A popular tradition was enjoyed by many local youngsters on Santa Day at the Watertown Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 6. The event was organized by the Mayer-Watertown DandyLions. Here, Leah Pysick, 13, of Watertown, plays "Silver Bells" during the event. She is a student of piano teacher Mary Lou Jirik and has been playing the piano for five years.
In other holiday traditions, local students submitted holiday-themed essays to the Carver County News this week. All submitted essays appear here. A big thank you to the students and their teachers for participating in this annual tradition.
Holiday essays
A special tradition we do is make a gingerbread house, and every Christmas we throw dry oatmeal on the roof so the reindeer can eat it. Sometimes we go to my step-grandma’s house to bake cookies. Then while the cookies are cooling we order pizza and watch TV, and then we go sledding.
Aurora Ashley,
CCLS
The best Christmas I remember was when my family and I went up to Canada. It took a long time to get there even though we took a plane. We got there my grandma and grandpa were they’re waiting for us. When we were done unpacking we went to my aunt and uncle’s house. Then we had some cookies. After that we went back to my grandma and grandpa’s house and my dad and grandpa cut down a tree in the backyard. After that we decorated the tree. Then we made some cookies and put a glass of milk on the table. Then we all had a wonderful Christmas dinner. Then we all had sweet dreams in our sleep.
Emily Carlson,
CCLS
Christmas is special because you can get a lot of presents and have a lot of fun. A lot of people go to church on Christmas morning and Christmas Eve. Most people decorate Christmas trees and play in the snow. They build forts and some people make snow jumps and sled off them. Some people go Christmas caroling on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning and some kids enjoy being off of school.
Joey Corkins,
CCLS
I all starts about two years ago. My family and I got home from church. My mom was making supper and she realized that we don’t have eggs. And there’s where it all begins. Of course the stores weren’t open because it was Christmas Eve. So my mom got an idea. The idea is to go to my grand parents and get some eggs. It was the best Christmas because I got to see my grandparents.
Noah Farber,
CCLS
My family tradition is that my family and my cousins and I go to this place. It is so much fun. They have cookies and apple cider. And we also have Christmas at my house on the 24th of December. We have my grandma and grandpa and my cousins. It is very fun. We supper and open presents.
Dylan Fisher,
CCLS
Christmas is special because Jesus was born on that day. Everyone gets presents and sometimes nothing for Christmas. We have a big cul-de-sac in the middle of our neighborhood. We always have a snow fight and make a little snowman. Sometimes we have a party. My mom always makes almond bark pretzels.
Austin Latzke,
CCLS
One of our family traditions is that we always go to my grandma’s house for Christmas. Then we see our cousins, uncles and aunts, friends and really nice pets. We usually go up to their house one day before Christmas and so then we sleep there. Then when we wake up my grandma and grandpa have already made a big breakfast. Once we are done with breakfast, we go outside and play. Since I am in hockey and so are a few of my cousins we go to the bunkhouse and grab the hockey sticks and tennis balls. After hockey, we go and play hid and seek. Then after supper we open presents. Everybody loves that part. The tree is already done when we get there.
Elliana Martin,
Christmas is special because Jesus Christ was born and he is the savior. It’s lots of fun because Santa Claus come and gives you lots of presents. You can go sledding also you can praise Jesus. Also you can sing Christmas carols. Also you can listen to Christmas songs on the radio.
Alex Mosher,
CCLS
Once I was at the store with my mom. We bought some hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream and my mom got some eggnog. We needed a new tree so we found one for half price. It was an electric tree. My sister got one too. She got a smaller tree. We had a party that night so we invited friends over. In the morning we got presents.
Michael Westphal,
CCLS
I always remember Christmas because we always celebrate it more than once. First we go to my grandma’s house to celebrate. Then we go to my other grandma’s house to celebrate. We always stay for a long time. Then we go home. We spend the night sometimes. We always get good presents. You should try it sometime. Celebrate it more than once.
Austin Ziegenhagen,
CCLS
The best Christmas was the first Christmas. A long time ago, Mary was in a house when an angel appeared to her. He said to her, “You will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name, Jesus because he will save his people from their sin.” She got married to a man named Joseph. They then went to Bethlehem. There was no room in the inns. They stayed in a stable and had Jesus. Then one night some shepherds were tending their sheep when an angel appeared to them and said in the town of David the Savoir has been born. So they went to the town and found him and worshiped him. That was the best Christmas.
Riley Thomas,
Zion Lutheran School
The holidays are special because something important happened. Like Christmas. Jesus was born. Thanksgiving the Pilgrims came to America and gave thanks. Fourth of July we had the revolution from the British. All the other holidays I haven’t mentioned. The holidays aren’t about gifts and stuff. They are about respect for something important to history. A holiday is time to celebrate what people what people have done or what happened. The holidays are times to come together. We should remember what they are really about. If you do not get presents for Christmas is it still Christmas? Some with all the other holidays and your birthday. Some people don’t know what the holidays really mean God gave us the holidays to enjoy. This is why the holidays are special.
Masun Bentz,
Zion Lutheran School
The best Christmas I remember is when I was seven. I got the best Christmas tree than ever before. We bought the prettiest ornaments I also got the best presents. It was a great Christmas! I got the best presents. I got the best present ever! My favorite bike. My whole family came over my aunt, uncle, cousins, grandpa and grandma that were just my dad side. My mom’s side came too. It was totally the best Christmas ever! There was no better Christmas than this. I got a Foosball table, and dartboard. I also got gum and a movie for Christmas from Santa Claus. My dad got a new bike, which he also wanted. We all got what we wanted. We were all very happy and got very excited to start using what we got.
