Students share beloved traditions for upcoming holidays

The traditions that are celebrated during this time of year are some of the most well-loved. From visiting family to having a day of quiet prayer, the winter season is a special time for many, so let’s take a look at the traditions that our community enjoys. 

One of the best things about the holidays is the food. So many students gushed about the joy of making cookies and other treats for their families. Junior Marrisa Johnson said, “On Christmas eve [my family members] each make a dish of the meal, and I usually make the appetizer. Then we watch church and a movie all together.”

Junior Natalee Schmidt has a similar annual celebration routine. “My favorite tradition is making desserts with my grandma a couple days before Christmas. We make fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, sugar cookies and cake balls.”

Sophomore Boston Roberts cooks up memories as well. “Making cookies because baking is my favorite hobby.” 

Food is special during this time of year as it brings so many people together, but what goes better with cookies than milk? Santa, of course. 

A tradition that many find silly but others find special is that of leaving out cookies for Santa. Sophomore Todd Engle said, “I like making and leaving out cookies because it keeps the magic alive even though I know Santa isn’t real.” 

But for many students the most important character of Christmas is Jesus. 

Around this time of year lots of students spend their Christmas reading religious literature. Surrounded by Christmas cheer while hearing about the birth of their savior, junior Andrew Schipper said, ”Church service followed by Christmas dinner [is] a great way to celebrate friends, family and the birth of Jesus.” 

Junior Caroline Schafer has a similar tradition. “Every year before we open presents, my family sits around the tree and reads a picture book version of the story of Jesus being born in the stable. It may seem silly, but we’ve been doing it since I was little, and Christmas isn’t the same when we don’t do it.” 

But the most popular tradition isn’t going to church, baking or leaving food for Santa, It’s being with family. 

Junior Mackenzie Wilson said,  “My favorite tradition is on Christmas Eve, me and and all my cousins and family go to my grandparents to open gifts. All the kids pass out the gifts, and then we open them one at a time from youngest to older until all the gifts are gone,” and Vera Patterson said, “I love spending time with my family and just having a good time.” 

Sophomore Aleah Wegener is another with a family tradition. “Secret Siblings. It’s fun to get a gift for one of my siblings.” 

Though getting together with families is the highlight of the season for most students, it’s also a tradition that won’t happen for many this year due to COVID-19. Which is still a thing, remember COVID-19 doesn’t die with 2020 this New Years Eve, so wear a mask. Make sure to be safe, careful and clean. Do not see at risk relatives, avoid going out when you can and always wear a mask and clean your hands. 

We lost to many people in the last few months. Let’s try to not lose anymore, and remember everyone deserves a happy holiday, so this year Blessed Be, Happy yule, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Three Kings Day, Feliz Navidad, Blessed Saturnalia, Happy Soyal, Happy Yalda, Blessed Inti Raymi, Happy Midwinter, Merry St. Lucia’s Day and Happy Dong Zhi.