With Christmas approaching fast, many of our students are excited as they anticipate their annual family traditions during the winter break.
The most commonly known traditions include a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, or a family elf, but some students have more unique customs, which raises questions as to how the traditions came about, or how long their families have practiced them.
For Bennett Patterson’s family, Christmas Eve carries a cherished tradition that has been passed down for many years: opening a few presents and stockings the night before Christmas. “Every year on Christmas Eve, my family opens a couple of our family presents from each other and our stockings,” Patterson shared.
When asked about why this tradition was started, Patterson stated, “I’m sure it was because the kids were eager to open presents early. It also extends Christmas to two days and prolongs the Christmas fun and spirit, creating an overall more fun experience.”
In Nic Lancelotta’s family, however, Christmas Eve is marked by a culinary tradition that adds warmth and flavor to the season. “Me and my family eat special tomato sauce every year that my dad makes on Christmas Eve,” Nic said.
This recipe goes far into Nic’s family’s past, passed down from his father’s grandmother in Italy. “It’s an Italian recipe that my dad got from his grandma, and we’ve been doing it for about 10 years,” Lancelotta confirmed. This touching tradition brings his family together, honoring their ancestors while creating loving memories at the dinner table.
For junior Jack Janci’s family, Christmas is not complete without their yearly visit to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. “We go as a family every year,” Jack says, “It’s a great way to spend some family time and surround ourselves with holiday cheer and spirit. The flashing lights and old-fashioned Christmas songs usually get us in the holiday spirit,” Janci said.
This Christmas tradition has been part of Janci’s life since childhood, though its exact origins aren’t clear. “My parents just really admire the light show, and I think it’s pretty cool to go annually and experience it. Seeing the flashing lights in a connected pattern with song never gets old,” Janci explained.
