Christmas is just around the corner, and it is the popular choice as people’s favorite holiday for many reasons. The number one reason most people look forward to Christmas is often because of the gifts under the Christmas tree. While receiving gifts is fun, it is important to think about traditions that are celebrated along with the holidays as well. Many families celebrate a variety of holiday traditions.
According to the site EF Academy, the top 10 holiday traditions in the United States include decorating the tree, baking cookies, writing a letter to Santa, seeing Christmas lights, building gingerbread houses, singing Christmas carols, exchanging gifts, wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, watching holiday movies, and spending time with loved ones. These are just a few examples of holiday traditions celebrated in the United States; however, there are many more that a family could celebrate. Every household celebrates differently, so the Kings’ Courier asked the students of Lewis Cass about some of their favorites.
Personally, my family plays euchre every year at our great-grandparents’ house as our holiday tradition. We also have a tradition where we watch Home Alone all together on Christmas morning. According to the Lewis Cass student and staff survey, the top holiday tradition celebrated is spending time with the people they love. Time is a huge factor in life, as many people do not have extra time on their hands to visit with their family often. This is why it is important to spend quality family time during the holiday season. The second-highest category according to the survey was watching Christmas movies. There are so many Christmas movies people can watch, which also goes along with watching them with the people they love. Christmas movies help make people feel jolly and in good spirits for the holidays. Next on the survey was baking cookies. Baking cookies coincides with spending time with loved ones because bakers can make cookies with friends and family.
According to the staff and high school students, decorating the Christmas tree is the next-ranked favorite holiday tradition. I personally do not enjoy decorating the tree because it takes a lot of time and effort. However, I am glad some of the students and staff here at Cass do. Exchanging gifts was next on the list after decorating the tree. Exchanging gifts is fun around the holidays because people get to spoil the people they love. Also, looking at the Christmas lights on the survey was ranked next. Looking at Christmas lights can bring a smile to so many faces during the holidays. I know I enjoy looking at Christmas lights, and so do many others at Cass. The last holiday tradition not typically celebrated is singing Christmas carols. I believe this tradition is not celebrated as much because of the winter weather and people wanting to stay inside.
In conclusion, Christmas is a time full of spending time with family and friends. The students and staff here at Cass have a variety of different holiday traditions they enjoy. Overall, Christmas traditions can look different for every household, but help bring joy and happiness.
