Non-traditional traditions

“It’s more than just a walk. It’s a revitalization of love between family.” This is how senior Katayoon Anoushiravani describes her family’s unique holiday tradition. “We go by the ocean sometimes in San Francisco and look at the Christmas lights glimmering in the background,” she says. “The waves and the frozen cold air and our bundled up scarves, [with] laughter and bliss, [we soak] in what the holidays are really about. There’s nothing commercial about it. That’s what I love most.”

Many Aragon students, like Anoushiravani, participate in holiday traditions that stray from the traditional path of tree decorating, menorah lighting, or gift giving.

Some students travel to carry on traditions. “We go eat brunch at this place in Arizona every year for Christmas morning and then we go take pictures and open presents at my grandparents’ [house],” says junior Keaton Gee. Similarly, junior Yash Kaiwar says, “I’m going to India which I’ve done the last few years during the winter. The last new year’s I spent in India I was with some friends and we went to his apartment roof and brought speakers, played music, and danced to celebrate.”

Others celebrate the holidays by following traditions of a different culture. “We celebrate Día de los Rayes,” says senior Andrea Cardona. “We put out our shoes in front of our doorstep and we get candy in them. [The tradition symbolizes] when the three kings came to visit Jesus and they took off their shoes [as a sign of respect] and gave him presents.”

In some cases, the method of gift giving is altered to match a family’s unique style of celebration. While many utilize Christmas stockings for smaller presents, senior Allison Griffith says, “We do this thing were small gifts are placed in a “chimney” made of cardboard and each gift is attached to a string. Each kid gets [one]. An adult lifts the chimney as you pull the string for your gift and then you open it to see what it is.”

A change in food options is another method families choose to commemorate the holidays. Sophomore Faris Zumot identifies with his Jordanian culture and indulges in its traditional foods. “We eat mansaf. It’s rice with a milky yogurt and lamb and if you want you can add almonds.”

Others switch to different types of food simply for a change of taste. Regarding Thanksgiving dishes, sophomore Noe Jimenez explains, “My mom noticed that there was a lot of turkey left over, so now we eat chicken instead.”

And yet for some, it is not only the type of food, but the time it is eaten. “We have a big dinner the day before Christmas and we don’t eat meat. It’s part of the Christian religion,” explains sophomore Svetoslav Stoev.

However, despite all of these traditions, senior Ariana Sacchi explains that the true meaning of the holidays is about more just than the quirky customs. “I get to spend time with the family and [eat] delicious meals of course. We all spend time talking about stories from previous years and we just have a good time all together.”