Everyone has some type of winter holiday traditions with either family or cultural traditions. Winter traditions across culture show that the holiday season becomes more meaningful when every story is included and celebrated.
When you think of traditions for the winter season what comes to mind, every winter celebration looks different for every family, but each tradition carries a special meaning that brings everyone closer together. At the school, staff and students want to hear and learn about different cultures to see what is different and similar but also what is their meaning of the winter holidays. The conversations revealed a wide variety, and it shaped their culture, identity, and even their family life. People always do different things during this holiday season, some forget the real meaning of their holiday and what it really means, this year is the time your family comes together and celebrates together. You can even start a new family tradition and pass it down to your next generation.
Mr. Muck describes how Hanukkah plays an important role in connecting him to his heritage. He shared that lighting the menorah is a tradition he hopes future generations will continue. “Lighting the hanukah candles is something my family has always done,” he explained. He said that the holiday season makes him grateful, thankful, and connected to his loved ones.
Mr Thompson spoke about his family’s winter tradition of choosing a tree together every year and cutting it down with a saw. He mentioned that he loves the idea of cutting down a real tree every year with his family. He said that this simple activity brings his family closer and gives them time to enjoy each other during the busy season. “ It’s the only time we can all be together as a family and enjoy the holidays,” he shared. For his religion. Though he’s a christian an example is that he celebrates Jesus’s birthday and even likes to get a cake for him in honor.
Although this was only two types of cultures and religion there are so many more that get celebrated during the season. But I feel the real meaning behind all of them is family and love. You can have a big tradition or small tradition and it still has the same meaning. Learning that during this season it’s not about one culture or religion its about all of them that people celebrate it and why it’s meaningful to them and their thoughts on it.
