Every holiday season, every celebration is a vibrant arena of diverse traditions. From the festive lights of Christmas to the rich heritage of Kwanzaa, our fellow Sharks bring these celebrations to a different level with their stories. They don’t just showcase their unique customs but also the mouthwatering foods that make each holiday truly special. Our fellow Sharks share stories about their holiday traditions, from unique customs to cultural foods.
Many of us eagerly look forward to the special celebrations that bring warmth and joy during winter. With a keen interest in learning about different traditions, I asked, “What unique traditions do you and your family celebrate during this festive season?”
“A tradition I do with my family is making pork tamales. Seeing my family eat them always makes me happy.” -Jacob Perez (10).
“I love to light the candles on the Kinara for Kwanzaa and the Karamu Ya Imani, a feast on the 30th which is the last night. This is when all the candles are lit.” -Zoe Barksdale (9).
“During the winter, we celebrate Christmas. We stay up till midnight talking and playing board games!” -Hiba Korakkottil(10).
The excitement of winter celebrations often begins with the preparations. How do you typically prepare for these celebrations?
“On my dad’s side, during the celebration, I decorate and clean. For my mom’s side, I don’t do anything.”
“I like to make beaded bracelets, anklets, and necklaces with the three main colors of Kwanzaa: red, black, and green to show festivity. I do it a bit differently from others because I celebrate alone to learn more about my African roots.”
“I prepare by going shopping, cooking with my family, and helping them set up the Christmas lights outside.”
Food is at the heart of any celebration, especially during the winter months. The aromas and flavors of special dishes evoke cherished memories and create new ones, bringing people together in warmth and tender love. Traditional foods often carry stories through generations. Whether it’s a family recipe or a cultural delicacy. Are there any special foods you look forward to during these festivities?
“Pork tamales are so good!! Catch me each three with some horchata and some conchas.”
“We made home-cooked dishes. There’s lots of fruits, vegetables, and corn.”
“I always have the sugar cookies and a bunch of other desserts. They’re store-bought but delicious!”
Every celebration has its unique customs and rituals that make it special. Do you follow any unique customs?
“The night before Christmas, my family and I stay until midnight to open gifts with the family, and we celebrate by hugging each other and then opening our gifts!”
“Just lighting a candle each day. Each candle represents something different, and I try to apply that to my life during the week.”
“My family and I always go around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights!”
Many holidays have decorations that transform spaces into festive wonderlands. What kind of decorations do you use to enhance the atmosphere?
“My family sets up lights and candles. A special flower is the Poinsettias that are around my house.”
“Not much because I celebrate alone. But the candles obviously and the bracelets and jewelry.”
“We use string lights and wrap them around the front bushes and flower stems to embrace the Christmas spirit.”
Celebrating winter traditions can evoke a range of emotions. What do you feel when you celebrate these special occasions?
“I feel so happy because all of my family drama stops. Everyone finally gets along with each other.”
“I feel good because I love learning more about my history and the celebrations of where I come from. It helps me to connect with my roots.”
“I feel really happy and relieved around Christmas time as if I’m in a fever dream.
Finally, everyone has a favorite part of their celebrations. What is your favorite part of celebrating these events?
“I just like spending time with my family and since I am still improving on my Spanish, I like talking with my grandma and grandpa and learning more about them.”
“My favorite part is how I feel because I love that I do something different and meaningful to myself for the holidays.”
“My favorite part of celebrating is being able to let go of the academic pressure and enjoy the presence of my family and friends.”
With these interviews in mind, winter celebrations remind us of the enduring power of connection, transforming the coldest time of year into a season of warmth and joy. Each celebration with its unique customs and festive foods, highlights the diversity in our school. For example, Zoe shared her talent for making beaded bracelets, while Jacob talked about making tamales with his family. These interviews also highlighted the diversity and richness of cultural heritage, such as walking with family around the neighborhood to see Christmas lights or lighting candles on a Kinara. As we come together with family and friends to celebrate, we create lasting memories and strengthen bonds that unite us. No matter how we celebrate, the season’s spirit reminds us about connections and bonds that make this time of year truly special.
