Colorful string lights, warm eggnog, and spongy panettone are just a few elements of the holidays that carry the nostalgia of Christmas with them. Celebrated all over the world on December 25, Christmas is a joyful holiday that marks the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Israel. Christmas celebrations vary largely from region to region, but culturally is a time for family and community to come together. Popular cultural customs include exchanging gifts, patiently uncovering an Advent calendar throughout December, decking the halls with everything from lights to wreaths to jolly carolers. 

Every family celebrates Christmas in a unique way, and Shreyas Prasanna’s (12) family is no exception. 

“My parents really go all out for Christmas, because they grew up in families that made Christmas super important. We always have two Christmas trees, one for adults and one for the children, and it’s sort of a competition to see who can decorate the tree better,” said Shreyas Prasanna. “Many families decorate their homes during the holidays with Christmas trees, but having a christmas tree decorating competition each year is a special tradition for the Prasannas.”

Shreyas also recounts one of his most memorable Christmas celebrations.

“Two year ago, I went to Seattle over winter break, and I stayed in my condo[minium] there with my sister,” said Shreyas. “It was such a fun time because I was able to just have fun in Seattle, and New Years was really cool in the downtown at midnight with all of the lights.” 

Light, characteristic to several holidays, holds a special place in Christmas time, and represents birth, renewal, and hope. Families also travel, to visit family, explore a new location, or go on a relaxing vacation. 

Shreyas describes a unique Seattle festival that he experienced for the first time.

“[Seattle Center] Winterfest was really cool, and I think it’s something that we don’t really have here in the Bay Area, so my sister and I were seeing something like it for the first time,” said Shreyas. Seattle Center Winterfest truly encapsulates the heart of Christmas spirit, with a wholesome winter-village set for visitors to explore, complete with Santa’s village, snow-crested cottages, and a large ice-skating rink.”

With joyful festivities, nostalgic traditions, and creative celebrations, there’s plenty of reasons why the holiday season is beloved to many.