The holiday break is approaching, and people are preparing for the holidays.

Students and staff alike have some traditions they take part in with friends and family this time of the year.

Staff member Shannon Palmer expressed how she bakes with her mother every year. “I have a tradition of making cookies; we make peanut butter and Russian tea cakes.” She said they have done this since she was little.

Senior Amber Keary said she goes up to her aunt’s house for Christmas. “We decorate the Christmas tree and hang our stockings. On Christmas Day, we open gifts and our stockings as a family, then later on have a big dinner.

Don Vinique Mahoukpo, senior, does something a little different than most. A tradition not common in America, where he, with his family, lights fireworks. He said, “We don’t do fireworks on the 4th of July like you guys do.” He then said, “There are also people who perform traditional dances and wear costumes called Kaleta.” Mahoukpo gives us an insight into Christmas in Benin, Africa.

Our school’s security team member even has activities to share. David Dell partakes in festivities with his family of his own. “Christmas Eve, we go up to see the Christmas lights, and then we go to the local church; listen to the Christmas carols.” And he said they have done so for the past 10 years.

Each of these traditions is special and important in its own right. Are there any holiday traditions mentioned by our Lake Shore community that you might share with your family and/or friends?