Holiday Traditions : Out With the Ordinary, In With the Extraordinary

By: Karlee Slone

     Hot chocolate around the fire, Christmas music on the radio, and cranberry sauce makes everyone think of the same thing: holidays. Many families have similar ways of celebrating, with stockings hung and a ham on the table. However, many would be surprised to see how much variation there is in a small town like Culver. 

     “We have Yule where essentially we celebrate the old Gods and the coming of Skadi the Winter Goddess,” said sophomore Grai Helmke. “My dad has this gigantic goat horn that he fills to the top with ale. He has to drink it all in one go without putting it down.” 

     Traditions are a large part of the holiday season, with every family owning a different set. Some traditions are more formal like those coming from religions or membership groups. Others, however, have been created by families to be passed down over generations. 

     “Every Christmas Eve we go to my grandma’s and she makes us play little games she made to win our presents,” noted junior Jonas McCuen. “They get very competitive.”

     The holiday season is one that brings a feeling of familiarity to everyone around. It brings together families and friends, and gives a time to commemorate memories and give thanks. But no matter how you celebrate, there’s one thing that ties everyone together; the holiday meal. 

     “At one of my Christmases we always have dumplings and some sort of Chinese food,” said sophomore Ava Taylor. “Then we go eat oyster soup and chili at my grandparents’ house.”

     There are thousands of holidays celebrated around the world, each of which is designed for its own meaning. But of the most important things about these celebratory days is the feeling behind them. Whether it be religious, family oriented, or simply for fun, everyone has a reason for loving the holidays.

     “Holidays are about spending time with loved ones, celebrating traditions, and taking a break to appreciate the important things in life,” said sophomore Lilly Kuykendoll.