The holiday season is fast approaching, its traditions having a high meaning to many people. To many, it has adopted a larger significance for the celebration of family and friends. Others view Christmas in its origins, either the celebration of Christ, or the Pagan Festival of Yule. Some people celebrate Christmas on the 24th, while others stay true to December 25th.
Coronado’s teachers have opened up about the festive traditions that make their holiday season merry and bright.
Mr. Holland, an English and Visual Media Analysis teachers, recalls a very unique tradition he celebrated as a kid.
“Well, when I was younger, my parents would make us stay at the top of the stairs [on Christmas day] and play The Little Drummer Boy and we couldn’t come down until Drummer Boy was finished,” Holland said.
The gift openings were also very calm, Holland recalled how peaceful, yet exciting Christmas was for him and his two older sisters.
“Then we could see our presents, we would open them one at a time,” Holland said, “One person opens a present, then someone else,”.
For Holland and his sisters, the excitement came from the anticipation.
“I think it was to build the anticipation while calming the chaos” Holland said, “We would calm down our excitement and open presents slowly and one by one,”.
To kids, Christmas is a time for gifts and hundreds of family photos, but not everyone makes Christmas a big parade. Christmas to many means quality time off work to reflect and participate in hobbies they love.
Mr. Araujo, an Astronomy and AP teacher, said the Holiday Season means vacation time.
“I try to make use of it, I get out of my house a lot, I do a lot of outside stuff.”
Time off work means Araujo can catch up with not only his hiking, but also friends
“I use this time to spend extra time with my friends, but that’s normal vacation time and maybe not so much for Christmas time.”
Araujo feels the same way about Christmas break as he does to every other district break that we get. He still gives out presents, but only to a select few.
Many people feel this way about Christmas. In truth, time off work is the best gift some people can get. School is stressful for students and staff; everyone enjoys leisure time.
Students don’t see Christmas in every angle. As young people, we have a very limited view on the season. MSgt. Hernandez, on the other hand, celebrates the Season of Giving
As a father, husband, and Marine Core Junior ROTC Instructor, MSgt. Hernandez plans his family’s agenda for the 24th and the 25th.
“Christmas traditions are family gatherings, you know, the typical, but what we do differently is I take my family to the shooting range to reevaluate our marksmanship.”
The Hernandez family makes sure they don’t get rusty and practice the traditional sport of range shooting. MSgt. Hernandez feels it makes quite the appetite, so the family goes for lunch after.
“After [shooting] we go have a good lunch,” Hernandez said, “Get away from the turkey, ham stuff, for maybe a burger or ribs.”
The 25th is reserved for peace and family. Presents under the tree and the typical Christmas practices.
“The Day of Christmas we celebrate Christ, the birth, what Christmas is about. Spending family time, opening gifts. We gift ourselves what we want now that we’re adults… We still put up the Christmas tree and all the decorations,” Hernandez said.
No matter how Christmas is viewed, or whether it is celebrated or not, the season is a time to relax and enjoy family. The traditions created during the holidays are what hold importance. Small things that are started during the season may snowball into long-lasting traditions. These might be passed down to others or inspire others to create their own.
