The winter holidays are the time to cuddle close to the fire, hot chocolate in hand, surrounded by one’s closest family and friends. The Christmas tree in the corner twinkles its lights and ornaments, while the scent of peppermint and candy wafts through one’s nose. At least, normally. This year, things may be a bit different.
With the rise of COVID-19 cases around the world, notably in America, families are being forced to hold back from the regular customs they take part in. Whether these include, visiting family or baking cookies with a group of friends, millions of people must take precautions for holidays unlike normal. Nevertheless, this does not mean people are unable to continue their regular holiday traditions; instead, things may just have to be switched around. Adjusting one’s traditions to fit what seems to be the norm nowadays can be difficult, but with an open mind, it can be done without trouble. A common tradition that may not be as possible this year due to the virus, includes a large dinner with those someone loves.
“All of the neighbors would come to my house and they would bring their own dish for dinner and after that, we would go to my aunt’s house for dessert,” senior, Sofia Feinstein, said about a tradition she normally has during the holiday season.
Dinners or lunches with the people close to you are exciting ways to spend the holidays and can be a fun way to get to know those around you on a deeper level. With COVID still taking its toll, there are several solutions to replace big family dinners, an option not quite suitable for many. Through the use of apps such as Facetime and Skype, families are able to speak with each other through a screen, different to face to face but an interesting alternative.
“I also celebrate Chanukkah and we try to celebrate it with family so … I love that it brings family together and people I haven’t seen in a very long time,” Feinstein continued.
In a survey by Kohl’s and conducted by OnePoll of 2000 Americans, 5% of respondents stated that they have a fun, quirky tradition they take part in each year.
“My family does a 30-minute target gift run on Christmas eve, we each get random names in the family and we have $20 to buy them a gift. We then open the present up that night in front of everyone. The presents are usually not very serious and are just supposed to be funny,” sophomore, Jack Hamil said.
Interesting and enjoyable traditions can be proven to play a significant role in one’s life; a simple reminder of the influence traditions may have. Through Kohl’s poll, another 73% of Americans agreed that holiday traditions are important to them.
“I love the traditions that we have because they help to remind me that it’s ok to be young and to have joy in your heart,” Hamil said.
Over 50% of those who took part in the holiday poll, later claimed that they watch one’s favorite Christmas movie during the holiday seasons as a simple tradition. Whether this is before the Christmas holiday itself, or on the day of, this common custom seems to be important to those all throughout America.
“Also during Christmas me and my family get up early so we can open presents and make a big breakfast after, while we watch ‘The Christmas Story’,” Feinstein included.
52% of the respondents noted that they work to replicate the holiday season from their childhood. Holiday traditions can be noted as nostalgic and sentimental due to the reminder of the importance of being a child and the innocence one once had. Through the continuation of these traditions, one is able to experience the simplicity of their life as a child, no matter their age.
“I love the traditions that we have because they help to remind me that it’s ok to be young and to have joy in your heart,” Hamil concluded.