Kathleen Strehlke,
Zion Lutheran School
Christmas is special because our Lord was born on that day. The Lord made everything good to us. For Christmas my brother and sister came over. We open our gifts together. Then we go to my grandma’s house. At my grandma’s we eat and sit in the living room. We have to just go over the road. It reminds me of when Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. The best Christmas I had was when I was six. I got a trampoline. When I was seven and eight I got two baby cousins from God. Their names are Emery and Brooke. They are so cute. I love them a lot.
DeNae Henning,
Zion Lutheran School
The reason holidays are special is because it all started when the young Virgin Mary was working and angel came and said, “You are to have a baby names Jesus.” Mary replied, “ But I am not even married.” Gabriel replied, “ God will bless you,” Mary said, “ I am God’s servant and I will do what he says.” And God brought Joseph and Mary and they got married. They went to an inn because they couldn’t pay taxes and it was full so they went to a stable. They had a baby boy and named him Jesus. There were Magi and shepherds who came to worship Jesus. That’s why my Christmas is special!
Rachel Roepke,
Zion Lutheran School
At Christmas my family gives presents. It is a fun time, because we give thanks. We go to our cousins, grandma and grandpa’s. We get presents from aunts and uncles.
Abby Derner,
WMES
Last year of December 25, of 2007, was one of the most special Christmases of my life. We all had our Christmas dinner, and then we had time to open presents. We all had something different. My grandpa looked weak. I knew his day would come. But he was only 63 years old. He died in his sleep on June 1, 2007; he died in his sleep in the morning. It still was a fun Christmas. My cousins ask me where is grandpa? I say he is in a better place. But inside I’m happy he is in heaven.
Garrett Hilgers,
WMES
The best Christmas I remember was last year. My dad gave my sister and I a Wii. All my family was playing it until 10 p.m. It was the best of all Christmas. I also got gymnastics outfits and a bunch of other clothes. I had a lot of fun.
Emma Strom
WMES
Last year I made a gift for my mom and my dad. I gave a magnet to my dad that had a picture of me on it. I gave a beaded snowflake Christmas ornament to mom. They both like their gifts. The beads on the ornament were cool because when you held it up to the light it showed different colors. On my dad’s gift was a Christmas light. I designed it with a star on the top of the Christmas tree. It was red and black. It is still on my refrigerator. My ornament still shines through my window and it never gets old. I love my family.
Madeline Coyle,
WMES
A holiday tradition that is unique to my family is Secret Santa. The adults draw a name and ask us if we want kid one or two. This year I chose kid one. We will sneak a present under the tree for this person and when we take ours out, the adults let us open it. We guess who our Secret Santa is. It is easy because they usually add something they like. My other side does the same thing, but we get them one thing and we have our parents give it to their parents so they don’t know. We keep getting them something until Christmas day. Then you give it to them in person.
Adrie S.,
WMES
My best Christmas ever was when I was 8. I woke up Christmas morning, looked at the clock and said, Wow. 6 a.m. I was very excited so I snuck downstairs. I was so excited. Next I went to my room, turned on my TV and watched TV until everyone got up. Then we rushed down stairs. My mom got our pictures. Then I opened the biggest one. It was Guitar Hero III Legend of Rock. I also got a Nearf Controller for my PS2. I played my video games all day. Near the end of the day my grandparents and my uncles showed up for dinner. My uncles played guitar hear with me. I lost 3 times and won 1. We ate dinner and talked then I left and went to bed.
Carter,
WMES
The holidays are special because people have a chance to get together. You might not get to see your grandparents or your cousins or aunts or uncles, or your friends. Who moved away often either. Maybe you don’t’ have a lot of fun because your parents are always working. So you finally get a chance to bond. Getting to decorate your house is fun too and it makes your house get that warm snuggly feeling that you get in the fall and winter when it’s near the holidays. It’s a time when you just want to snuggle up. So holidays are special cause it’s nice to be with family. So Happy Holidays.
Coralie Swedburg,
WMES
Last year on Christmas at my grandpa and grandma’s house Santa came over and gave all the cousins a present. I said, “Are you Uncle Dan?” He said, “Nope.” Then I saw Uncle Dan. I couldn’t believe it. Santa gave me a toy motorcycle and a man. I like it a lot. I think Santa is real and I’m going to ask him next Christmas.
Curtis Sagstetter,
WMES
The best Christmas ever was in 2006 because it was the last time I saw my uncle and my grandpa. It was so fun, we played games and sang songs. Everyone was happy. Then in 2007 my uncle and my grandpa died and I haven’t had a more special Christmas then the last one we shared together. I go on and have more holidays, but that was my favorite Christmas ever.
Parker H.
WMES
The best Christmas ever so far, was when I went snowmobiling at my grandpa’s house. When we got there my brother and I got dressed and went out snowmobiling. My brother does not like the woods. But I encouraged him to go. He would not come. So we went a different way. When we got there we turned around and went back. When we got back we went inside for a while. When we came back out we went snowmobiling. We went to my uncle’s house by snowmobile. When we got there my brother’s snowmobile broke down. I raced back to my grandpa’s house and got him.
Ben Theisen,
WMES
A special Christmas memory is when my mom and dad took me to North Dakota. We went to my dad’s mom and dad’s house. It was my dad’s last Christmas. We got the same presents. Me, my mom and my dad all got fighting Sioux sweatshirts. My dad was so happy, that got that sweatshirt, so were my mom and I. We drove home the next day very excited to wear our sweatshirts. We went to the Luce Line Lodge. We had a great night! The next morning my dad wore his sweatshirt all day long. He did not take his sweatshirt off for one second. He loves to wear his fighting Sioux sweatshirt.
Alysa D.
