Exciting Ferguson Christmas-Time Traditions

The holiday season is a time of happiness, bonding, and unity. At John A. Ferguson, most students have a Hispanic background and share the same traditions, but many uphold interesting and fun traditions originating from different ethnic backgrounds. This gives us Ferguson students a chance to look at how people of different cultures across the globe celebrate holidays and appreciate our diversity.

Hispanic culture plays a significant role in Afro-Latino holidays. For the Cuban community, it is not always associated with just Christmas. Hispanic traditions are a way of paying respect to ancestors and other spiritual entities with the use of African and Catholic Cuban concepts. The culture of food is an important part of this celebration. Dishes such as roast pork and yucca with mojo are on the family table, especially during the Christmas season, or what they call Nochebuena. 

The holiday period in Colombia starts Día de las Velitas which is observed on the 7^th of December. It is a custom to light candles and lanterns to pay tribute to the illuminated Virgin Mary. Colombian streets also have a Novena de Aguinaldos, a tradition where there is prayer, songs, and celebration for nine consecutive days before Christmas.  For Latinos, it is impossible to overemphasize the importance of family, and this time of year is no exception. “These traditions never stop at my house, the holidays are always celebrated thoroughly,” said 10^th grader, Salome Trujillo.

Music is a big part of Colombian and Cuban culture, especially during the holidays. Various music styles like salsa, vallenato, and traditional folk music are common in Colombia, and they are ideal for dancing and celebration. This lively spirit is a characteristic of the heart of Latin American celebrations. “My mom puts salsa on and starts celebrating the whole week leading up to Christmas. It is a fun time” says Emi Martin, a 10^th grader. 

A variety of religions spend Christmas differently and involve ceremonial rituals of gratitude and unity. One of them is Advent, a Christian event that takes place in the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas. Advent is represented by completing an advent calendar, praying, reading about the birth and life of Jesus, and lighting candles in an Advent wreath. Every candle has a specific meaning, including hope, peace, joy, and love. Anela Armenis, a 12^th grader, says “Christians really go all out for Christmas. My family has a tradition of decorating the whole house, making cookies, and going to church on the 24^th for a prayer.” 

This season also calls for the making of delicacies like gingerbread houses, decorating your house with Christmas lights and floaters, and driving around neighborhoods to admire other homes. The American holiday cheer is usually associated with giving and donating to family, friends, and charity holiday drives.  

The end-of-year celebrations are a thrilling tapestry of traditions, from the vibrant ritual of lighting candles in Colombia to the cozy warmth of sipping hot chocolate in the United States, and the catchy tunes of Michael Bublé filling the air. No matter how we celebrate, one thing unites us all: a deep appreciation for one another. In a diverse school like ours, this holiday season transforms into an exhilarating opportunity to not only revel in our own unique cultures but to dive into the rich traditions of our classmates as well. Let’s celebrate together and embrace the joy of our amazing diversity.