“Christmas” is the second of eight Christmas articles received from Wayne High School students. Three of them were published in The Byway’s most recent December print paper. All will be featured online.
In my family, Christmas is a fun but stressful time of year. Amidst the chaos of the season, the shimmering holiday lights and the festive rush can make it all too easy to lose sight of—as cliche as it is—the true meaning of Christmas. This goes beyond shiny decorations and colorful wrapped gifts, it’s in tradition and being with my family and sharing gifts without any expectations of getting anything back—though it is nice to get something back. Family traditions seem to be the backbone of a memorable Christmas. Whether it be the annual ritual of covering the tree in decorations with loved ones, or maybe the joy of opening presents together, traditions create a favorable memory that will last.
During Christmas time, my family goes on the mountain to get a tree. It’s very fun, because I don’t have to do any work. I usually play in the snow while my dad cuts down the “perfect” tree. Some years though, we set up an artificial tree with shimmering fluorescent lights. After we get the tree set up in our house, we will break out the decorations we have collected over the years. Most times, we start with the tree. My mom and I will set up the lights and then move onto the ornaments. I usually decorate the tree while she decorates the rest of the house. I have to be particular about where I place the ornaments, or else my cat will knock them off if they’re too close to the floor. We have these stickers which go on the window and throughout the month we make stupid messages directed towards specific members of our family. I think my dad started this funny tradition we do. Anyway, the next day after we get the tree, we have an Elf on the Shelf that is named Zeke. We move him around the house, placing him in silly spots. Other than those, we do all the original traditions like putting stockings around the fireplace and hanging lights up. Recently though, we have been letting loose with tradition and just focusing on having fun. Although I enjoy the control of doing our traditions, I like being more free with it. I think it makes us closer because we’re coming up with new things to do as a family.
So, as Christmas wraps up and we say goodbye to all the shimmering lights, we should carry forward the true meaning of Christmas—the resonance with family and the traditions that we carry with us. Christmas is not only in the glittering ornaments and decorations but in the spirit of family. So, this Christmas let’s ensure that the true essence of this holiday remains in our hearts throughout the year.
– by Ayla Deakin (11th) Wayne High School
Feature picture by Shynoah M. (4th) Bryce Valley Elementary School.
Read more from Ayla in her Thanksgiving article, “Old Ways.”