Around this time of year there is a lot to be thankful for that reaches past a week long break from school and time to wind down with family and friends. The holiday season captures these feelings of gratitude and relaxation in a multitude of ways and allows for joy with loved ones to be expressed through many different traditions. Some may be classic, others thrilling and adventurous, or maybe it’s doing nothing at all; but the holiday season is always special for everyone.
As the season shifts from sweater weather to winter coats, many families prepare to partake in traditions at their own home or meet up with family and friends. A holiday tradition shared by Junior Addie Murphy and her family is a pumpkin roll. While you may be thinking that it sounds like a tasty Thanksgiving dessert, Murphy expanded by saying,
“We take our pumpkins from Halloween and do a relay and roll them”.
Traditions like this provide a shared experience and create things to look forward to, giving people things to care about, laugh about and love during the holiday times of year. Holiday items deemed as necessities or classics like wreaths, trees, candles, and menorah, are all also ways that families come together and can have deeper religious meanings as well that align with their faith.
Many people also love the joy and comfort that comes from that time of year and getting into the winter spirit. Junior Mallory Schaffer said,
“Throughout December and especially on Christmas Eve, we love watching holiday movies and baking cookies together. My sister and I also wear matching holiday pajamas every Christmas Eve.”
Being able to enjoy the simple traditions and light hearted activities also contribute to the importance of memory making and show that holiday fun never gets old. Senior Ellie Ballard also loves the comfort with family and when talking about her traditions she said, “I go to my grandparents house on Christmas Eve with my dad’s side of the family… me and my dad also always watch the holiday football games together.”
Traditions have helped shape the fondness and anticipation of these holidays through the want and will to connect to others and find the magic in this wonderful time of year. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or take lots of time out of the day, but just something that could give you that holiday joy and spread a smile.
