Christmas Eve and Beyond: The Traditions That Bring Us Closer

The winter season is a time of cherished traditions, family gatherings, and meaningful celebrations for many. For some, Christmas Eve becomes a magical time of anticipation, with families gathering to sit together, sharing stories and laughter as the clock ticks toward midnight. At the stroke of midnight, the joy of exchanging gifts fills the air, or for some the morning. It marks the start of a day dedicated to togetherness and family activities. Food plays a central role in these celebrations, with delicious dishes like desserts or big heavy warm meals which offer a comforting taste of cultural heritage and family unity.

Others find joy in preparing for the holiday long before it arrives, whether its opening an advent calendar each morning, selecting and decorating a Christmas Eve often becomes a time to savor delicious well prepared meals and share laughter over opened gifts, with traditions such as opening one present before the big day adding a layer of anticipation to the grand holiday.

In addition to these intimate family moments, some embrace outdoor adventures, like annual ski trips, as a way to create lasting memories during the holiday season. These rituals bring families together despite the hustle of everyday life and the distances that may separate them during the year. Whether it’s a big cousin meet up, aunts, and grandparents for a more subdued celebration or reminiscing about the large, bustling parties of the past, the season holds a sense of magic and connection and family.

For Josue Abreu Perez ’25, “Christmas Eve means staying up until midnight with his family to open presents, followed by a day filled with activities and Dominican dishes like Mangu con Salami e huevos.”

Senior Demetra Stamboulos “treasures the joy of the holiday season, from opening her advent calendar each morning to celebrating Christmas eve with family, good food, and gift exchanges.”

Viviana Park ’25 “looks forward to her annual ski trips with her family during winter break and delights in the warmth of spending Christmas with loved ones and sharing meals.”

While each family’s traditions vary from decorating trees to enjoying quiet moments with the close friends, these celebrations are rooted in love, joy, and togetherness, making the holiday season special and unique for everyone.

In different regions there are different traditions, especially holiday traditions. For example, in the US, families often exchange gifts, decorate a tree, and watch classic holiday movies. In Mexico Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, they sing and break pinatas filled with treats. In some regions of Canada, “mummering” is a tradition where people dress in disguises and visit neighbors and perform skits or songs in exchange for food or drinks.

Even moments of humor and family fun become woven into the fabric of these traditions like moments of unforgettable humour of family fun. These memories, filled with laughter and love, illustrate the unique and deeply personal ways people celebrate. For many, the holiday’s true essence lies not in lavish gifts but in the joy of sharing meals, laughter, and precious time with those closest to their hearts.