Baking cookies, opening presents, and spending time with family—the unique things we do with our families make Christmas feel so warm.
Traditions are the passing down of beliefs or customs from generation to generation. They make Christmas and other holidays alike feel special and unique. Everyone’s traditions are different, and learning about what makes Christmas Christmas for every family is fascinating.
Some families tend to stay home cozied up all season long. Kaitlyn Moran loves to “decorate her house and Christmas tree.” This tradition is shared among many families, making Moran’s Christmas special.
On the other hand, people may have more unique traditions that only some share. One student, Sophia Ventura, adores “waking up Christmas morning to find my dad dressed up in a giant Santa suit.” This unique tradition between her and her dad always “brought us closer and put us in the holiday mood.” Unique traditions such as these often bring families closer together and give them something special to connect over.
Students also have traditions that go beyond their home. Traditions often break the barriers of the homes around them and travel with the family. Another student, Bradie Hinson, loves to “Go downtown to ice skating and get hot chocolate to feel the Christmas spirit.” This tradition is one shared by many Plant students and holds a special place in many hearts. Due to our location in Tampa, it is often difficult to feel like it is Christmas time. Ice skating and drinking hot chocolate to warm up is a positive way to feel like it is the most wonderful time of year.
Similarly, other students have unique traditions of leaving Florida entirely. Kennede Hufnagle enjoys “traveling to Highlands, in North Carolina, and seeing my friends that are like family.” Sometimes, it is not the things or actions that make holidays unique but the people you get to see. Hufnagle connects her time to the Highlands to Christmas time, making it a perfect tradition to lift moods and surround herself with loved ones.
Traditions are what make people’s Christmas season unique. Whether it be getting out of town, looking at lights, opening presents, or spending time with loved ones, everyone has a tradition that makes this special time of year unique. Customs make us enjoy the special holidays these Plant students hold dear to their hearts and make their Christmas enjoyable.
What are your christmas traditions multimedia by Ella Reeves