Holiday Traditions

The holiday season is a time when people all over the world come together to celebrate, reflect, and spend time with loved ones. From vacations to special family rituals, each person’s holiday traditions are unique and meaningful. In this article, we’ll explore the holiday customs of three individuals– Florie Liu, Caitlin Reindeers, and Neelie Streit– and how they celebrate the festive season with their families.

Florie Liu’s holiday tradition is to avoid the hustle and bustle of everyday life by taking a vacation. This year, her family chose to take a trip to Wisconsin. She said the vacations let her unplug and spend quality time away from home. Whether quiet or full of adventure, such vacations are close to her heart. “It’s a way for us to reconnect and do something different,” she said. Holiday vacation time allows her family to make memories and begin the new year refreshed.

For Caitlin Reinders, the holiday season is about the family. Every year on Christmas, Caitlin and her loved ones attend church together for the spiritual aspect of the holiday. “Going to church is one way for us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas,” Caitlin said. The rest of the day is left to festive activities with her family– be it eating a holiday meal or just spending time with each other. For Caitlin, what makes this holiday so special is the presence of the people she loves and being able to share the experience with them.

Faith is also at the heart of Neelie Streit’s holiday tradition. Each Christmas Eve, she and her family go to church. “It’s a special way to celebrate the holiday, reflecting on the religious meaning behind Christmas,” Neelie said. The Christmas Eve church service is a time for Neelie and her family to come together in prayer and song, marking the beginning of the holiday. They go back home after church to further celebrate with their family members through eating, exchanging gifts, and telling stories.