During Winter Break, many different special religious holidays occur. Some significant celebrations include Hanukkah (Nov. 28- Dec. 6), Las Posadas Day (Dec. 16- Dec. 24), Winter Solstice (Dec. 21), Soyal (Dec. 22), Christmas (Dec. 25), Kwanzaa (Dec. 26), and Bodhi Day (Jan. 10). Before break, decorations were put up all around campus to embrace the holidays. Upper School Alcott Day house lounge had a bountiful amount of decorations representing Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanza.
Each year, a number of GA students celebrate their own holiday traditions unique to their families. Kiran Bagga ‘25 says that her family “like[s] to make trips to New York City or other fun local spots.” McKenna Miller ‘25 generously makes homemade gifts for others. She says, “We make and paint ornaments, and my mom likes to make soap, bath, and body products for everyone.” Even when not celebrating a holiday like Christmas, people certainly don’t miss out on the fun during the holidays. Fariah Kemp ‘25, who celebrates Muslim traditions, says, “We don’t celebrate Christmas, but my friends and I make gingerbread houses and have a gift exchange.” All these traditions celebrated by GA students give us a great perspective of what families might be doing all over the world and especially in our own community.
Students aren’t the only ones with awesome traditions — teachers have fun too! Ms. Dakota Carol, Associate Athletics Director of GA, says that she and her family enjoy a fondue night on Christmas Eve with multitudes of cheeses. She says, “You feel terrible afterwards, but it’s so worth it!” Mr. Christopher Horner, GA Orchestra Teacher and Conductor, has a huge Italian dinner with his family, with the main course traditionally being seven different fishes! Mr. Horner’s family partakes in this tradition and also makes yams and cranberry sauce to enjoy. Mr. Horner also has a particularly memorable tradition, which happened to inspire him to pursue a music career. He and his family throw a mini orchestra concert on Christmas Day, where they play and sing Christmas carols, and Mr. Horner says, “That’s what got me into music.” Traditions can go a long way to shape a person’s life.
Religions and traditions celebrated by GA students and faculty are vastly different and memorable. Whether it be taking trips, making crafts and music, or eating a whole lot of cheese, all these GA community members have a fun way to spend their holidays every year. No matter the differences, holiday traditions can make winter break the best part of the year.