WMES
My best Christmas ever would be in 2007. Why you ask? It is because that was the last Christmas I got to spend with my grandmother. My grandmother died this March. She was the one in my family that always brought Christmas cheer to everyone. I miss her, but I know she is still with me. She gave me that Christmas cheer every year. This year I’ll have to find a way for me to be cheery. It may be a little hard, but I know my grandma will help. Merry Christmas!
Madison Daniels,
WMES
Two years ago my grandma and grandpa moved out of Mayer and moved up north to Aitkin. They said they would be back soon but I wasn’t so sure. On Thanksgiving that year they came to our house to visit but that just wasn’t enough. Another week passed and my mom told me that my grandpa and grandma were going to sleep over on Christmas Eve! On Christmas Eve they came and celebrated, so did some other siblings. That was the best Christmas ever!
Taylor Preston,
WMES
The best Christmas to you might be getting lots of presents but the best Christmas to me is have a family that loves me enough to give me presents. Yes, its nice to get presents but the best present I think you can give is love and care. I love Christmas! That’s the day my family comes over and shares the love with me. It’s a wonderful holiday its what brings my family together.
Colby King,
WMES
A holiday tradition that it unique to my family occurs on Christmas Eve when we have presents at my house. Then we go to my grandma’s house for Christmas presents. Someone gets a squeaky every year as a joke. If you get the rat then it’s your turn to give it the next year but we don’t’ tell who we are going to give it to. Another tradition is we put up little villages on top of our fireplace.
Jadrien Keavy,
WMES
My best Christmas ever was when I got Guitar Hero Three. That Christmas morning, I woke up and went to see if I got presents. I
did, so I went into my sisters room and yelled, “It’s Christmas, it’s Christmas,” and she woke up. Then I went to my mom and dad’s room and jumped on their bed and said, “It’s Christmas, it’s Christmas!” They woke up and then we got our presents. Since I was the youngest I got to go first and I opened it up...I screamed! It was Guitar Hero Three.
Christian,
WMES
The best Christmas was when my dad came back from Iraq. It was one of the best things that happened to me. I remember it now. It was last Christmas. He was not here for good, but I enjoyed it. I enjoyed every second with him before he left to go back. He was home for 15 days so I was glad that he actually came home on Christmas, otherwise Christmas at my house we played games and ate lots on Christmas. That was my best Christmas ever.
Stefanie M.
WMES
Holidays like Christmas are special. Christmas is a holiday where you have fun and get together. Christmas is about giving, caring and having the best time of you life. What I’m saying is that your friends and family are important. Let them have a great time with you. This only happens a few times a year. Celebrate having a good time at Christmas and enjoy December traditions. Have the best Christmas time together with your family and friends.
Bryce Kallenbach,
WMES
Christmas is special to me. One way Christmas is special is that you get to see your family and sometimes your friends. Another way Christmas is special is all the decorations. The lights and the trees are so cool. Christmas is also special because it usually snows. The snow brings a nice feeling to Christmas. Snow makes you thankful for a warm home.
Katelyn,
WMES
Why are holidays special? You can get together and have fun. You can also get outside and play with your aunts and uncles, grandmas, and grandpas. It is a lot of fun to hang out with them, but sometimes we fight. This one-year we were putting up decorations and my grandma was in her room. All of a sudden that cat climbed up the tree and it fell over. My grandpa came out with curlers in her hair, saw my grandpa trying to put it back up before she could see. It was to late she was already screaming and yelling. This is one of my favorite, funny Christmas story.
Tanner Emery,
WMES
The best Christmas ever was when I was seven. Now I’m 10. My sister got a game called, “Sing Star.” It was her turn to sing. So, I grabbed a pickle, CRUNCH! It was terrible! I threw it at the back of her head. Band! Then she stopped. She turned around and BANG! She started running like a rocket. She was chasing me left and right. I got so scared while I was running I wet my pants. When she says I did she started laughing. After that I had to change. But, it was the best Christmas I ever had.
Marissa Markgraf,
WMES
The best Christmas ever was last year. We were living on an island. The night of Christmas we were coming from school. After school we were on a snowmobile on ice. The snowmobile flipped on the ice. But the ice did not break. We were cold. My sister, mom, and I all took a hot shower. It was the best Christmas ever because we were like only the people who lived. It was cool.
Max Stauffer,
WMES
Last Christmas I got a Play Station 2. It came with video games like racing, hunting and other games like that. When I was four or three years old and we got a lot of Christmas toys. We got chalk and cars when we were eight years old and I got these games like Madden 2004 and navy games and other games like that. When I was seven years old I got a little sub like five inches long for Christmas. I got it two years ago. When I was six years old I got a little nerf gun. We played with it a lot of the day and it came with bullets too.
Austin
WMES
In our family we have a lot of traditions that are special to us. Every year we all get into my papa’s trailer and go into the woods looking for our presents. After we are done looking we go inside to have hot cocoa and open presents when we are finished we go outside to play in the snow. My papa makes big snow trail going into the woods that is curvy like a waterslide that goes very fast. I go sliding and snow boarding with everyone, even my papa and nana. My dad, Uncle Jason and Papa all build a fire in the big fire pit outside for us to get warm. When it gets dark we go in for our Christmas dinner.
Jesse
WMES
In our family we have a lot of traditions that are special to our family. Some of those traditions include when it is Christmas Eve my family goes to church. Some of the gifts I’ve given were a card for my mom and a hug for my dad. The best Christmas was when I was eight because I got to see my family and I got to see my grandma. I barely ever get to see here. These are some of the things that I enjoy with my family on the holidays.
