As the cold weather sets in and the year comes to a close, there’s a magical feeling in the air. It’s that time of the year when the chilly wind and the familiar scent of hot cocoa and peppermint lingers, letting us know that the holiday season is just around the corner.
As we eagerly await the break from school, the warmth of family gatherings, and the joy of sharing moments with friends, let’s dive into the world of holiday traditions that bring people together globally.
Around the world, various cultures have their iconic celebrations. From Hanukkah’s glowing menorahs to Diwali’s diyas to the twinkling lights of the Christmas trees to the joyful anticipation of New Year’s Eve, these festivities bring people together during the winter. We all have our favorites, whether it’s the cozy feeling of decorating a tree, the excitement of gift-giving, or the delicious feasts that mark the holiday season.
Let’s take a peek into the holiday traditions of some of our very own GA students. We caught up with Roma Reddy ‘25 and Umang Mittal ‘25, who both shared the holiday activities they do with their family.
“I usually happen to celebrate Christmas, just because it’s popular, and I celebrate New Year’s Eve,” Reddy said. “Every Christmas Eve, I go to my aunt’s house and we make gingerbread houses and have a competition, and I’m usually never first.”
“We’ll put up a Christmas tree, do presents and stuff and will probably eat a bunch of food together,” Mittal said. “On Christmas Day, we would always go to my grandmother’s house and she would make any food for our family.”
Robby Bright ‘25 told us about his holiday traditions and how he celebrates a joyous Hanukkah with his family.
“So, we light the menorah, one candle on day one, and then two candles, and so on up to eight candles. Then we get gifts,” said Bright.
Ms. Sarah Lloyd, Upper School History Teacher, told us about the classic and cozy Christmases she spends with her family.
“My immediate family, the night before Christmas, we get Chinese food and watch an 80s movie. In the past it’s been “When Harry Met Sally” or “Animal House”,” Ms. Lloyd said. “Christmas morning, my mom makes the same breakfast casserole, and she wraps every single stocking stuffer, so we spend like 45 minutes unwrapping stockings.”
Adding a unique twist to the holiday season, we asked Mr. Roxie Bratton, Upper School History teacher, to share his holiday traditions.
“Our tradition is that my son and I go down to North Carolina to play some golf together and do a non-traditional sort of holiday. That helps me get through the holidays,” Mr. Bratton said.
While many embrace traditional festivities, some find equally meaningful joy in non-traditional activities and mark the holiday season as a truly diverse and personal experience for all.
Now, let’s dive into our own festive practices. I, Jessica Wang, embrace the holiday spirit with a pre-decorated Christmas tree that’s become a staple in my celebrations. And I, Neha Jonnalagadda, celebrate Christmas with gift exchanges and a fun-filled New Year’s gathering with cousins, complete with watching the ball drop and indulging in delicious food.
As we head into the most wonderful time of the year, we hope all of you find some time to enjoy your own unique holiday traditions!