Point (Jace Jackson): The Christmas Parade should stay, it fosters community in a time of disunity

Every year around Christmas, the Gulf Breeze Fire Department holds a special parade to celebrate the upcoming holidays, featuring Santa Claus on top of a fire truck throwing out candy to children and families as they watch from their lawns. The tradition holds a special place in many Breezers’ hearts and is something many look forward to every year.

Senior Allie Hepworth says, “That truck holds so many memories, it gives me such nostalgia, you don’t know it’s Christmas till the truck comes down your street.” 

As time has passed, some people feel that the parade is a waste of time and needs to come to an end. The belief that the parade is obnoxious and serves no purpose is becoming increasingly common. The use of the sirens and the throwing of candy are also reasons why many feel so opposed to the idea of a Christmas parade every year. 

The truth is that the parade is a special tradition that separates Gulf Breeze from other small towns, and it needs to stay. 

Not only does it spread cheer and excitement, but the community comes together when everyone comes outside to see Santa. In times like now, where division is so strong, things like a parade might seem insignificant, but they aren’t; they help bring people together and make the community stronger, even if it is just watching a fire truck drive by.

Senior Claire Pollitt says, “It’s so great to have the whole community come out and see people I know in the parade.” 

One of the most special aspects of the whole parade is who throws it: our firefighters. The Gulf Breeze Fire Department is 100% volunteer, meaning these people take time out of their day to throw the annual parade for the people of Gulf Breeze.

Senior Gates Gigliotti says, “What I think is most impressive about the parade is the fact the firefighters show up for us every year just so we can enjoy the Christmas season.” 

Overall, the consensus among Gulf Breeze High is clear that Santa and his parade need to stay. 

Counterpoint (Yael Fleekop): The Christmas parade isn’t worth it and disrupts students’ studies during exams

Weee oooh weee oooh.

This sounds rings in my ears as I try to study for my winter exams. Santa riding on the firetruck around Gulf Breeze is a great tradition that has been happening for many years, but it has a lot of cons.  

Santa takes his course during the week before break, which is exam week for middle and high school students. While it’s super fun when he comes down your street, you can unfortunately hear the sound for about 40 minutes before it even reaches your house. This nonstop noise makes it incredibly difficult for students to focus on their studies or stay calm during an already stressful week.

Hayden Duncan states, “all the festivities make it hard to study. And the addition of the loud fire truck doesn’t make it any easier.”  

Another con of Santa riding through Gulf Breeze is that they throw candy canes. While this is magical for people, it is toxic for animals. According to Pet Palace UK, peppermint is toxic to birds. Not only that squirrels and other scavenging animals choke on the plastic that wraps every candy cane. Over time, this creates an environmental issue that many people don’t even realize is happening.  

Students have asked for alternative ways to celebrate the holidays. This year, the city of Gulf Breeze is bringing back the Christmas parade. This parade is a great way to bring holiday joy to Gulf Breeze.

Hayden also suggests “we should have a holiday celebration at the rec center that could be more inclusive for all the holidays.”