Janelle Fossum
WMES
My Christmas memories are filled with joy. My brother, David received a present from my dad. It was a baby doll and one year I got a Bratz doll from my dad. One year my family and my got two four wheelers. Another year I got a bow because the first time I shot a bow I hit the target right in the middle. Another Christmas I got a bebe gun. These are my Christmas memories. I hope your Christmas memories are as special as mine were.
Drake John Mosford
WMES
I have many memories of Christmas past. One of them is when Santa ripped one of my gifts. I opened some other gifts before I picked up the one that was ripped. Before I opened it, I saw the rip. So I peeked through the hole and saw the thing inside wasn’t a surprise. From Santa’s mistake I learned that it’s better to not peek and be surprised by all your presents. I did like the gift and it made this Christmas special.
Nolan Anderson
WMES
My best Christmas was in 2007. This is when all of my cousins and me had a huge snowball fight in my grandma and grandpa’s backyard. We were all against each other. We all got soaked and had a lot of fun. We all spent the night on Christmas Eve, and opened presents on Christmas Day and had the huge snowball fight. The snowball fight lasted all day. By the end of the day I came out champion, my cousin, Nickouls finished second, my other cousin, Katrina came in third and my other cousin, Seth was last. So that’s my best Christmas. Have a happy holiday.
McKail Hertzog
WMES
In my family we have a lot of cool traditions that are special to my mom and me. We go to my grandma and grandpa’s house. We have a timer we use to pass gifts around in a circle. When the timer stops we stop passing the gifts. Then we open them on Christmas Eve. We go to church as a family. At the end of church we sing Silent Night with the lights off, and we have a candle. Then we go home and eat Chicken at my grandpa’s house. Merry Christmas!
Blake Ziermann
WMES
Traditions are special to my family because that is what makes us a family. We enjoy celebrating the holiday seasons together, and I hope your family does to.
Britany
WMES
On Christmas my family and me go to our family’s houses. We go and spend time with our family. My family and me like to go out in the snow and play games. I go and pick out what I want to get somebody. We love going to our family’s houses. It is really fun. Every year I get a lot of stuff. I like getting gifts. Christmas is my favorite holiday. We go to my dad’s family and then my mom’s family. I play in the snow with my friends also.
Tyarra Paulson
WMES
My family has a lot of great traditions. Every Christmas we go to our grandma and grandpa’s house. My whole family comes and has dinner. There is a big table set out for all of us. After dinner we play games like dice. After that we have a sleepover. We have snacks and we play for a while. Then we watch a movie. We watched Jurassic Park in 3D. It was cool. The next day my mom and dad take us to church and we listen to the pastor.
Corey Jobe
WMES
For my family tradition, my family and I go to my cabin in Wyoming. We cut down a really tall tree. It’s big because the front of our cabin is really tall. We usually stay out at my cabin for about one week. So we go snowmobiling for about one hour or sometimes more. We usually go to a good restaurant called Line Shack. We call our cabin Warm Spring Lodge. We are in the mountains by the Teton Mountains. We are in a town called Dubois. We always open presents either right when everyone gets up or late at night. Have a merry, merry Christmas!
Erin Berg
WMES
In our family we have a lot of traditions that are special. Some of those traditions are play dice games and going to my grandma’s. We always eat together and everyone brings something good to eat. Every Christmas is really fun for us. We really enjoy being together on Christmas Day. My family enjoys many Christmas traditions, but these are just a few of the fun Christmas traditions my family enjoys. Have a merry Christmas!
Bryce Thompson
WMES
Traditions are one thing that unites my whole family on holidays. These are my family’s Christmas traditions: Always let the youngest go first to open a present. Then the next and so on. We have a feast on Christmas Day. We make lefsa. We also put up the Christmas tree the day before Christmas Eve. We also go to our grandma and grandpa’s house on Christmas Eve. We go to my uncle and aunt’s house on Christmas Day; we have a feast and usually a party. Traditions unite my family on holiday’s even birthdays. Have a merry, merry Christmas!
Anna Subialka
WMES
Traditions in my family. We go to my grandma’s house and we eat, play games and open presents. My favorite this about Christmas is getting to meet everyone. We eat meatballs, buttered bread, cheese and crackers and veggies. The games we play are mostly card games. Their all-fun games for a family. Presents are the last thing we do. Almost every year my brother gets sick. One year we opened Christmas presents at 3 a.m. We baked cookies just for fun. Those are some of my traditions. Have a merry Christmas!!
Chase Hoese
WMES
Christmas is special in a lot of ways. You will find out some of them in this, but you may be able to name more than me. One thing is being thankful. Another is giving. It’s better to give than to receive. Another this is being with your family. Its always fun even if its not a holiday. Helping is another way Christmas is special. Its good to help. These are some of the ways Christmas is special.
Cooper M.
WMES
In my family we have a lot of traditions that we do together. On Christmas Eve I go to church and go to grandmas and grandpas. We play dice games. We open presents together. On Christmas Day I go to my mom’s family at my grandma and grandpa’s house. We eat breakfast. It’s fun. Then we open presents and we always get something cool. At my other grandparents we do almost the same thing. Have a merry Christmas!
Chase Neumann
WMES
I have a lot of Christmas memories and here is one of them. One memory that is really easy to remember is when I got hives on Christmas. It was not fun at all. It started when I ate pecan pie. I ate about two bites and then I started getting itchy. My mom said, “Get some water.” So I did. I also got a cough drop and that helped for a while, but then I got itchy again. When everyone left my mom checked my back and stomach and saw red splotches. She knew they were hives. So she called the hospital and then I had to go there. Now I know I am allergic to almonds, cashews and pecans. Have a merry Christmas!!
