Many countries around the world observe a two-week holiday for Christmas and New Year, currently known as the winter vacation. The same vacation period is followed in Pakistan. However, climate change has led to notable alterations, with severe cold weather now often occurring in January.
Since schools are open during these colder periods, parents are now advocating for extended holidays to save their children from the unbearable cold. The government should consider revising the holiday schedule, potentially moving it to the later part of January, specifically the second or third week. Moreover, during harsh weather conditions, school timing must be revised so that students can easily adjust without getting sick.
However, within this proposal, it is crucial to maintain the cultural and religious significance of Christmas. Preserving three holidays for Christmas and one for New Year will acknowledge and honour the Christian community’s traditions while adjusting the vacation period to better suit the current climate realities.
M Shamail Anwar
Karachi