The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner! Time for family, sweets, gifts, a nice break from school, and memories to cherish for years to come. Christmas can mean many different things depending on how you celebrate, and the teachers of Harrison have many unique holiday traditions. Since we’re not in elementary school anymore, and we don’t believe that teachers live at the school, let’s go home with a few teachers and find out what they’re up to when they’re not making us do Membean or Delta Math.
Chef Walsh and her family participate in the German tradition Christmas pickle. This is when you hide a decoration in the shape of a pickle on your Christmas tree and reward the discoverer with good fortune for the next year. It is believed this originated from the popular legend of Saint Nicholas and the Boys in the Pickling Tub. Here’s hoping you find the pickle this year, Chef Walsh!
On December 23rd, English teacher Ms. Hinterlong hosts an “Airing of Grievances in view of the Festivus pole” which is where all of your family and friends reveal their biggest disappointments from the past year. This tradition was inspired by Seinfeld season 9 episode 10 titled “The Strike.” We sincerely hope that our research papers aren’t something you have to process with your family. We’re guessing they are.
English teacher Ms. Reynolds’ family bakes desserts and exchanges them on a day prior to the holiday. Some treats reappear each year, like the Pizzelle cookies that her grandmother created the recipe for. We wish we could all try them, but 1100 of us showing up at your house might be a little overwhelming.
Ms. Brooklyn Higgins, our virtual school coordinator, makes “reindeer food” out of oats and sparkles to sprinkle on her front yard with her kids and guide Santa to her house. This is a tradition that originated from her grandmother and has been done for over 20 years.
Multiple teachers always open a few presents on Christmas Eve because they cannot contain their excitement (which I think is something everyone can relate to). Multiple other teachers go out to dinner with their whole family, some getting Chinese food.
If your family doesn’t have a Christmas tradition, hopefully this can give you some inspiration to create one and make great memories! Have a Merry Christmas everyone!