Kennedy Wiemiller
WMES
Last year was the best Christmas because I got what I wanted, and my sisters got what they wanted. I got a skateboard last year for Christmas, and I like it a lot. I use it a lot. It has good grip tap and it goes fast. I got a tool for my skateboard. My mom and sisters made cookies. I got to eat some of them. They were good and they put ten of them out for Santa. I did not get to skateboard until summer. We had to put it together. I like it a lot and I like to skateboard with it. I can do cool tricks with it and I can axel stall and I can go off jumps with it. I went to the Mound skateboard park. It is fun to skateboard there. I can grind with it.
Adam Heilman
WMES
In our family we celebrate different traditions that are special to us. One of these traditions is on Christmas Eve. I have always celebrated with my mom and her side of the family. On Christmas Day I celebrate with my dad’s side of the family. I gave my mom some flowers and a CD and a necklace. It said, “I love you” on it. This was my favorite Christmas memory. I think Christmas is special because it’s Jesus’ birthday, and it celebrates love and giving. That’s why Christmas is special. These are some of the traditions my family and I enjoy.
Alyssa Olson
WMES
In our family we have a lot of great Christmas memories. On Christmas in 2007 our family shared a great memory. My grandma and grandpa gave my whole family a trip to Mexico as a present! In return we gave them a giant flat screen TV. We had a lot of fun in Mexico. We also played the dice game. I won a box of chocolates and a giant crunch bar. I also won an electronic Suduko. We all made tie-dye shirts to wear in Mexico. It was a great Christmas. Have you ever had a great Christmas like that? Have a great Christmas this year.
Kendra O’Brien
WMES
My family we have many traditions that are special to my family. Some of these traditions include sitting by the tree, making cookies (ginger) and hanging stockings. But the one I will tell about it sitting by the tree opening presents. My family usually sits by the tree and opens presents. We sit in a circle and open presents. We take turns going around the circle. It is fun that way so everybody is not digging for presents. We have a few people right next to the tree to hand out presents for whoever’s turn it is. I think everybody enjoys Christmas. Have a merry Christmas!
Cooper Anderson
WMES
In our family we have a lot of traditions. I think they are very special and here are some of them. We always go to my cousins, Nate and Jack’s house. The kids always play a game. The game is called Thirty-One. It is very fun. We also play a game where you put on gloves that are too big. You roll a dice and if you get doubles, like two sixes, you have to try to unwrap a present with your big gloves on. Then all the kids have to go downstairs and play something while the grown ups stay upstairs until we eat. Then we all comeback for New Year’s Eve. Have a merry Christmas!
Carli Graff
WMES
My family enjoys Christmas like many other families. Christmas is fun because you get to be with your family. Some people wish for a good Christmas every year. The best gift in the world is love and care. That is the best gift because toys and other gifts are sometimes hard for people to get. Gifts are fun and all, but love is all you need. I hope Christmas is special for your families this year as well. Merry Christmas!
Jordan Brooks
WMES
Our family has a lot of traditions that are special to our family. We go to our grandma and grandpa’s house and we have lots of food. Every year we play games and after we are done eating we open our Christmas presents and enjoy what we got. Then we give our presents to the other people and we play with our cousins. These are some of the traditions in our family. Merry Christmas!
Ashley Sutton
WMES
Every year my family and I go to my grandpa and grandma’s house. We eat first and then we dance for a while. Then we open presents. When we open presents we do it by youngest to oldest and it is very fun at my grandpa and grandma’s. Then we watch a Christmas movie. The adults are playing a board game. We watch the movie “Jack Frost.” After we watch the movie we go to church.
Mitchell Menth
WMES
On Christmas I celebrate with everyone in the Oman family. Then I go home and eat roast beef and carrots. Then I go to bed. In the morning we get up and have a good breakfast.
Brianna Oman
WMES
Every Christmas my family goes to my grandma’s house. All of my cousins are there. It is a tradition that everyone brings food. There is a lot of food to eat.
Clay Thaemert
WMES
A holiday tradition that is unique to my family is that we go to my grandma’s house. We celebrate Christmas with uncles, aunts, cousins, grandmas, and grandpas. We have Christmas at our house too, but we just open presents. The present that our family gives each other is that our parents take us to Grand Rio’s that is a water park. It is really fun because sometimes our grandma, aunt, and cousin come. We stay there for about two days. We bring cookies and presents. But the most important thing about Christmas is that we should celebrate Jesus being born. Another thing we also go to the church for our Christmas program. Usually I’m in it, because I’m in kid’s choir. We have a good time.
Ella May,
WMES
Hi, my name is Natalie Poppler. I think the holidays are special because you get to spend tim4e with your family. I like Christmas because I get to see my family and go to my aunts and grandparent’s house. I like to talk about Jesus on Christmas. When we are at my grandparent’s house, my cousins and I have races for opening up presents. My favorite Christmas memory is sitting on my dad’s lad and opening his presents. Christmas and my birthday to me are the best times. Not just because I get presents, but also because I get to see my family. I think God and Jesus are very important people.
Natalie Poppler
WMES
A holiday tradition that is unique to my family is when we celebrate Christmas at my house or my grandma’s house. The entire family will go over to one of our houses. When everybody is here we have dinner. Sometimes it is turkey leftover from Thanksgiving. After dinner we play board games, video games, or watch television. After a while we bring out my birthday cake because my birthday is on the same day. After we eat cake I open my presents then everybody opens their Christmas presents at the same time. We will play with our new things together before people have to leave. When everybody leaves we go to bed. When we run downstairs to open our presents.
Bailey Hilten,
WMES
The holiday tradition we have is that every Christmas we gather around in my great grandma’s hotel room. We laugh, have fun, and eat homemade food. After that, we take all of the chairs and form a circle with them. Then we all find a comfortable spot. Then we all open presents! Hurray. I love being with my family. Do you have a special holiday tradition with your family?
