The Holiday Season is a special time for many— a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious treats, and spread the feeling of cheer. From the simple ones, to the time-honored traditions, many teens in the area have special ways they celebrate this holiday season.
Lauryn Stone, an eighth grader here in Noblesville says one of her favorite traditions is opening Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. “Sometimes they’re matching…[and] sometimes they’re not,” Stone said.
“We always hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first one to find it is the first one that gets to open their pajamas.”
Italy Sage, a junior at NHS also celebrates the holidays with traditions centered around family bonding, although in a more traditional fashion. This is special to her because it brings her closer to her family members during the holidays.
“Me and my family, we all eat breakfast together before we open presents.” Italy said. Similarly, Italy explains they also take turns opening presents so that each member of the family has their moment to celebrate each other’s gifts and interests. “I like that because it’s nicer to see what everybody got instead of just being focused on the presents you received,” Italy said.
McKay Grondel says one of his family traditions is making gingerbread houses. This is a great way for him to reconnect with his siblings and family and makes for great memories and storytelling over the years.
“It starts when we go to Dollar Tree and spend copious amounts of money on cheap candy to build the colorful candy mansions…it’s one of the best memories I have,” McKay said.
Other than Christmas traditions, Paela Madsen, a junior, says her family celebrates Santa Lucia Day, a Swedish holiday dating back to the 1700s, where the eldest daughter gets up early, puts on a white dress and a candle crown, and prepares baked goods to give to her family when she wakes them up.
“To me, Christmas is meant to point people to Christ. Being the eldest daughter, Santa Lucia Day is special to me because I feel as if I am bringing the light of Christ to those around me,” Paela said.
From Christmas to Santa Lucia Day, there are many fun traditions that teens are already practicing, and many traditions that you can start anytime. If there is one thing to know, it is that it is never too late to start a tradition. A tradition doesn’t always have to be centuries old to be fun.
“The quality time with family [and] if everyone’s having a good time and enjoying themselves [makes a tradition worth celebrating],” Gabriella Petersohn said.
So start small! Play a game! Hide a pickle! Pick a historical heritage to explore! Soon that holiday fun might turn into a timeless tradition that you and your family will remember for years to come.
