As the holiday season rapidly approaches, many begin to celebrate in all different ways. With many holidays during this time of year, many traditions occur.
The community celebrated the beginning of the holiday season in numerous ways. On Nov. 23, Pittsburgh held its Light Up Night. The night consisted of multiple tree lightings, the lighting of the three-sister bridges, food trucks, fireworks and live music. During the night, the Christmas Market, where one can buy trinkets and unique gifts, was open as well.
On Nov. 25, Beaver County hosted their Light Up Night on Beaver’s Third Street. The night consisted of the Santa Parade, live music and fireworks. Stores and restaurants were also open in appreciation of the event. Many students attended one or both of the events.
“My favorite part of going to Pittsburgh Light Up Night was getting to see one of my favorite bands [The Fray] perform live, as well as going to a coffee shop called Nicholas Coffee and Co.,” Reese Neely (11) said.
Along with many community traditions, students in the high school celebrate the holiday season with their family and friends in numerous ways. Families often gather for religious celebrations this time of year.
“My family celebrates Hanukkah, so one night we go through all of our belongings to donate a bunch of it,” Cooper Brien (9) said.
Hanukkah is a religious holiday celebrated by the Jewish religion, lasting eight days and beginning on Dec. 25. The holiday signifies the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday began when a group of Jews fought to gain their temple back.
During the season, many other holidays are celebrated as well, such as Christmas. The Christmas tradition originated when a baby named Jesus was born in Jerusalem. The holiday began to gain more popularity later on, where now there numerous traditions that go along with it. One of the traditions that many celebrate is the coming of Santa Claus, where on Christmas morning, children will wake up to find presents from Santa under the Christmas tree.
“Every Christmas Eve my family and I go to church, after we always eat Chinese food,” Ms. Courtney Anderson said. “Then on Christmas day each person opens their presents separately one by one.”
In addition to religious celebrations, other students partake in holiday events through unique family traditions.
“On Thanksgiving, my family and I pull names out of a hat for the grab bag we do at our Christmas party. We do this at the Old Crow Coffee House,” Olivia Feltner (11) said. “As well as the grab bag, everyone brings a dish of food so we can eat.”
Throughout the holiday season, many other holidays are celebrated, such as Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Kwanzaa is an African American celebration in honor of their heritage. Another holiday, such as Yule, is celebrated from Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, which is commonly known as Winter Solstice. Yule is a celebration in honor of the beginning of winter.
For many, the holiday season is seen to be one to spend with family and friends, gathering around and cherishing one another. For others, this time of year is spent very religiously. Throughout the season, many find themselves joyous, celebrating with the ones they love the most. Each and every person has their own holiday traditions that they celebrate throughout the season.