Hannah Nielsen
WMES
Christmas is special to me because I get lots of presents. I also like it because I get to see all of my family. I also get to go snowmobiling. After snowmobiling I go snowboarding in my back yard. Sometimes I might go hunting with my grandpa. My more favorite thing I like to do is try to find my presents. After all that is finished we have dinner.
Trae Berhow,
WMES
My family always love putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the tree. Then at night it is cool because it is colorful. Then it is Christmas Eve and we have a feast. Now it is Christmas morning and aunts, uncles, cousins come over. I love playing with my cousins. Then we eat, play and then open presents and play again. Then it’s time to go. I get very sad when they leave.
Joey Berkland
WMES
A special Christmas memory was when we had Christmas at our family’s house. That is a lot of fun because we have somebody pass out Christmas presents and that is so much fun to do. I know that it is not just about that. Christmas is when God was born and this is the best thing that can happen to us. I really like what we do on Christmas because it is very special.
Dakota Jackson,
WMES
The best Christmas I remember is when I got an expensive present from my parents and from Santa. We went to sleep and left treats for Santa like we do every year. The next morning we woke up but our parents told my brother and me to stay in bed the night before until eight o-clock in the morning. The second it turned eight o-clock, we ran out of our door screaming. We ran downstairs and dumped out our stockings and looked what we got. We got a movie, toothbrushes. We always have to wait until our parents wake up so we can open our presents. So we waited till my parents came then we opened our presents, I got a Robo guy. My brother and I got movie players.
Jordan Koehnen,
WMES
Holidays are special because families get together and celebrate. The get to have fun and they are happy. Then get to sit by a fire if they have one. They get to dress up if they want. I had a special Christmas memory. It was last year. I asked Santa for a lot of presents and I got a lot. My Christmas tree was beautiful. It had a lot of decorations. It had lights, ornaments, and a star at the top. The star was my favorite. My family favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. You get to eat turkey, stuffing, and a whole bunch of stuff. It is delicious. The best holiday that I like is Christmas.
Jacob Lenz,
WMES
Christmas is special because my family gets together every Christmas. My favorite part about Christmas is we get a lot of presents. We go to my grandma’s on my mom’s side first. We eat food at my grandma’s house. We open our presents of course this is my favorite part. Then we go to our other grandmother’s, which is on my dad’s side. We get even more presents on my dad’s side. Then finally we get together for dinner. Then we start a new day.
David Harding,
WMES
A special Christmas memory is the time I left shrimp and vanilla wafers for Santa. We went to a hotel and it was Christmas Eve. We went out to eat and I got shrimp. It was good. I didn’t eat all of the shrimp, it was too much. We got a (to go box) for my shrimp and some vanilla wafers for Santa. When we woke up I ran to where we left the shrimp and cookies were in the garbage can. We opened my presents and went home.
Jaymes VanDyne,
WMES
Holidays are special because they are about people. Christmas is really all about Jesus being born. Also Easter is about Jesus rising from the dead. So every holiday is about people who are special. Because they did something special that people wanted. Now we can be happy once a year. It is really nice to have a break.
Zachary Lokken
WMES
When it is Christmas I get something special. When I get it I play with it every day. When I lose it, I look for it. I find it I put it in a case. When I want to play with it, I take it out. When it brakes, I tape it up. I play with it until I get bored then I go eat something good.
Samual Darrik Barnes
WMES
Why are the holidays special? Families need to spend time together so that’s why holidays are special. My special holiday is Christmas this year because I am going to Florida. I hear it is 70 degrees in Florida. I do not get to see my grandmas or grandpa that much because they live in Florida. That’s why I am going to Florida for Christmas this year. It is four days until I go to Florida. My mom might not be going because she is in the hospital. My sister Tiffany and Tealor is coming.
Tanna Fiedler,
WMES
The best Christmas ever was when I was nine years old. Right now I am ten years old. The best Christmas was when I got the movie Star Wars episode 3. It was the best Christmas ever when I got that movie. I watched it all day. At least ten times I watched it the next day.
Ben Leaf,
WMES
Christmas is so fun because it is so magical! I think Christmas is magical because you get presents, food candy, giving, sharing and love. I am really a great person on Christmas. Christmas is a time for giving and sharing, but mostly love. The presents are fun too. Christmas is almost everyone’s best holiday. So Merry Christmas to all.
Madeline Pixley,
WMES
We go to my dad’s grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. We have turkey and mashed potatoes. Our cousins and our family are going to have pie. Thanksgiving is always fun.
Kayla Farrell,
WMES
At Christmas we go to my cousins. We eat some cake. Last we open our presents.
Luke Gravley,
WMES
The best memory of Christmas was when I was eight and got a huge pirate ship. It was the Flying Dutchman. It was make out of Legos. So it took a long time to build. I played with it the whole week! Then I started playing with other things and my ship got wreaked. Legos went flying everywhere. Sam had been playing with it and accidentally dropped it, which made it go boom. I got mad and rebuilt until it almost looked it used to.
Jarom Young,
WMES
The holidays are special because you get to hang out with your family. You get to have a nice meal with each other at a nice table. You can celebrate Christmas for Jesus. Your family could watch TV and open up presents with each other. Your family could sit right next to the warm fire and thank Jesus for giving you a nice warm fire and shelter. Your family could go see a Christmas show with each other. Then your family could go home and take a rest.
Kirstin Klitzke,
WMES
I think holidays are very important. They are a lot of fun too! They are fun because you get to be with friends and family. You also get to go sledding; ice-skating and you can make a snowman. You also get to give presents to people in need. It would really brighten up their entire day, or week, or month or year. There are a lot of thanks. Mostly every Christmas I get a huge happy feeling inside. That is why I think holidays are important.
