This time will be perfect to focus on your goals for next year. Take advantage of the peace and quiet and really reflect on the goals you want to set for yourself. Remember: put you and your health first. 

5. Volunteer

It has been proven that helping others puts you in a better mood. It makes you focus on others and not on the negative feelings that might be creeping in, such as loneliness. There are many ways you can help others such as volunteering at a food bank or giving meals to the people who are homeless.

Must Watch Christmas Movies and TV shows on Netflix

By Sofia Flores, Staff Photographer

I don’t know about y’all, but Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year! What’s not to love about the smell of freshly baked Christmas cookies, dressing the beautifully bare evergreen tree, snowball fights, quality time with friends and family, and not to mention… CHRISTMAS DINNER! But the one thing that effortlessly gets me into the holiday spirit without a doubt is Christmas movies! Ever since I was a kid, every year I would look forward to gathering into the living room with my family and watching a classic like Home Alone or Elf.

Trust me…I know the struggle. It’s hard to find the perfect movie or TV show on Netflix. It’s like no matter how hard you look, you can never seem to find the perfect choice. It’s almost as if you wished you had a list you can turn to or some kind of generator…

That’s where I come in! Sadly, I do not have a Netflix Christmas Generator, but I do have a list! I have compiled a Christmas themed list filled with movies and TV shows that you MUST watch on Netflix. So, kick back, relax, grab a cozy blanket, your favorite snack, and enjoy!

When you need a laugh…

1.       Unaccompanied Minors

This film will always be a classic. If you love pure, innocent fun and mischievousness, then this is definitely the choice for you! If I could only explain it using a couple of phrases it would be airport, Christmas, group of kids, freedom, and trouble.

2.       Love Hard

I would hands down give this movie a 10000000/10. This movie made me laugh out loud about 20 times throughout the whole film. This is a movie that would make you do the same, guaranteed! Want a romantic comedy that is genuinely comedic? This is the perfect match for you!

3.       Let it Snow

I think this is a movie that we would all be able to relate to, no matter what situation you find yourselves in this Christmas. Not only does it include a great deal of laughs, but it also gives you a great message that you cannot miss. Of course, I can’t spoil that for you! I guess you’ll just have to watch to find out…

When you’re in the baking spirit…

1.       The Great British Baking Show:

Holidays I have to admit… I SUCK at baking. Unlike my boyfriend, I can never seem to have a successful baking attempt, even if I follow the directions step by step. However, one thing I am great at is watching baking shows. And what’s more perfect than watching Christmas baking shows!

2.       Sugar Rush: Christmas

If you like the first choice, then you’re definitely going to love this one! Let the Christmas Baking continue!

3.       The Great British Baking Show

I know, I know…this is not a Christmas themed show, but I just HAD to include this in our list, my friends. What’s one thing we instantly feel when it comes to Christmas: cozy! That’s exactly the vibes that this show gives off. Just picture it: fireplace crackling, you’re all wrapped up in your most soft blanket, hot chocolate in your hand, and The Great British Baking Show is playing on the TV. Who wouldn’t love this?

When you’re feeling in love…

1.       Dash & Lily

Dash & Lily is by far one of the most amazing treasures I have had the honor of stumbling upon. You’re probably thinking this is just another cheesy, rom com of a show. Well dear reader, I hate to be the one to tell you that you’re wrong. It’s a show that includes two perspectives of Christmas: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and “It’s the worst time of the year.” If you’re looking for an intriguing, thrilling, romantic show; look no further!

2.       A Christmas Prince

Is this movie cheesy? Maybe a little bit. Is it amazing? Yes! Will it put you into the romantic Christmas Spirit? Heck yes! I admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first watched this movie but once I started watching it, I did not regret it a single bit. It’s a beautiful film that not only includes wonderful nuggets of wisdom, but a story of unexpected love!

3.       The Knight Before Christmas

This movie is definitely one of my favorite Christmas romance movies. It makes you fall in love with love, much like A Christmas Prince. Does that make sense? Probably not, but you get what I mean.

When you’re looking for something to enjoy with the family…

1.       Klaus

This film is a work of art, to say the least. The animation is absolutely beautiful, and the story line is even better. This is definitely a movie that you will enjoy with your family. It is the perfect way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the holiday season!

2.       The Princess Switch

One characteristic that is always correlated to the Christmas season is love. There is love being spread every second from partner to partner, friend to friend, and family to family. This movie is a perfect embodiment of that. It shows us that love is what connects us all together.

3.       The Holiday Calendar

This is a movie filled with…MAGIC! I have always thought of the Christmas season to be magical, and in this movie, it literally is! If there’s anything I have learned from this movie it's that there is always magic floating in the air, but it’s our job to notice it.

Photo Gallery: Fall in Colorado from Georgetown to Regis

By: Sofia Flores, Staff Photographer

The first half of the pictures were taken in Georgetown, Colorado. The second half of pictures were taken around campus, starting from the RVs and ending in front of Loyola. As you can see, there is a wide range of green to golden to fiery red leaves. I invite you all to take a moment and stop once in a while and notice the subtle change that is happening around us! Don’t let this beauty pass you by!

Dueling at the Reeg: OAP's Challenge Course

Written by Morgan Jacobus, Editor in Chief

Photos by Serriah Chavez and Sofia Flores, Staff Photographers

As the Outdoor Adventure Program was getting back into the swing of things, they hosted a Challenge Course Event in front of the Student Center on October 6. The main attraction was the jousting battles that took place, featuring some faculty members and the OAP leaders themselves. (Above photos by Sofia Flores)

Some of the all-star battles that kicked off the event was a faculty battle and OAP leaders Ellie and Cooper. (Above photos by Serriah Chavez)

But that wasn’t all! Other features of the event included a soft serve ice cream truck, a climbing wall, and an inflatable obstacle course. (Above photos by Serriah Chavez).

With all of that fun, it was a great event overall, but I would have to say that one of my personal highlights was the battle, or “celeb faculty grudge match” as one member in the crowd shouted, between Dave Law and Jason Taylor. Though it was clearly a rehearsed fight, with deliberate leaps and missed attacks, it was an entertaining match. Beforehand, I had a chat with Dave and he explained how he had been in a jousting duel before, back in Ranger Day 2000 or 2001 where he was against a basketball player, and unfortunately tore his ACL when he landed on the pedestal. So, the rehearsed match was valid, and it was still awesome that the two infamous faculty members put on a show for their students. The duel, after ending in a draw, resulted in a song sung from the two beloved Regis faculty. (Above photos by Serriah Chavez)

A big thank you to the OAP crew for a great time had by all. Photo by Serriah Chavez