Tis’ the season Zags! Heading into finals week means that winter break is just in view, and the holidays as well! I found myself in a discussion with a friend the past week about my family’s holiday traditions as well as her own. This got me thinking on how different everyone’s families are in some ways during the holiday seasons and so similar in others. So, in the hopes of getting everyone talking, I thought I might share some of my holiday traditions.
One thing that my family always does every year is watch the movie Eloise at Christmas Time. It has been one of my favorite holiday traditions for as long as I can remember. On Christmas eve eve, my whole family and I sit together, pop some popcorn, eat some fudge, and enjoy!
On Christmas Eve, we always eat the same meal, lasagna. My grandma started this tradition long before I was born, and it is still going on today. We spend the morning making the sauce and putting the lasagna together for us all to eat later that night.
It has been customary for my family every year to open one or two presents on Christmas eve night. One present is pajamas, and then my brother and I get to open our gifts from each other. Then we all get into our new pajamas, snuggle up, and laugh at anything as the night drags on.
Lastly, along with leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, we go outside and make sure to leave food and water for the reindeer as well. When I was younger, my grandpa used to sprinkle glitter on top of the food, telling me that it was so the reindeer could spot it from the roof. In reality, I think he did it just because he knew I loved sparkles.
So, no matter what you celebrate during this season, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, family traditions are important. This time is all about friends, family, and giving.
It is always fun to see someone else’s take on different holidays or the same one that you celebrate! Talking about it gives you a chance to learn and connect with others around their personal identities. I hope everyone has a great time talking and getting to know people a little better. Happy holidays!