Charles Chadwick,
WMES
The best Christmas ever was last year because of a lot of reasons. Lots of presents, when Jesus was born, big parties, lots of traveling, meeting new friends and seeing lots of family. It was the best Christmas every. I remember it like a vacation. I will tell you about a story. It started out with presents, and then I traveled to Iowa, and saw family, mainly for Christmas, I was going to a wedding. And then soon I was at the wedding and ate and danced. I also drank pop, it was the best night I ever had. And that was how good it was. Merry Christmas.
Emily Wahlstrom,
WMES
Why are holidays special? Because you get together and you spend time with your family. You might get to see family members that you haven’t seen ever. You get to have fun and stay for that time. You get to know them better. You get to have a big dinner and celebrate with your family. Then you play games and sing Christmas songs and talk, and then you say good-bye and go somewhere else and have fun.
Chloe Marie Erickson,
WMES
The best Christmas ever was when I was eight years old. We put up the Christmas decorations. I always help put the stockings up. We always put the stockings in this order, Dad, then Marcus, then me, Madelyn, and then then me. We go down and get our Christmas tree, the decorations, and the lights to put on the Christmas tree.
Madelyn Maas,
WMES
My best Christmas ever was the Christmas on 2007. I got a lot of presents. My favorite presents was a D.S. After that we went outside. My two cousins and I made a fort out of ice. It was easy. My uncle, my cousin’s dad and my dad built one also. We had a bi snowfall fight. Then we came in and ate dinner and said goodbye to everybody. I went to sleep. It was a good day and I hope I get to do it again.
Dan Heinsch,
WMES
A holiday tradition that is unique to my family is that the kids get their picture taken before we hand out presents. Every year the kids always hand out presents. We always start after the foot ball game is over. Then my grandma tells us we will open presents in a few more minutes and then we open them. That’s Christmas at my house then the next day we will wake up and look in our stocking and see what we got from Santa.
Sarah Zuelzke,
WMES
Each Christmas we get together with family and eat dinner. There is a stack of presents that we get to open. Christmas is fun!
Billy Peterson,
WMES
On Christmas we celebrate my mom’s birthday. We stay at home. We make food. We buy a tree.
Josh Lerner,
WMES
It started out as my favorite cat dying, and I wanted to get one just like her, but we could not find one so, I decided to look on the computer and about an hour later I found him. The next week it was a snowy school day, and nothing much was too exciting. But when I got to our house my dad was outside with a weird smile on his face I asked him what was going on and he said that I had a “surprise.” So when I walked inside and saw a big box with a tiny black and white kitten poking his head out of the box. I named him Oliver.
Emily A. Koehler,
WMES
Every year our friends, family andd neighbors come over and we eat. The best Christmas I remember was one year we have my pool. But, we don’t have our pool up in the winter. So my friend and I had snowballs at the top of the slide. We were having a snow ball fight. So my sisters friend threw a hard snowball at us. We ducked and it hit the house hard. My mom was in there and a glass fell and broke. But, my mom was not mad at my sisters friend. So that was a Christmas I won’t forget.
McKinley Gehlhausen,
WMES
A special Christmas memory was when my whole family and I went to Wisconsin Dells for the weekend. We went on water rides and in wave pools. My cousin, Branden, my mom, aunt, and me went on a ride called the “Heraken.” You go down and go in a toilet and go side to side then you slide out. Then we opened presents and went to the arcade. Later we went to a different water park and we hung out at the hotel. The next day we left for home. We played Game Boy Advance, then we had to bring my step-brother hom. Finally we went to our house. We played with our new gifts.
Josh Lueschen,
WMES
Why the holidays are special to me is that you celebrate events that happened a long time ago, like Christmas. We celebrate it every year. We wouldn’t have been able to celebrate Christmas without Jesus being born. I like Christmas also because we get presents from Santa. On July 4th without defeating the British, On Easter we wouldn’t celebrate it without Jesus rising from the dead. We wouldn’t’ been able to find our colored eggs without what happened then. On Halloween we can trick or treat and get lots and lots of candy. People can go to the free church by my church and play games there and get even more candy! And Thanksgiving people eat turkey and meet up with family, friends, grandparents and cousins.
Austin Wandersee,
WMES
Every year my family and me go to Nebraska. Then, my dads side of the family goes to a hotel and my family goes to a hotel. We celebrate Christmas there. It’s very, very fun! I get to see all my cousins, aunts, and uncles. Plus, I get extra presents because my birthday is close to Christmas. After we are done visiting, we go home and play with our presents.
Kelsie Somers,
WMES
The Christmas I remember the best was last Christmas because my grandpa and grandma. We called them almost right away. My sister, brother, and I woke up and walked out our door almost right at the same time. Then, we went in my mom and dad’s room. When they woke up and we went downstairs right away. There were a lot of presents next we called grandpa and grandma. We opened presents, ate breakfast, and went to my grandpa and grandma’s house. We went there because they have presents at their house. Then our cousins came over and we opened presents. Then, we go downstairs in their living room, get in a circle, and pick out one thing. My family has a very fun Christmas.
Olyvia Schroeder,
WMES
A special Christmas memory for me was when it was the last Christmas in Michigan. It was Christmas day and I opened a present from my sister. Guess what it was? It was a stuffed animal yellow lab. Guess what I named it? I named it Shelby. I love that stuffed animal, but sometimes I let my sister sleep with it. Now I’m letter Emma sleep with it until Christmas Eve, and Christmas day. Guess what? I’m getting my sister the same thing but name it a different name.
