There’s no doubt that winter is the jolliest time of the year. With Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa just around the corner, there’s no wonder why this season so festive. Some may say that it’s the presents or decorations, but other overlooked traditions impact the holiday season too. Traditions are a necessity to make the holidays feel like the holidays. Whether it started generations ago or just recently, holiday rituals help unite families in an extra special way.

“[I] feel that traditions make families who they are,” said Aaron Felts. Traditions help define our families as we know them. Not only that, but they can provide a sense of belonging to each respective member. They perpetuate healthy bonds between generations.

No matter if it is lighting the tree or lighting the Menorah, these traditions allow families to get together to create new memories. Christine Nguyen reflects on making gingerbread houses when she was little.

“[I] loved the feeling of sitting down and seeing how things changed,” she said. These memories last a lifetime and are passed through generations.

 Not only do they add another picture to the photo album, but allow new generations to

connect with their history. Traditions and cultures of the family reflect values that have been passed down. One of Hanna Alemu treasured traditions started before she could remember.

“The youngest [family member] decorate(s) the tree, so whenever anyone has a baby, they get to decorate the tree. This makes them feel more valued.” A person is always viewed by family background, and practices can help define a character. In fact that is one of Aaron’s favorite parts of the holidays.

“Traditions retain family customs and makes me feel closer to my family and how they raised me.”  It gives lessons to learn and teaches more about our self and our morals. Selam Alemneh uses these opportunities to create cherished memories with her loved ones.

“You don’t get every second of your life to spend with your family. Before you notice some people are gone, you need to spend the time you have with them, that you won’t have forever,” she said. Traditions give the opportunity to share stories from older generations and create a stronger relationship between the old and young to bridge the generational gap.

Though some traditions can be very simple, others can get creative to preserve culture. Traditions let people celebrate a holiday while having a religious or cultural approach to value their heritage. Selam’s family lives in Ethiopia, so when they visit their shared time is held dear.

“When they come, they cook traditional Ethiopian food along with American food,” she adds excitedly. Traditions deepen the excitement of the holidays, making them more memorable and special. These special recurring events allow future generations to be raised in a family where culture and diversity is appreciated, which allows other younger generations to be more aware and admire where they came from. Traditions help different races come together by celebrating the same thing, even though they’re celebrated differently.