Jake Epstein: I come from a family of very talented musicians and crazy South African uncles. Every year, my fam has a Hanukkah party. But the rule is , if you want to eat, you have to get up and perform a skit for everyone. It started as a tradition to entertain all of us youngsters, but as we've gotten older we're now the ones who have to perform. It makes for a really hilarious night.
Kimiko Glenn: Every year, my family opens one gift on Christmas eve that they've been eying under the Christmas tree. We usually end Christmas night with a walk through our neighborhood which is notorious for getting together and decking their houses with the most beautiful, outrageous Christmas decorations. Then we settle down with a rented movie around the fireplace. I can't wait!
Krystina Alabado: I love Christmas!! It is my most favorite holiday and season! Like, I'm obsessed haha. Anyway, my tradition back at home with my family is a little different than most. We actually open our presents from Santa on the Eve not the Day! While we go to church "Santa" makes an early pit-stop at our house and drops off all our presents, and then when we get home, we pump up the X-mas tunes and pour the eggnog and we open them like most families do on Christmas morning! Then we all jump in the car and head to my grandma's house where we celebrate Christmas with all my aunts and uncles and cousins! There is lots of music, and pictures, and amazing food! Then, on actual Christmas morning, me and all of my cousins wake up super early, and wake up our parents and we all eat my Grandmas homemade posole (an amazing Mexican stew) and gather around the tree and open up presents from each other...my favorite memories come from those Christmas's with my huge crazy family!! And I cannot wait to go home and do all this! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!
Marques Walls: Every Christmas Eve, my mother and I watch the movie "Jingle All the Way" while eating caramel popcorn and egg nog.
Matt Shingledecker: I play the piano for my whole family every year, and at some point in the day I make up lyrics to popular songs roasting various members of my family. My Mama also makes the best Mac and Cheese ever!
Sarah Hunt: In Portland, Oregon there's a street called "Peacock Lane" where all of the tenants are required to decorate their houses and property for the holiday season creating a street full of regurgitated holiday cheer. My favorite family tradition is going to Peacock Lane every year on Christmas Eve and getting hot apple cider, freezing my ass off, and seeing all of the decorations- somehow the experience never gets old and never ceases to bring a happy nostalgia to my heart.
Krista Pioppi: I have a HUGE Italian family, so on Christmas Eve we celebrate the Vigil with the festa dei sette pesci, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes. It's a meal that typically consists of seven different seafood dishes, and since I am a pescetarian (I dont eat meat, only fish), I really enjoy this tradition that fits my lifestyle! Just being home with family is the best part of the holidays :)
Steffi D: During the holiday season, my entire family gathers for a huge, old fashion, loud, Italian dinner. After we are nice and full, we sit around the dinner table and take Ouzo shots. (This liquorice flavoured Greek liquor. Yuk!) We pour a shot glass full for a family member and scream "Ouzo! Ouzo! Ouzo!" until they take it. (Thankfully, the drinking age in Canada is 19) Then, we gather in the living room for dirty jokes told by my uncle Angelo and bad karaoke songs.
We'd love to hear your fun family traditions as well! Please leave a comment below. There will not be a blog post this Friday, the 25th.
In this season of giving thanks for those who love and nurture us, the Spring Awakening family wants to thank you, our fans, for giving us so much inspiration and love along the way. Wishing you and your families warm, bright and joyful nights this season.