Hannah Bjurstrom
WMES
Why the holidays are special. Holiday’s are special because you get to see your family. You may not see them for a while. You might go to a hotel or your grandma’s house. You can play holiday games like pin the tail on the turkey. At a hotel you could win something. I go to a hotel and I usually win a few stuffed animals. Some people win big toy horses. Like the little kids. When I was little, I used to say, “Mom, what will I win?” She would always say, “I don’t know.” Thanksgiving you might eat turkey. Some people eat ham instead. On Valentines day do you hand out cards? I hand out candy in my class. I eat dinner with my mom, dad and my family. I love the hot days. Don’t you? Holidays are awesome. Have a wonderful holiday.
Alexis A.
WMES
The best Christmas ever was 05 and 06. In 05 we went to Wisconsin. I had light saber duels with two of my cousins. We ate chicken, potatoes, and veggies for lunch. We watched TV, football, and soccer. After that the cousins there now were are nine. In 06 I went to Equador. I played with my cousin. We have countless cousins but only two second cousins. For presents I got a movie, two games, and a toy. We had KFC for lunch and grandma cooked dinner. We were there for three weeks. My dad came on second.
Judah Wall,
WMES
A holiday tradition that is unique to my family, is every Thanksgiving we have a bar-be-que at my house. My dad makes the turkey and my mom makes the stuffing. My aunt makes a fruit pizza for dessert. Then we watch football games on the TV and I play games with my cousins. Next, we eat supper. Then, play a game of some sort. When it get dark out, we play ghost in the grave yard. Then we play flash light tag. Finally it is time for everyone to leav4e. Then I go to bed and sleep.
Zachary Preston,
WMES
Holidays are special because we get together and sometimes you get presents. I think that holidays are very important because you get to see your cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma and grandpa. You get time to have fun. You can play with your cousins or spend time with your family. I think everything is important because you would get to do stuff with people like on Thanksgiving. You could sit down and eat turkey with your family and then have Christmas and get presents. Then you would celebrate Valentines day. And just have fun. You could kiss your husband and say Happy Valentines Day. Then it would be Easter you could go Easter egg hunting around your house. Then it would be the fourth of July and you would watch fireworks.
Abbi Paczkowski,
WMES
A holiday tradition my family does is we go to my and uncles house. We get to see my family members that don’t live around everybody else. For example, my aunt and uncle that live in other states. We get to see them once in awhile. The Christmas party we go to is on my dad’s side. I don’t mind some of my cousins, but some bug me. They are my age, but they are also boys. Before the party, we open gifts. Then we play with them for awhile. Next, I hope my brother and sister do not get to them. Finally we go to the party.
Alexis Hertzog,
WMES
The best Christmas I remember was last year. I did not have school because it was Christmas. I got six dragon fish, six black molly’s they were all black. I got a lephard geicko fish for Christmas.
Danny Wall,
WMES
The best Christmas I remember was one year my brother got a D.S. for his birthday. I would always ask to play but of course usually the answer was, “No.” But, on occasion he would let me play. I liked it so much! I told my mom I really wanted one but, I doubted I would get it. Everyday I wanted it more and more, but I still doubted it. On Christmas Eve, we went to my grandma’s house and when we came home we saw Santa leaving. We got to take the stuff out of our stockings that night. In the morning, my brother woke me up. We opened our presents, and I opened the D.S. travel kit before the D.S. so I knew I was getting one. I got a white D.S. I love it!
Lindsey Goetz,
WMES
A holiday tradition that is unique, is we go to my grandparents house. We have a big family dinner. Every year the night before Christmas, we open with our whole family, (we exchange gifts.) The next day is Christmas, so we open the gifts from Santa. Then we go to church and come back around noon and eat a huge lunch and pray because baby Jesus was born on Christmas. Finally all the cousins go outside and play with the gifts. The parents just stay inside and drink hot chocolate. That how my family celebrates Christmas.
Sydney Matthias,
WMES
The holidays are special to my family and I because all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandpas and grandmas come to visit. I just love it when the whole family gets together for the holidays. It also means a lot to me when we all are in one place. I love seeing everyone it is wonderful. On Thanksgiving everyone is thankful in my family. That is why holidays are special to me!
Tierney Nichols,
WMES
There is a holiday that is a very special day. That is called Christmas. It is Jesus’ birthday. That’s why we have Christmas as a special day. And we have one more special day, it is Thanksgiving. That is when the pilgrims and Indians have turkey.
Merciedies Daggett,
WMES
A holiday tradition during Christmas is go to my dad’s side of the family. It’s unique because it is only my grandpa and grandma, aunts and uncles and cousins. The cousins that I don’t get to see very much and that live in Omaha, Nebraska, came too. No one else goes. What we do is everybody (on the last day of break) is gathered in the living room. First Abby opens her presents, because she is the youngest. I’m in the middle, because I’m the middle cousin. Then my grandparents go last because they are the oldest. Then we go home, the next day and wait until next year.
Hailee Bushman,
WMES
A special Christmas memory was two years ago when my aunt Judy dumped a bucket of water on my dad’s head. Out in the cold. It was so funny. Also, she pushed him in the snow. Meanwhile me and my brother had a super snowball fight. Now that was fun!
Ben Clifford,
WMES
When I got my Robo Reptile. He’s a robot. He can hunt and bite. He has motion sensors. I got him from Santa. Robo Reptile is black and white. He makes sounds. I really wanted one. I was so happy when I got one. He is cool.
Billy Peterson,
WMES
Reader Comments
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.
To Place A Comment, Please Login
|
| |
Not Currently A User? Sign Up Below
|
Print Version
E-mail This Story
RSS Feed
