Tradition: “the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction,” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Many people have traditions they hold dear, particularly during the holidays.
I was curious to hear about different traditions that people may have and asked about them on Facebook. Many reached out and shared their holiday experiences.
“On New Year’s Eve, there’s a tradition to eat 12 grapes 12 seconds before midnight and, if you eat them all, it means that the year will bring you prosperity,” said Dana, 20, from Montreal. She said that not all Filipino families practice this, but some do, including hers.
“My mom and I used to have a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, and then we’d go to the movies,” said Carolyn, from Pennsylvania. Her mother’s side is Pennsylvania Dutch, so she said a traditional Christmas meal consists of rouladen, a German meat dish.
Karen, from New York says that on New Year’s Eve her and her family go for a walk around their neighbourhood, each carrying a suitcase. “It’s a Colombian tradition to bring good travels your way in the New Year.”
Some traditions passed down from generation to generation were created decades ago by family members and the practice stuck. Often, people don’t know how these traditions of theirs started, but they still continue to practice them nonetheless.
Forty-nine year old Denise from Pennsylvania said she would always find a new pair of pyjamas at the foot of her bed for her to change into on Christmas morning when she was young. “This continued well into adulthood, and I am continuing that tradition with my kids,” she said. “It’s a tradition I really and truly hold dear in my heart.”
Taylor from Washington said her family has the tradition of eating homemade enchiladas on Christmas Eve. She said the tradition has been passed down for over 30 years. Usually her mom makes them, but Taylor plans to take over in the future. “My mom started making them for Christmas Eve in 1989, after my great grandmother passed away. It was a way to keep her close during the holidays even when she wasn’t here,” she said.
Meri-Beth is a 32-year-old from North Carolina whose grandmother would hide a pickle in the Christmas tree for the grandchildren to find. Whoever found it first, she said, would receive a $5 prize. Now that Meri-Beth is older, she said it’s her children’s turn to enjoy the tradition.
In 19-year-old Gabriella’s household in Ontario, everyone opens all their presents on Christmas Eve, “normally with [her] dad or uncle as Santa.” Then, everyone goes home to sleep and meet up the next day for a late brunch.
In Pennsylvania, Taryn has started her own Chanukah tradition with her two year old. Every night has a theme, she said, including pajama night, kid-picks-dinner night, game night and tzedakah or “charitable” night.
Madeleine’s family in Ohio have a wrapping paper fight once everyone has unwrapped their gifts. She said when her grandfather throws the first ball of paper, the war begins. As for Erika in Wisconsin, she and her mother compete to find the ugliest Christmas ornament to give the other.
Traditions are the actions people look back on and smile. Whether it ties them to their cultural background, reminds them of childhood memories or begins a new step in their lives, traditions are always something they hold dear.