People from many different cultures and ethnicities celebrate the winter and fall holidays in unique ways. Some people wear matching pajamas, some have special games, and some like to eat special types of foods. Many people like to go on trips with their family or friends. Going on trips during the holiday season creates memories to reflect on later in life. Some people like to celebrate Christmas with one popular Irish tradition. “We do a tradition where our dad hides an ornament in the Christmas tree,” said James Philpott, SA Freshman, “and we have to try and find it every morning.” When someone travels in other countries they might be able to experience holidays differently. “It’s a little different because you don’t get to do any of the same traditions,” said Philpott, “but you do a lot of different stuff and you get to see what other cultures do during those holidays.” Learning about different cultures can help foster a better understanding of why certain people celebrate holidays differently. Celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving abroad is just one unique way to spend the winter holidays, but there are many more. 

Another popular holiday is Diwali, celebrated mostly by Indian culture. Diwali is during the end of the harvest season and it celebrates the birth of Lakshmi, goddess of Wealth. The festival always occurs on a moonless night. Gifts are given, and many fireworks, candles, and fires are used to make the holiday special. “Each one of us opens gifts,” Freshman, Surya Christian said,   “and we put a little candle outside of our door to just keep the bad demons away.” Hinduism and Christianity have some common traditions. Christians like to celebrate the son of God on Christmas, while Hindu’s celebrate one of their gods. Diwali, just like Christmas, is a time to come together with family and enjoy each other’s presence. “Yes, we celebrate Diwali, basically on my whole side of my mom’s family, her sister, her brother, and their kids,” Christian said. “We all do a FaceTime together and they send gifts.” Overall, spending time with family to celebrate a special holiday is a perfect way to spend the season. “My favorite thing about the holiday season is getting to spend time with family and friends that I don’t get to see as often,” Junior Olivia Kent said, “and being around the fire with family, watching a Christmas movie.”