The snow is falling, holiday events are starting and families are beginning to gather together. It is the most wonderful time of the year?for family traditions.
It’s not traditions like arguing with siblings about who got the most presents, or fighting over who gets the wishbone, but traditions that families undertake each year in order to bond with one another and create memories that last a lifetime.
Perhaps you are newly married and you don’t have any traditions yet. Or maybe you are single and have no idea what type of traditions that you would like to start. But according to many U students, it doesn’t matter when you start them?or what you do?as long as you have them.
“Christmas itself is a tradition,” said Jesse Migliori, a chemistry graduate student. “Traditions are a matter of obtaining one’s identity and discovering who we are.”
Many students also pointed out that traditions are essential because they can be beneficial.
“Traditions give us something to look forward to,” Brienne Allan, a biochemistry student, explained. “We always know that this is what we will be doing each year. It helps bring families together.”
“Traditions help make the family unit stronger,” added Heather Raddatz, a math education student.
Many students may have holiday traditions that they share with their families and friends. Some of these traditions have been practiced since they were children living at home, other traditions have just been started.
A common theme among many students’ traditions is just doing things that everyone can enjoy together.
“We always go skiing on Thanksgiving morning,” said Briton Bailey, a biology major.
“On Christmas Eve, we drive around and look at the Christmas lights,” Migliori said. “Then we come home and have hot chocolate and egg nog.”
Teryl Metcalf’s family has a Christmas Eve party every year. “We invite family and friends and enjoy the holiday spirit,” the education student said.
“Every Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas story and we get to open one present,” Allan said.
In the holiday spirit of giving and charity, some traditions also include service.
“My family and I usually go and sing Christmas carols at the hospital on Christmas Eve,” Raddatz explained.
As the U prepares for the holiday festivities, it’s apparent that traditions are as widespread and unique as the students themselves.
But whatever traditions you have, just make sure you cherish them. Although you might not want to get all dressed up and go to Aunt Ida’s house, Aunt Ida’s house may provide you and your family with memories to cry over and laugh at for the rest of your lives!