A chilly wind blows and excitement fills the air as families in the Middletown area prepare for the holidays. Glistening lights and red bows line the street to represent the holiday spirit. While driving down the street, one can see the shimmering lights of a Christmas tree through shear window curtains on some houses. Other windows frame families gathering around a Menorah.
During the holidays, many people have traditions, some commonplace and others unique.
One unique tradition is that on Dec. 5, some children sit their boots on the front porch with hopes that gold coins will be left in them. The tradition stems from the legend that many years ago on this day, St. Nick (Sinterklaas) threw gold coins into a window to free servant girls and the coins landed in their shoes.
In another unusual tradition, some families hide pickles in their tree on Christmas Eve. Amber Sonifrank, Middletown High School junior, said her family competes to see who can find the pickle first. Whoever finds the pickle gets to open one of their presents early.
On the other hand, families celebrating Hanukah begin the festivities on Dec. 16 and end on Dec. 24. Although the dates vary in the Gregorian calendar, Hanukah always begins on the 25th of Kislev because it goes by the Hebrew calendar.
Owen Migdal, MHS freshman, said his family celebrates Hanukah by saying a prayer, lighting a candle, receiving a gift and continuing the process for eight days.
A few families choose to celebrate Christmas and Hanukah.
The family of MHS freshman Abbe Pannucci says a prayer and follows it with lighting a Menorah on each of the eight nights. They each have their own candle that they light. Pannucci says the gifts they receive during Hanukah “are about equivalent to stocking stuffers.” After Hanukah is over, the Pannuccis pack their bags and head to Florida, where they generally celebrate Christmas with their unique metal Christmas tree.
In addition, MHS senior Eric Greenberg chooses to celebrate Hanukah and Christmas, although he said he prefers Christmas.
“I like Christmas the best because it’s more of a family thing and I like the fact that it’s only one day versus eight days,” said Greenberg.
During Hanukah, Greenberg’s family says a prayer in Hebrew, takes turns lighting the Menorah, receives presents and enjoys eating the festive foods of Hanukah. One of his favorites are Latkas (potato pancakes) and applesauce.
On Christmas Eve, Greenberg’s family comes to visit and they open all of their Christmas presents. Greenberg said they don’t do much celebrating on Christmas day, they usually just order Chinese food.
After having his own household, Greenberg plans to continue celebrating both holidays because, he said, “I think it will be fun for my kids and I grew up with it all my life.”
In the United States, though, the most common traditions at this time of year involve the decorating of the tree, the discovery of gifts under the tree on Christmas morning and the family meal on Christmas day.
MHS junior Tommy King prepares for Christmas by decorating his tree with hand-strung Lifesavers and ornaments that represent his family. “My Stepdad is really into Star Wars, so that’s what all of his ornaments are,” said King. “Model airplanes are something my mom and stepdad both really like so we have a lot of those on the tree too.” Their tree also showcases handmade ornaments from when King was little.
On Christmas Eve, King said, everyone gets to open one present of his or her choice. They open the rest on Christmas at noon and take turns from youngest to oldest. After presents, the family enjoys a Christmas meal generally consisting of ham, mashed potatoes, corn and chicken.
Waking up on Christmas morning is one of the most exciting parts for some people.
Taylor Long, MHS senior, is woken up every Christmas by her excited little sister. “Everyone rushes downstairs and takes turns opening presents. My sister and I go first and then my parents,” said Long. Following presents, her mom and stepdad make breakfast for the family.
Whatever the tradition, the holidays overall bring joy and the warmth of families take out the nip in the air.
