The jolly ring of bells comes from across the entire store. Santa Claus and his elves advertise sales on everything from sweatshirts to toy cars. People search for gifts to make their loved ones feel special. Christmas music blares over the intercom with popular tunes such as Jingle Bells. Everyone looks eager to get sales on that one special gift this year.

Every year millions of people around the United States go shopping for presents during the holiday season. Middletown High School students are no different, joining in the chaos, the sentiment and the fun.

Many students are interested in large sales and the stores that offer these deals.

Places such as Kohl’s, Walmart, Target and other stores seem to be very popular around this time of the year. MHS sophomore Jenna Frasier said that she likes the mall and Target.

MHS senior Patrick Furini said his favorite place to shop is the mall because it has a wide variety of places to go.

Many people agree that it is the thought that counts when it comes to the holidays, and that receiving gifts isn’t always the best thing.

“I like giving gifts more because you see the person’s face when you give the gift feels the best,” said Frasier.

MHS senior Carly Selina agreed, saying that giving gifts is the best.

For some MHS students it is mutual. Paige Rhoderick, MHS junior, said that for her giving and getting are equal when it comes to the holidays.

Among MHS students, online shopping did not seem to be as popular as one might think. Most students who were interviewed said that they enjoy the stores more.

Both Selina and Freddy Roberts agreed that they fancied shopping inside the store because they could physically see what they were receiving. Roberts said, “You can see what you’re getting and the quality of it but not online.”

MHS sophomore Juliet Traini said that she enjoyed the store because its not necessary to wait for the gift to arrive in the mail.

Part of the chaos or fun – depending on the shopper’s point of view – is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, with its ridiculous sales and crazy lines.

Although Black Friday is a popular day for many to shop, Selina said that she’d never been, and Furini said he did not enjoy the shopping endeavor.

Traini said, “The only thing I like about Black Friday shopping is because I can hang out with my friends.”

Furini added that he really doesn’t even like holiday shopping, but Frasier is the exact opposite saying that she “loves” holiday shopping.

Selina said that the prime reason for her shopping is “finding the perfect gift.”

Rhoderick, on the other hand, said it can be difficult “finding things to ask for as a Christmas present.”