One common tradition among everyone at VIEWS is connecting with friends and family over the holidays. “Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we see all our family: brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, and parents.” Maryn Williams says, “I love spending time together to connect on levels that are simply understood by everyone.” Nancy Vinkler says that one of her favorite holiday traditions is everyone in her family gathering together to watch movies, creating a list of all of the films up for the Oscars to see over the holiday season.
“Since moving to Aiken, South Carolina in 2007, one of my favorite traditions begins with attending ‘The Blessing of the Hounds’ in Hitchcock Woods on Thanksgiving morning,” says Kelley Kohr. “Unique to our town, this ceremony marks the opening of the fox hunting season for Aiken Hounds – one of the oldest fox hunts in the U.S.” Sulakshana Dasgupta says that her favorite time of the year is Dussehra. This famous Hindu festival signifies the victory of good over evil. “Celebrated for ten days, Dussehra is my favorite time of the year where friends and family come together to celebrate Durga Puja (an annual Hindu festival), wear new clothes, indulge in delicacies, and participate in cultural performances.”
Many people will say that the best part of any holiday is the food, and we have our fair share of favorite dishes and food-related traditions at VIEWS. Mary Stewart, for instance, enjoys making pie during Thanksgiving. “For Thanksgiving, we make many pies, typically 2 apple, 2 pumpkin, and usually at least one other variety, so we have lots of leftovers.”
“Whether we are eating, cooking, or baking, holiday sweets we always try to include our hand decorated sugar cookies or decadent Oreo desserts,” says Jennifer Scruitsky. Sulee and Kelley also enjoy baking during the holiday season. Karen and her family like to have puto bumbong (purple rice cake) or bibingka (baked rice cake) for a holiday breakfast.
Decorations
The VIEWS team also has our favorite holiday traditions with regards to decorating our homes. “Even as early as September, some houses may already have put up their Christmas trees, cheery lights, parols (Filipino ornamental lantern, traditionally made from bamboo and Japanese paper), and start decorating,” says Karen Gaza. Jennifer enjoys creating handcrafted ornaments with her family to hang on the Christmas tree while her husband and children decorate their home “Griswold” style. The weekend after Thanksgiving, Mary and her family take the time to decorate the tree and their home.
Finally, one of our favorite holiday traditions this time of year is letting our clients and readers know how thankful we are for them and how much we appreciate their support. Whatever holidays you may celebrate, everyone at VIEWS Digital Marketing wishes you a happy holiday season.