We asked our students to share their favorite holiday customs, and their responses were as charming and unique as our student body. Here are some of the cherished traditions they celebrate:
Savoring the season: Students' favorite holiday foods
Italian holiday treats
Several students shared their love for traditional Italian holiday foods, evoking warm memories of family gatherings and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. One student mentioned, "My family always has a Panettone, which is an Italian cake." Another added, "Making pizzelle, an Italian cookie, and the whole house smelling like them!" These cherished treats connect them to their Italian heritage, adding a special touch to their holiday celebrations.
Sweet and savory traditions
For many, the holidays are incomplete without specific foods that evoke cherished memories and strengthen family connections. "Cinnamon rolls on X-mas morning!" is a beloved tradition for one student, marking the sweet start to Christmas Day. Another student shared, "Making tamales with my whole family!" This tradition not only satisfies the taste buds but also brings the entire family together in the kitchen, creating a sense of unity and shared heritage. These culinary traditions are more than just food; they are a way to celebrate and connect with loved ones.
Festive flavors on-the-go
One student shared a unique tradition that combines comfort food with a festive activity: "Getting burritos and hot chocolate and driving around looking at Christmas lights." This mix of savory and sweet, paired with the twinkling holiday lights, transforms an ordinary evening into a fun and festive outing. It's just one unconventional way our students are enjoying the season's flavors while soaking in the holiday spirit.
St. Augustine Aglow
Photo credit: Will Dickey, Florida Times-Union
Celebrating ‘Nights of Lights’
Flagler College students also embrace local traditions, with "Nights of Lights, of course!!" being a standout favorite. This St. Augustine tradition transforms the historic downtown area into a winter wonderland, with millions of tiny white lights illuminating the streets and creating a magical holiday experience.
Festive fun n’ games
Game On: Uno and Jenga holiday showdowns
For many, holiday celebrations aren't complete without a bit of friendly competition. One student shared, "Playing Uno and whoever wins opens the first present on X-mas." Another mentioned, "Playing Jenga on Christmas." These games infuse the festivities with excitement and fun, turning holiday gatherings into vibrant and memorable experiences.
BINGO Bonanza: Gifts and Giggles
One student highlighted a family tradition that combines the fun of games with the joy of gift-giving: "Playing BINGO with my extended family for little Christmas presents on Christmas Eve." This tradition makes gift-giving interactive and entertaining, with the excitement of winning small presents bringing everyone together and adding a playful twist to the holiday celebrations.
Pickle in the pines
A holiday hide-and-seek phenomenon
The Christmas pickle ornament is a widely popular tradition that adds an element of fun and surprise to the holiday festivities. Several students mentioned this quirky custom, with popular responses including "Hiding the pickle ornament in the tree" and "Finding the pickle ornament in the tree!" This tradition, believed to have German origins, involves hiding a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree. The first person to find it on Christmas morning receives an extra gift or good fortune for the coming year.
Activities of “comfort and joy”
Snuggling up with Christmas classics
Holiday movies and stories are a cherished part of the season. One student fondly recalls, "Decorating the tree with my mom while watching Tim Allen’s Santa Clause," while another enjoys, "Reading ‘The Night Before Christmas’ every night before Christmas." These traditions create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that captures the magic of the holidays.
The warm glow of Hanukkah celebrations
Hanukkah traditions are also a cherished part of the holiday season for some Flagler students. When asked about their favorite holiday customs, one student said, "Lighting the Hanukkah candles!" while another shared, "Lighting the Menorah with my family." These annual rituals bring a warm, reflective atmosphere to the season, symbolizing hope and resilience. Each night of lighting the candles not only honors their heritage but also strengthens family bonds, adding a unique and meaningful touch to their holiday celebrations.
Handmaking holiday joy
Who doesn't love getting crafty during the holidays? One student said they enjoy "making [their] cats new sweaters" while another loves "building gingerbread houses." Whether it's a cozy sweater for a pet or a festive gingerbread house, these creative traditions bring a personal touch to the season and a sense of accomplishment that adds character to their spaces.
Seasonal escapes
From sunshine to snowflakes
For some Flagler College students, the holidays mean leaving sunny Florida for colder, more traditionally Christmas-y locations. One student shared, "Going to NYC and seeing the Rockefeller tree," while another mentioned, "Going to Minnesota to see family and snow." These traditions highlight the excitement of experiencing a true winter wonderland and the joy of reuniting with family during the holiday season.
These distinctive and endearing traditions showcase the many ways Flagler College students celebrate the holidays. Whether it's through food, games, special ornaments, or unique activities, these customs bring cheer and create lasting memories.
