With the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread lingering in the air, fires crackling in fireplaces, and pine trees adorned with bulbs and lights, students from all over Wright State University are scattered about celebrating the Christmas holiday.
For many students, Christmas is a religious experience. “To me,” said Junior Sarah Olsen, “Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus.”
A lot of students hold this religious holiday dear and have special traditions that help them remember the reason for the season, including Sophomore Katie Fifield. “My family reads the story of Christ’s birth from the Bible before we open presents. It’s a constant reminder of why we celebrate,” said Fifield. Senior Alexandria Berlin also uses Christmas as a time of worship by going to her church’s Christmas Eve service every year.
“Christmas is a time to spend quality time with family and get away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life,” said Senior Jessica Perry. Perry will be one of many Wright State students who will be traveling for the holiday. “My family is going to Iowa to visit my Grandmother. Christmas is going to be our family reunion. Aunts, uncles and cousins are coming to visit from California and Chicago.”
Christmas is also bringing out the gift-giving spirits of students. “My favorite thing about Christmas is the expression on peoples’ faces when they enjoy or are surprised by a gift,” said Sophomore Tony Carpenetti.
“My family will wake up and open our gifts then enjoy them together before we eat dinner, said Sophomore Joe Harris.
Last, but certainly not least, students are looking forward to the truckloads of cookies, brownies and other sweet treats that are consumed on Christmas. Berlin’s favorite Christmas tradition is baking the cookies with her family.
Carpenetti’s favorite tradition is eating the cookies his family makes. “My grandmas and aunts make a lot of cookies,” he said.
Whether you choose to spend your Christmas holiday singing along to Pentatonix’s new holiday album with your family or relaxing on the couch with take-out Chinese food and football, take the time to appreciate the day. As Olsen said, “It’s the season for creating warmth and making memories.”
