There’s something undeniably magical about winter. The quiet crunch of the snow, frosted car windows, sitting near the fireplace to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and ornament shaped cookies. What makes it most memorable is the cozy vibes of curling up in a fluffy blanket and watching the perfect winter show. Everyone has that “go to” show that evokes winter spirit. Gilmore Girls dominated the 2024 fall season here at Woodbridge Senior High School, influencing a rise of cardigan sweaters, knitted scarves, and-if you’re a true Gilmore Girls fan—coffee. Students feel that Gilmore Girls was the perfect escape during the colorful fall. But now, as we bring a close to the winter season, we ask the question: What show best evoked the winter seasonal spirit of 2024?

People often overlook the importance of shows, even though they are a crucial factor in determining the vibe and magic of the seasons. Squid Game, the renowned Netflix series, is a testament of the seasonal spirit community flowing through the cold air. The second season of Squid Game involves childish games played by contestants to earn hefty amounts of cash, with one minor setback—death. One might ask what the second season of Squid Games has to entail about a breezy winter season. The answer; connection. When the new season was released on December 26, 2024, students, families, and friends gathered to share the winter spirit under hot chocolate and shows. During our digital age it’s hard to find time to interact with loved ones and embrace the winter seasons. But, thanks to shows like Squid Game, people find ways to watch shows together. Through this, people have an excuse to spend time together, this further invokes the winter cheer. Students have even gone so far as to play Roblox adaptations of the show, which brings even more fun with friends. The spirit of winter comes to fruition as it shares an important message; the message to keep each other warm through the joys and memories you share with loved ones. Thats what the winter season is all about!

The winter season is more than staying warm physically—it’s about finding warmth in the connections and small joys. Shows like Gilmore Girls and Squid Game might seem insignificant on the surface; however, media that focuses on human connection are what encourage students to contribute to the magic of the seasons. This winter season provided magic through the media we watched such as Gilmore Girls, an escape to a town centered around community, and Squid Game, a show that helps remind us of the power of shared experiences. Media shapes the way we feel, interact, and even remember certain moments in our lives. The cardigan sweaters, knitted scarves, and cups of coffee inspired by Gilmore Girls were not just trends—they were part of embracing autumn’s charm. Meanwhile, the buzz around Squid Game’s second season has brought people together to laugh and connect whether that be through binge-watching marathons or playing Roblox adaptations with friends. As we reminisce about the winter season of 2024, ask yourself: What show made your winter season feel warm—emotionally? Whether it’s through the nostalgia of old favorites or the excitement of new releases, these shared moments remind us that the winter season is more than a time of frosted windows and warm drinks by the fireplace. It’s a season of connection, reflection, and finding the small joys to make the seasons feel so magical.