Heartwarming Holidays: Students Share Their Favorite Family Traditions

As the winter holidays approach, students and their families are seeking to have as normal of a winter break as possible at the end of one of the world’s craziest years. Many families have holiday traditions specific to their home to help them enjoy the holiday season. For Olivia Leggett ‘22, going to see her town’s Christmas lights is always on her family’s winter break agenda.

“Every Christmas Eve, we drive around and look at all the Christmas lights in all the neighborhoods around us,” she says. “It started when we were really little because my brothers and I️ would always fall asleep in the car, so they could just drive us around and put us to bed pretty early.”

Although it started as a ploy to get the kids to bed early, Leggett says, “We still do it now, even though we’re all basically adults.” She loves that it’s a tradition that her close family shares, as that makes it even more special.

Hana Hofeld ‘22 also shares what her family does to make the holidays so special. “Every year since I was little, my family has hosted a Hanukkah party at our house,” she explains. “We have one night where the entire family is together to celebrate and the rest of the nights we celebrate by lighting candles with just my immediate family.”

Finally, Ethan Walsh ‘22 explains his family’s special tradition. “We always wait to decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, and then my sister or I will put the star on top!” Although Walsh’s family waits to decorate their tree until the 24th, they get the tree and place the lights early in the month so they can enjoy it throughout December.

“My favorite part has to be decorating. We usually have some snacks out, drink some eggnog, and we all place ornaments that we’ve had for over 20 years so it’s always nostalgic,” shares Walsh. He explains that his family has never explicitly called this a tradition, but it’s something they do every year.

Holidays this year may feel a little different, but relaxing with family after a stressful semester is sure to help bring the holiday cheer. Let us know your traditions by tagging @theedgemag on Instagram.