As temperatures start to drop, the days shorten, and the festive season approaches, the most wonderful time of the year is upon us!
by Madison Cook | Staff Writer
What makes this season extraordinary besides the break from school, mouthwatering treats, and an abundance of presents? Why do so many cherished family moments arise during this time? The answer is clear: Traditions. Each of us holds dear personal customs, whether they seem nostalgic or playful. From Elf on the Shelf to the anticipation of Christmas cookies waiting for Santa, or indulging in latkes while spinning the dreidel, these annual rituals create a unique holiday spirit among our friends and family. Be they long-standing or newly formed, these practices unite us, fostering memorable experiences.
With the holidays fast approaching, it’s an ideal opportunity to reflect on and celebrate these meaningful traditions.
Which holiday traditions hold a special place in your heart?
TWEENS SHARE THEIR TRADITIONS
“Every Thanksgiving, my grandparents take my family and me on a beach trip for the week. They initiated this tradition even before my arrival. It’s incredible to spend this time with my extended family, and we often skip typical holiday meals. Sometimes we enjoy Costa Rican rice and beans along with watermelon instead!”– Zoe Bell, 7th grader, Parkhill Jr. High (seen below with her extended family)
“One of my favorite holiday customs involves spending quality time with my loved ones. Last year, our family started a new tradition with a large Hanukkah gathering. Exchanging white elephant gifts turned out to be a highlight!”– Sophia Weiss, 6th grader, Renner Middle School
“On New Year’s Eve, my relatives—cousins, aunts, uncles, and even my great-grandmother—gather at my grandmother’s for a festive celebration. We sing karaoke (regardless of talent!), dance, and enjoy sparkling apple cider. We never miss watching the Times Square Ball drop at midnight in New York City on television as we welcome the new year.”– Lily Russell, 6th Grade, Prince of Peace Christian School & Early Learning Center
TEENS SHARE THEIR TRADITIONS
“A cherished holiday routine of mine is participating in the Turkey Trot prior to our family heading to the Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving Day. We always arrive hours in advance, gathering with friends to tailgate before the kick-off. Everyone brings their favorite dishes—turkey, sides, and pies—to share. Starting with a 5K allows us to indulge guilt-free.”– Blake Heckel, Junior, Jesuit School (depicted above with his brothers, Kyle and Ben, at the Turkey Trot).
“Every year, my entire family journeys to my grandparents’ home in Atlanta. We embark on a family hike and engage in an art project created by my artist grandmother, often involving painting small canvases that she showcases together. On Thanksgiving, we all collaborate in the kitchen. The highlight is snapping a family photo on the stairs with all the grandkids.” –Carly Miller Mandel, Junior, Plano West Senior High School (shown below on the stairs with her cousins)
COLLEGE STUDENTS SHARE THEIR TRADITIONS
“Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, not only due to the gifts but also the family time and special traditions we uphold. The day after Thanksgiving, we put up the tree and adorn our home. Throughout December, our house fills with the scent of homemade candy and baked delicacies. I treasure the moments spent cooking together, sharing laughs, and creating memories that I aim to pass down to my future family.” – Sara Sorge, Freshman, Texas Tech University
“On Christmas morning, we get everyone up early, open gifts, enjoy my mom’s famous Christmas Casserole, and continue with an all-day movie marathon that includes Elf and Christmas Vacation. I cherish these moments shared with my family without distractions, envisioning such traditions in my own future family.” – Corbin Dotson, Junior, Texas Woman’s University
“With my wedding approaching, the prospect of continuing traditions and establishing new ones with my fiancé fills me with excitement. Regardless of what we create, I’m certain that Cody and I will participate in my family’s annual Christmas Eve gatherings. My family, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins, share a delightful evening filled with a big meal, Christmas films, and enjoying each other’s company.”– Sarah Gerken, Senior, Texas Woman’s University
“My hopes for the future involve continuing family traditions like board games, volunteering at holiday charity events, and sledding across icy streets in pick-up trucks, ensuring that the magic of Christmas lives on in our family.” – Deryl Tschoerner, Sophomore, UTD
“As I reflect on my college experience, I plan to nurture holiday traditions that resonate with both my American upbringing and my Indian heritage. Every year, I’ll celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween, as they’ve significantly shaped my life. In terms of my Indian roots, I’m committed to honoring Diwali and Holi with my family. For Diwali, I’ll illuminate our home with lights, candles, and firecrackers. For Holi, I’ll join my family in colorful celebrations.”– Kabir Ahluwalia, Freshman, SMU
RODRIGOSAFFILIATES STAFF SHARE THEIR TRADITIONS
“Each holiday season, I purchase a Christopher Radko ornament for my children. Some reflect their current passions (like basketball or dance), while others may highlight the charity ornament of the year if it resonates with us, or simply seasonal themes. Witnessing their joy as they unveil each ornament while we decorate the tree is priceless. Those expressions of happiness are precious, particularly at a time when such moments can feel rare with teens!”– Melissa Chaiken, Section Editor, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“I have a tradition where I either buy or craft an ornament for each of my sons annually to symbolize our lives. This way, when they start their own Christmas trees, they’ll have ornaments filled with memories. Our tree is teeming with stories.”– Tricia White, Managing Editor, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“We host a cookie decorating party with the whole family: making traditional sugar cookies adorned with various toppings and buttercream frosting. As the kids grow, we’ve started adding cocktails to our festivities a little, and occasionally our cookie designs take a humorous turn. But it’s always a good time filled with laughter and indulgence!”– Bobbie Ames, Food & Entertainment Editor, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“On Thanksgiving, my family attends the Cowboys game. It’s a blessing that none of us are particularly fond of turkey, as we rarely have time to prepare one. Instead, I’m recognized for my delicious lemon rosemary roasted chicken that resembles a tiny turkey! It’s our Thanksgiving staple.”– Kim Brown, Advertising & Marketing Manager, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“Each Thanksgiving, even after a big family lunch, my husband and I host a formal Thanksgiving dinner. We enlist our children’s help in setting a beautiful table and dress up to dine by candlelight, making it a special time to share gratitude and discuss how we can use our blessings to help others throughout the holiday season.”– Beth Donahue, Creative Director, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“My family always takes the lead in hosting holiday gatherings, resulting in a massive Thanksgiving feast for everyone, which involves cooking all day. Yet, my favorite is the Christmas party, where each gift remains anonymous, and we play a white elephant game to unveil the presents. I appreciate how it alleviates the pressure of gift-giving, allowing us to focus on quality time together.”– Savannah Peer, Digital Manager, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“In the past, I would visit my children’s classes to read the story of Chanukah, teach how to play the dreidel game, and distribute chocolate gelt. Now that they are older, we play dreidel at home, and I prepare enough potato latkes to ensure everyone is well-fed throughout all eight days of Chanukah.”– Tracy Graivier Bell, Senior Copy Editor, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“Despite being divorced, we’ve consistently agreed to share Christmas mornings as a family. Whoever has the kids that year will have the other parent come over (in their pajamas) for a big breakfast together before we open gifts.”– Amy Levenson Krumholz, Fashion Editor, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
“One of my family’s longest-standing traditions is hosting a large Chanukah celebration with family and friends. We adorn our home with our children’s holiday artwork and handmade menorahs. Our menu features traditional Chanukah dishes like potato pancakes and brisket. But the highlight remains crafting dessert, especially marshmallow dreidels. This began as a complex art project with our toddlers and transformed into precious, mini masterpieces we create quickly now, embodying my favorite hour of the holiday season.” – Pidgeon, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief, Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine
