Christmas lights are being hung on porches, trees are being put up, and the air is turning colder. Christmas is right around the corner and there are many traditions that are introduced during this season. There’s simpler traditions that many families may do, such as driving around looking at Christmas lights or going to visit Santa, but there are other traditions that may not be as common. The variety of ways people celebrate the holidays reflect family traditions.
Some traditions are seen as unique, while others may deem themselves as normal family Christmas activities. It all depends on how the family works, and their overall beliefs of Christmas. For example, some students share a more traditional tradition of putting up the Christmas tree at a specific time.
Sam Richards, Senior at ALHS, tends to share a typically traditional activity.
“My family and I usually put our Christmas tree up the day before or after Thanksgiving,” said Richards.
This is a seemingly normal activity as many families can relate to this tradition around the same time. However, other families also can have different traditions during different time periods.
On the other hand, some may travel while others may stay in town with their close families. Sam also tends to travel for the past few years with her maternal side of the family.
“We have been going to a lake in Missouri with my family for the past two years, and it has definitely been a change because we don’t typically get presents and we just use the time to hangout with family and friends,” said Richards.
Spending time with family can be very valuable especially around this time of year, so it is a great time to share some of your favorite memories whether they are chaotic or heart warming. Aliya Freeman, a Freshman attending ALHS shared one of her most memorable stories with Elf on the Shelf.
“I used to be terrified of Elf on the Shelf and one day I cried about it so much that my mother got annoyed and threw him out the window… I never saw him again after that,”said Freeman.
Holiday memories are definitely something to remember as everyone seems to share different stories and chaos from their own family gatherings and experiences.
There are also many fun activities that can be involved within Christmas festivities. For example, Junior Kaylynn Kepler-Thompson shared some very fun and interesting activities.
“My family and I put our Christmas tree up on Christmas Eve together, and then we all go hot tubbing on Christmas day, ” said Kepler.
Overall, Christmas is a holiday to remember and celebrate with your family while spreading happiness and cheer around the world. Christmas can be celebrated in many different ways, however, it still tends to maintain the same festive mood that is passed through each year no matter how uncommon they are!
