2020 has been a challenging year to say the least. As we approach the end of the year, many of us are looking forward to enjoying the holidays with our families. We asked several Masuk students what their favorite family holiday traditions were. While the holidays might look a little different this year, every family has their own special way of celebrating.
“Every Christmas we pop open a holiday popper and inside there is a joke, a crown, and a plastic bell. We then ring the bell and sing Christmas songs together. We always have so much fun laughing, singing, and dancing,” said junior Mary Henry.
“My favorite part of the holidays is getting together with family and friends and celebrating Hanukkah with a big dinner. Everyone brings different foods and we spend the night eating too much and sharing stories,” said senior Amanda Brown.
“Every year we spend Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family and Christmas Day with my dad’s side of the family. I love getting to spend the holidays with my whole family. Definitely looking forward to that this year,” said senior Rocco Veneruso.
“My favorite tradition is baking and decorating Christmas cookies with my family. We turn on Christmas music while we bake and have a great time. The best part is obviously eating the cookies after,” added sophomore Ella Picci.
“My family’s favorite part of the holidays is hosting a big family Christmas Eve party. Our extended family comes over and we spend the night dancing and singing. It is always a fun time,” said senior Kate Hodska.
While Hodksa isn’t sure if her family will still be able to have their normal holiday party due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she is still looking forward to finding a way to celebrate Christmas with her family.
Some students shared traditions that stray from the norm.
“My family is so large that we have to have several tables to fit everyone for thanksgiving dinner. We turn this into a friendly competition. Every year we have a laugh off between all the tables. Whichever table has the loudest and best laughs wins,” added senior Hannah Gruber.
Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday, this coming holiday season will have a special meaning as we try to bring some light of hope into this year. Everyone is very excited to finish the year on a positive note.
Personally, my favorite tradition, and one which I’m looking forward to, is sneaking DVDs into my family members’ stockings on Christmas Eve. The next morning after opening gifts, we spend Christmas Day watching the new movies together in our pajamas. What’s your favorite family holiday tradition?
Masuk Free Press 