The holidays are approaching, and people are preparing to celebrate traditions that are common within their communities. Some may follow different traditions or not celebrate the holidays at all. Here’s a chance to learn about the ways others celebrate, creating connections within the H-F community.
H-F has nearly 3,000 students, and each has a different tradition they observe with their families. A variety of traditions are celebrated within the halls of H-F, though some students may not have learned about them in school or at home.
Some examples include Thanksgiving, where families gather in November to enjoy food and activities such as games and crafts. Another example is Hanukkah, which involves lighting eight candles on the menorah, one each night for eight nights. Traditional foods and songs are also part of Hanukkah celebrations.
Many holiday traditions are widely recognized, but others are less known. There are at least 17 different traditions celebrated during the winter season, including Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Yule, New Year’s and Chinese New Year.
According to the Associated Press, “92% of Americans will celebrate Christmas, 5% will celebrate Hanukkah, and 3% will celebrate Kwanzaa.”
H-F librarian Julyce Abernathy shared her love for traditional holiday foods. “We do ham or turkey, but we also have lots of sides like green bean casserole, carbs and potatoes, mac and cheese and plenty of desserts and cookies,” Abernathy said.
Abernathy also described a family tradition of visiting the Indiana Welcome Center every Christmas. “They have a ‘Christmas Story’ exhibit, just like the movie. They have Santa sitting like in the movie, and they send you down a slide. There are also trees decorated by local volunteers,” she said.
While some families enjoy more traditional holiday meals, others have their own unique customs. Le’Warr Holmes, a freshman, explained that his family enjoys seafood for the holidays.
“We eat crab legs, shrimp, scallops and salad. We met up with my family to reunite during the holidays. A tradition we have is making cheesecake; it’s been a tradition for years,” Holmes said.
A charming tradition is celebrated by Gianna DeLuca, a senior at H-F. “For Thanksgiving, we go to my aunt’s house, and my dad fries the turkey,” DeLuca said.
“For Christmas Eve, it’s at my house, and for Christmas Day, it’s at my grandma’s. This year, we’re continuing my girls’ family tradition by going down to the city to the Goodman Theatre to see ‘A Christmas Carol,'” DeLuca said. Her family celebrates these holidays with foods like turkey, stuffing and pasta.
Many students at H-F share similar traditions, but small differences help shape their unique family celebrations, bringing them closer together. Now deck the halls with your unique traditions.
Whatever your holiday traditions may be, take the time to celebrate your loved ones.
