BHS Students Share Family Christmas Traditions

Aaliyah Garcia
Staff Writer
Christmas is approaching, and the students of Bonneville High School (BHS) are counting down the days! Different traditions are shared with households, bringing loved ones together. Traditions from Spain all the way to Denmark are revealed to happen in the households of students at BHS. Christmas can bring some family traditions to life, and make the holiday even more special. 
 Bonneville students answered a survey asking about the different family traditions they do around Christmas time. One student explained how their family does a nativity scene from when baby Jesus was born, “We set up massive nativities that are just like old cities.” The student noted that they also celebrate the three wise men coming to visit little Jesus and do a parade throughout the cities giving candy, balls, and little trinkets like so.” The tradition, explained the student, originated in Spain and many Hispanic households follow this tradition as well. Three students have also explained that a family tradition their family does is buy a new Christmas ornament for their tree, and they all explain how they just started randomly doing that tradition every year. Students also shared their typical food choice during the holidays. One student shared, “We always make Æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls). It originated in Northern Europe." Another student explained, “On Christmas Eve we always have potato salad and Vienna sausages. On December 25 or 26, we usually meet my mother's family and eat duck. We do that because that is a very traditional German way to spend one's Christmas days.” Many students mentioned that they make different desserts such as monkey bread, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Students also claim to eat Mexican food during the holidays as their traditions, this includes: tamales, leche frita, mole, pozole, and arroz con leche. 
  With Christmas comes decorations! The students of Bonneville High School display interesting decorations in their homes. One student stated that the most unique decoration they have in their home is, “..a 3-foot nutcracker called Kunka..” The student explains how it was her fathers fulfilled lifelong dream and the nutcracker stands in their living room every year during Christmas time. Most of the students share that their favorite decoration is their Christmas tree. Some families have an extremely gigantic Christmas tree, while others describe their tree as a medium size tree with special sentimental ornaments that fill it. 
  Everyone has a unique way of spending the holidays with their families. With Gigantic Christmas trees, Danish dishes, and nativity scenes, Christmas shares a special place in the hearts of students at BHS. Christmas is a holiday where they can spend time with their loved ones, and carry on life-long traditions!