The winter holidays are a time for festivities and traditions. Whether you’re binge watching the Lord of the Rings, or making Lefse with your family. There’s always something that’s to look forward to around the holidays.
Mr. Santiago’s holiday plans involve participating in a Posada, which is a Christmas tradition for many families in Mexican culture. “Basically a lot of families get together and we read parts of the bible.” was his explanation. This part of the tradition is only for the religious families, but all families will come and bring food, and have a potluck. This has been a tradition for Mr. Santiago since birth, and it’s something that his parents learned before coming to America. “I think it’s a great way to remember who your community is.” He said this is the reason why he keeps up with this tradition.
Sawyer Skogen’s Christmas tradition is making Lefsa with his family. Lefsa is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes. He says his family’s been making it pretty much since he was born. When asked why he kept up with the tradition, he responded with, “Because Lefsa is really good.” The holidays are a well known time for good food to be made, and this example is no different.
Mrs. White’s Thanksgiving tradition is a Mythical one. “ During the Thanksgiving time frame we re-watch the whole Lord of The Rings Series with all the directors’ extended additions and stuff.” Mrs. White and her husband have been married for twenty-one and a half years! This is a tradition over two decades long! When asked why she kept up with the tradition, Mrs. White’s response was this. “We are super Lord of The Rings fans, in fact that’s actually how me and my husband got together.” They would both write fan fiction, and were both huge fans, so they started to date.
Mrs. Fierro has many holiday classics she participates in every year. “ Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite food holiday so we always have a huge feast.” This is one of her holiday traditions. Another tradition she participates in is going out every year to cut down her Christmas tree with her family. She continually participates in these traditions, in hopes to pass them down to her children and have them participate in them as well.
Laura’s holiday traditions are spent in different groups. “Well for Thanksgiving one year I’ll celebrate it with my mom’s side of the family, and the next year I’ll celebrate it with my dad’s side of the family.” She’s been continuing this tradition since she was born. She likes to keep up with this tradition, because it allows her to see both sides of her family for the holidays.
Ree Owen celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas. She celebrates Thanksgiving with only her close family, her parents and her sister. Ree is Filipino, so for Christmas she does something called Simbang Gabi with her family, where she will go to church for seven days straight. She’s been keeping up with this tradition pretty much her whole life. When I asked her why she kept up with this tradition her response was “to stay up with my faith.”
All these people have some way to celebrate the winter holidays. Each is celebrated as a tradition that is kept up with for a reason. Lots of people enjoy these traditions enough to keep up with them. Some for over two decades!
