Kaylee Davis
Writer
During the holiday season, many people
have annual traditions that they partake
in, whether it is getting the family together
for Thanksgiving dinner, or simply taking
a trip with some close friends.
Junior Jackson Witt has one main holiday
tradition with his extended family, this
event occurring between Thanksgiving
and Christmas.
This celebration, named Thanksmas,
consists of Witt’s immediate family,
grandparents, cousins, aunt and uncle to
celebrate two of the most important holidays of the year.
“My family does Thanksmas because part
of them lives far away,” Witt explained. “I
like getting to see all of my family.”
Though many holiday traditions are centered around family, spending time with
friends is also common.
One student that always takes the chance
to spend time with his friends is sophomore Caleb Slaughter. Slaughter often
bonds with people over his love for music, these connections being both near
and far. On special occasions, a long distance friend of his visits to spend the day
with him and his friend group. The two are
able to spend the days playing music for
their friends.
“Me and Zachary love music so playing
together is nice,” Slaughter said. “Even
when it is weird instruments that we do
not know how to play.”
Annual traditions are important to many
lives, but some prefer the spontaneity
that comes with not focusing on them,
one of these people being senior Oliver
McInvale.
“I think that traditions are unimportant
because you can have just as much fun
and bonding by not doing the same thing
every year,” McInvale stated. “I think the
reason people like traditions is because
it gives them a reason to meet with their
family and friends, but I do not think you
need that reason..”
With some sticking to traditions and some
avoiding them completely, traditions have
changed over time.
Despite these changes that have, and will
continue to occur, the root of why people
celebrate them is the most important part.
The opportunity to spend quality time with
loved ones is what truly brings people together, whether it is annually, monthly or
just spontaneously.
People all across the world will continue
to connect and celebrate in their own
ways even when it may require adjustments.