With the holidays rapidly approaching, planning and decorating has become a priority as many families prepare for their celebrations. A variety of traditions are passed down through generations of families. With the cold weather and the colorful lights, it ‘boosts’ the holiday spirit.

Christmas enthusiast Jacqueline Tomecki said, “It is a time where everyone can come together and spend time together.”

Focusing in on her family’s traditions, Tomecki said, “We leave a seat open at the table to represent people who don’t have a Christmas dinner to go to.” These traditions will continue to be passed down through her family and can also be started by other families as well.    

Senior Gianna Montalto said, “My family is so close and we spend a whole three days together” during Christmas time.

Montalto’s family has another tradition, too. “We have Christmas at my house, we do not eat meat but we do eat seven types of fish along with other Italian dishes like pasta,” said Montalto.