Fairfax CASA’s Holiday Traditions
The holiday season is quickly approaching and with it the heartwarming moments that come with celebrating with family and friends. Our staff members embraced the approaching festivities by revealing their favorite holiday traditions shared with their loved ones. From festive decorations to cultural customs, read on to learn more about our members’ joyous traditions.
Amy has a unique tradition she was introduced to by her husband, Edmond’s, family. Every holiday gift in their household used to contain jokes. While the joke would create a humorous atmosphere the joke would also serve as a hint to what the gift is. The tradition has continued, including Amy’s family in the tradition.
“We love it because we get to put corny jokes on things and make each other laugh,” Amy shared.
While some traditions are created by family or friends, many traditions are instilled through culture. In Emily’s family, she has combined her husband’s Latin American traditions with her cultural traditions to expose their children to both as they grow older.
“On Christmas Eve, we stay up until midnight with my husband’s family, and we each open one present, because that’s how he did it growing up in Peru. On Christmas morning, I make Swedish crepes with lingonberries while the kids open the rest of their presents, because that’s what my (Swedish) father always did to celebrate,” Emily said.
Emily also reflected on an enjoyable experience she had as a child. In July, Emily’s family would always watch the 1987 film Frankie and Annette: Back to the Beach around her father’s birthday as a way to kick-off their own beachy vacation.
Emily added, “We kept this tradition up with him even after I had kids, and now that he is gone we still do it before our annual beach trip.”
A cultural tradition Fabi and her family take part in is one that originated in Spain that some of Latin America later adopted. When the countdown to midnight begins on December 31st, everyone eats 12 grapes to welcome the New Year—each one representing a wish for the New Year.
In addition to their New Year’s tradition, Fabi’s family also watches Planes, Trains and Automobiles every Thanksgiving without fail. Similarly, every Christmas Eve they watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
“I’ve seen both what seems like hundreds of times, but I love watching it anyway. It really gets everyone in the holiday spirit,” Fabi said.
A cultural tradition Darcy is a part of hails from Boston. Everyone receives lottery tickets in their stockings.
“We call them “scratchers,” but they are pronounced ‘scratch-Ahs,’” Darcy said amusingly.
In her family, each child received four lottery tickets in their stockings. If the family member received anything under $50, they kept the money for themselves. Anything more than $50 had to be split with the house.
Along with their cultural tradition, Darcy’s familial tradition is ornaments.
“I buy everyone in the house their own Christmas ornament every year for the tree. They are super tailored to each person. I put the year on the back,” Darcy added. “My goal is for the kids to have a lot of ornaments someday, for their own tree.”
Corrine has a similar tradition that serves as a large part of holiday festivities: decorating. One of her favorite family traditions is decorating her home for the holidays as she anticipates the holiday season.
“I cherish the memories of having family and friends gathering. Whether we are playing Guesstures or a card game, the joy is in the connections made and the importance of love, laughter, and togetherness,” Corrine articulated.
The holiday season is a time for joy, love, and cherished traditions. As our staff members shared their unique customs, it’s clear that these traditions are more than just rituals; they are the threads that weave together the fabric of family and friendship. From humorous gift-giving to heartwarming cultural practices, these traditions create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. As we approach the holidays, let’s embrace the spirit of these traditions and create new ones of our own.
The holiday season brings an opportunity to cherish the traditions and cultures that make everyone unique. As our staff members shared their unique customs, it’s clear that these traditions are more than just rituals, they are rich experiences resulting in laughter and love. As you celebrate this season, may you find warmth in your own traditions or be inspired to create new ones!