A major part of what makes the Holidays so special for each person is the traditions that they wait all year round to participate in. Though they may not talk about it at school, teachers are also eager to go on break so that they can enjoy family and other special memories.

When asked what traditions she had with her family that she looked forward to, Mary Bird explained that her family has always gotten together with Steve and Linda Navarre, who is currently an English teacher at the Middle School. “we watch the movie ‘White Christmas’, and act out the parts. Occasionally we even dress like the characters in the movie. We’ve been doing it for a long time. Sometimes we replay really funny parts of the movie that we like and Mrs. Navarre and I sing the song ‘Sisters’ together, it’s really quite lovely.” Bird also explained that they used to make all-white food for their “White Christmas” party. But that it became too difficult to keep up.

Heather Guthrie looks forward to skiing with her family on Christmas. “On Christmas, we go skiing together as a family, because my kids all grew up racing with SARS, and so, skiing was our life. Now, none of us have passes to Schweitzer because we can’t afford it, so to come together to ski as a family is super, super special for us, so we ski at Christmas. For Christmas breakfast, we make our own Norwegian lox, from salmon. For dinner, because I am half Norwegian and half Italian, we always have lasagna.” Guthrie also explained that her family likes to make one another no-buy Christmas presents. “We did that more when the kids were a little bit younger. But now that they’re all in their twenties.” Guthrie is also looking forward to being together with her whole family for the first time in four years since her daughter works in South America.

Mr. Hastings shares a tradition with his family that has been in his family for a couple generations and hopes that it will continue with future generations as well. “We have a ‘baking day’ where we make krumkake and lefse,  Norwegian treats. They are labor-intensive which keeps everybody in the kitchen helping and visiting, and enjoying a little Christmas cheer. I remember helping my Grandmother do this and I hope I live long enough to help my grandchildren learn.”

For Barbara Crumb, the most important part of Christmas is just being together. “I think the most important thing is that we get together for Christmas dinner. We do have some weird things in that there’s a divorce and there’s weird family dynamics. Honestly, since my dad died, we don’t get together as the Crumb family anymore, my twin brother’s wife’s family is huge on family get-togethers. I’m single my mom is single and so we typically go there when we’re invited. But it’s important that on Christmas day that we get together, and like I said, things have definitely changed since deaths and divorce.”

When asked, what traditions she shared with her family, Trina Kennedy replied. “We have a lot of them. The biggest group participating one is sleigh riding and dinner at western pleasure guest ranch.” She said that they spend time with family, and some close family friends as well.

Arlene Mitton explained that in her family, gift giving is more selective. “We go to my dad’s house for Christmas dinner and family time. We have an adult only gift exchange, with men separated from women and vice versa.”