Traditions shared with family and friends add a greater sense of excitement surrounding the approaching holiday season. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other celebrations offer families traditional or even unique activities for the family to enjoy together.
For University of Oregon students fortunate enough to practice traditions this holiday, they will perhaps realize deeper meaning to what would otherwise be ordinary activities. Some students, aside from those opening presents on Christmas morning, have different and unique traditions to look forward to this season.
Junior Hannah Behrens incorporates her Peruvian culture with her family’s Christmas celebration. Panettone, a bread-like dessert cake, is a Peruvian Christmas staple and a Behrens household must-have. “I always eat panettone and drink hot cocoa on Christmas Eve at 12 and open one present,” Behrens said.
The “pajama fairy” pays a visit to junior Tia Louise’s family each year. The siblings receive new pajamas along with their other Christmas gifts. “We always get new Christmas-themed pajamas. Also, we open a new ornament on Christmas Eve,” Louise said.
Traditions evolve from generation to generation. Grant Thackray’s holiday practice comes from his hometown Sant Cugat del Valles, Spain, and has developed as he has grown. Thackray’s family puts out a log, called a Tió de Nadal (Christmas uncle) propped up with a painted hat and face. On Christmas Eve, children cover the log with blankets and hit him with sticks while singing a special song. The next morning he “poops” out presents for the children. “Even though we don’t do the same beating up as we were children, we still have our little poop uncle, and we put him out on the hearth every Christmas,” Thackray said.
“Christmas is not that different from America,” said Jack Prendeville, an exchange student this term from Australia. The only difference is that it’s usually really hot and in the middle of our summer, so it might be more outdoor oriented.” Prendiville’s family gathers together outside to play a few rounds of cricket each holiday.
Aside from Christmas, Hanukkah brings distinct traditions all Jewish families typically follow. Laura Herman, a junior, celebrates Hanukkah with her family in San Diego every year. “I have a huge dinner where we invite tons of friends and family; it is like a Jewish Thanksgiving. We all help make the meal and light the candles for each night. It is a time when my family and I really come together and enjoy each other’s company,” Herman said.
Adding new traditions or practicing older favorites will provide bonding activities with loved ones when perhaps you have no other time to be together.
Follow Madison Adams on Twitter @msmadisonadams