By Siena Oliver, ’27

Staff Writer

The winter holiday season is a time of celebration for many around the world. Hanukkah is commemorated by many Jewish families Dec. 7-15. Bodhi is a Buddhist holiday celebrated Dec. 8. Las Posadas is a nine-day holiday for Latin American and Hispanic communities starting Dec. 16. Christmas is celebrated by Christians and countless non-religious families on Dec. 25, Kwanzaa begins for many African Americans on Dec. 26 and, of course, New Year’s Eve is Dec. 31.

Families often have fond memories or traditions associated with the holidays they celebrate. For some in the HHS community, music, family and food are central to their festivities.

Katy Oliver, the parent of a 9th grade student, remembers childhood outings to chop down the family Christmas trees.  “We would walk through the woods and it was so cold by the time we were done and (the tree) would be all scraggly,” she said. “And then we’d go and have hot chocolate.”

Sam Frattasio, a 9th grader, said his family attends the Plymouth and Boston Pops holiday concerts every year.

Mrs. McHugh, HHS librarian, for years has dedicated a weekend before Christmas to making dozens of batches of cookies with her sisters and daughter. “It was a way to honor our mom, who was a great baker, and spread some holiday cheer,” she said.

Billy Hersey, a freshman, talked about loving to bake sugar cookies with his family during the wintertime. 

I don’t have one specific favorite tradition; it’s more of a combination of a whole bunch of little ones. My family drives through town on Christmas Eve to look at lights; we then exchange pajamas; and my sister, my dad, and I lay in bed to tell a story like we used to when I was a little kid. I often look forward to Christmas Eve as one of the best days of the year because of there traditions. 

Families celebrate many different holidays this time of year, and even the same holiday can look different for every person. But special and unique traditions connect us to our families and friends, making our holiday celebrations more personal, fun, and meaningful.

Featured image: https://www.williamsnews.com/news/2017/dec/19/whats-behind-some-beloved-holiday-traditions/