Home-cooked meals over the holidays have brought families together for many years. Each family has their own unique traditions that it holds. For some, it might be a cuisine and for others, it might be a day of recipes. While these traditions can be different, they both bring the family together.

Junior Lally Jonnakuti has a tradition where her mother makes Indian food for their family. This tradition typically occurs during the holiday season when her family eats chicken curry. This food has been shared by her family and Jonnakuti helped her mom make this food.  She said, “It just brings me back to my memories. My first time trying it, it was very delicious and the spices in it were good.” The dish is more than just food on a plate; it carries memories.

These foods have been passed down from generation to generation. Math teacher Thomas Rothery has a tradition where his family members make homemade pasta. He said, “We all know how to make the pasta, just with eggs and flour and a little bit of salt. I have three sisters and my parents learned it from my grandma.” This heartfelt tradition started with his grandma creating this meal and was passed down through his children. 

Traditions do not have to surround one type of food or cuisine. Sophomore, Brynlee Barett, demonstrated that when she has a “grinch day” with her family. This is a day where they make green colored food and watch “The Grinch” all together. Barett and her siblings get very invested in this tradition by dressing up or painting their faces. 

Junior Aurora Archer had a baking day with her family. They all get together and spend the whole day where they make a ton of holiday treats for their friends and family. As this day is timely, it is worth it for her and her family. She has been doing this tradition for about 10 years. Her stepmom brought and began this tradition with her family.

While these traditions can be time-consuming, they have brought gratitude and bonding time. When families do these traditions, they not only connect but also form stronger bonds with one another.