With the festive season right around the corner, we asked our students and staff how they plan to spend winter break this year. From singing songs at the piano to attending “crazy gift-opening extravaganzas,” each individual had a unique tradition to share.

Miss DeMark at PA Distance Learning Charter School explained, “Since I’m a music teacher, I’ve always put on winter programs or Christmas concerts in the past, which means I get to teach students how to sing, dance, and memorize their lines. It’s a really cool experience because it will challenge you and stretch you, but it’s so much fun to accomplish a goal.”

Many described their favorite cultural holiday traditions. The Feast of the Seven Fishes (Festa dei Sette Pesci) is an observance celebrated on the 24th of December by many Italian Americans. Mrs. Contos noted that the feast normally includes seven different kinds of seafood.

Miss Petraglia said, “One traditional dish is baccalà, which is a dried salt cod that is prepared with olive oil and herbs. Calamari is also a common dish. My great-grandma made spaghetti with tuna and anchovies that we always have as well.”

“[The Feast of the Seven Fishes] allows me to connect with my family members who have passed and carry on the traditions they have set forth. I love being able to share these Italian traditions with my kids,” mentioned Mr. DeJoseph.

One parent shared that they are looking forward to spending Hanukkah with their children, eating fried potato pancakes called latkes and spinning the dreidel.

While some celebrate their religion during the holidays, others simply use the time to recognize the joy of friends and family.

Mr. Middlemiss said, “In my family, Christmas has transformed more into an appreciation of family, rather than the religious ceremonies. While we follow traditional customs, we find ourselves celebrating each other more than anything else.” 

According to PA Distance parent Mrs. Coulter, “Less is more. Presence over presents.”

This winter break may look different for everyone. Whether you will be opening presents, cooking traditional meals, or just looking forward to sleeping in, PA Distance would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season!