THE BRIGHTONIAN

December 4, 2012

Christmas traditions

Its cold and dark as you stare up at the starry sky through your bedroom window. Years ago you would have looked for Rudolfs nose leading Santas sleigh. A couple of hours ago you went to the Christmas Eve service at your local church. They talked about the birth of Christ as they always do at this time of year. Later, you went home and helped make sugar cookies and put out a class of milk for Santa. Your parents sent all your siblings to bed saying that if they dont go to sleep then Santa wont come. Now, you look up to the sky and as you fall asleep, you hope for another traditional snowy white Christmas. As we know, many people have Christmas traditions. There are ordinary ones like going to church on Christmas Eve, being with family, and setting out cookies for Santa. Then there are the more interesting and unique ones such as Christmas Pickles, Elf on the Shelf, and Krampus Night. Every Christmas my family and I all come together at my Aunts house and we open presents from relatives. Then we eat a big dinner and make cookies afterwards. said Heather Cook (15). While normal traditions are cool and endearing, more exciting and unusual ones such bring whimsy to Christmas traditions. One such tradition is Christmas Pickles. Many people have heard of this but still arent sure exactly what it is. Because pickles are green, and blend in with a Christmas tree, when they are hung as ornaments they are difficult to see. Whoever finds the Christmas Pickle gets to open the first present, said Tawnee Arenholz (15). The winner is also said to have good fortune for the year. Another tradition is Elf on the Shelf. This is a Christmas Tradition where the Christmas Elf appears in random places around the house. The Elf helps Santa know who to put on the Naughty and Nice list. This is an interactive holiday hide-and-seek tradition is perfect for children and families of all ages. There are some traditions out there that are on the darker side and can come out of scary movies and nightmares. My dad and I just watch all the Lord of the Rings reruns on TV during Christmas. said Alex Shmidt (14). Alexs tradition does have a small connection with the unusual tradition of Krampus Night. On December 6th (mainly in Australia) adults would go out in scary costumes, which look similar to Orcs, and run around the town. This was done in order to scare the children into being good. Krampus was said to be partners with Santa Claus, similar to good cop bad cop. Traditions can be fun, exciting, endearing and special. If you want to start some new traditions you can try these ones, just be careful! Happy Holidays. Story By: Becca DAy

FEATURES EDITOR: KATIE CONGROVE AND KAITLIN BROYLES

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