The holiday season is here, and during this time, many people enjoy traveling, whether out of state, to another country, or even to another family member’s house. Traveling on Christmas could be a one-time thing, a gift for the family, or an established family tradition.
In the past, Sophomore Jordyn Hanks has stayed with her close family friends in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for Christmas. Hank’s favorite tradition when staying there is getting a Christmas tree and decorating it with everyone.
“Every year all of us go and pick out a Christmas tree and spend that night decorating it together, it’s one of the things we have done ever since we first went there,” Hanks said.
Hanks enjoys the warmer weather she gets to experience while being there and going to her favorite shop in Dollywood.
“My favorite spot to go to is the candy shop, they have this fudge. I get everything and it’s so good,” Hanks said.
Another way families spend holidays is through tradition. Freshman Ava Morgan has had a tradition since she was a child. On Christmas morning, everyone opens their gifts, and afterward, they pack their bags and go up north to their grandmother’s house.
“ This is a tradition I have had since I could remember. It’s a good way to have your own special time spent with your family in the morning, then be able to spend the rest of your day with the rest of your family.” Morgan said.
One of Morgan’s favorite holiday traditions is making cookies and setting them out the night before Christmas.
“It’s something we have always done as kids and we all still really enjoy doing it,” Morgan said.
In some cases, traveling is a gift. Instead of receiving presents, your gift is going somewhere for a vacation. Junior Ryan Rebec has traveled to Florida two times for Christmas. Rebec goes to her grandmother’s house in Venice Florida.
“That is one of my favorite trips that I have been on, she showed us around that area and it became my new favorite spot,” Rebec continued, “ After the first time we went there we loved it so much we had to come back.”
The holiday season is around the corner and filled with excitement and joy from students. Whether you travel or stay at home the holiday cheer is all around.
“Getting to be with your family is better than any gift you could ever get,” Rebec said.
