Family traditions are a huge part of Christmas that makes it the heartfelt holiday that it is. These traditions give people something to look forward to each year, during the holiday season. Here are some family traditions of the St. Dominic students and faculty. 

“I go over to my great great aunt’s house and she makes lasagna. After dessert, all the kids put their pajamas on. Then, my mom reads the Polar Express and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to all the kids,” Junior Maddie Hunsel said.

No matter how old you are, these traditions bring people that same joy they felt as a kid again. Certain books, movies, and dishes give people a sense of nostalgia every year.

“We do one present on Christmas Eve to get my kids fired up for Christmas morning. My kids get legos every year, and the day after I build all the legos with them,” Mr. Tock said. 

A lot of families partake in the tradition of only opening up a select amount of presents on Christmas Eve. Some families have their kids open up three presents, just like the three gifts of the Wise Men. Mr. Tock building legos with his kids every year, is a beautiful example of a timeless Christmas tradition. 

“Every year, my family gathers together on Christmas Eve and makes cookies together. We always have a contest to see who made the best looking cookie,” Junior Brooke Penrod said. 

What would Christmas be without the delicious homemade cookies? Christmas cookies are a common tradition that many families do. A lot of the time, these delectables are used for the milk and cookies layed out for Santa to eat. A cookie making contest is a great way to have some fun holiday fun. 

“My dad is a firefighter so he works Christmas Eve. It’s just me, my brother and mom. We go to mass with my moms parents as well as her siblings. We then eat my moms homemade lasagna and watch the movie Elf,” Senior Elise Kehoe said. 

Christmas Eve mass shows us what the true meaning of Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus Christ. This mass is filled with beautiful music, and readings every year. It’s a great way to celebrate the deeper meaning of Christmas, and not just focus on the presents and activities. 

“On December 23rd, my family and I watch Christmas movies with hot chocolate, and then all sleep out by the Christmas tree in the living room,” Junior Jack Jones said. 

All together, Christmas is a way to spend time with loved ones and reflect on the birth of Christ together. There are so many wonderful family traditions, but these are just a few examples of how St. Dominic students and faculty celebrate this joyous season.