The student media website of Minnehaha Academy Upper School

Christmas traditions

By Pauline Ojambo

Briefs | Talon

The things that make Christmas even more special

As Christmas fast approaches many are scrambling to buy Christmas presents, put up Christmas lights and make everything perfect. Among the hustle and bustle families remember their traditions, the traditions that bring more meaning to the Christmas season.

Among traditions some MA students have is going to church for a Christmas candle-lit service, opening presents Christmas morning/Christmas eve, or even baking a birthday cake for a baby Jesus, but for junior Alex Rocker the Christmas season brings the best tradition.

Rocker’s parents who divorced meet together Christmas and have brunch Christmas morning.

“I feel blessed that my parents, even though divorced, are able to come together and spend Christmas together as one extended family,” said Rocker.

Rocker’s Christmas tradition brings meaning to her life because it brings her family together.

What are some other Christmas traditions from MA students?

“My family always cuts down our tree the day after Thanksgiving. We also watch The Polar Express with my grandparents because they love that movie,” said junior Katie Pope.

“Takeout on Christmas Eve every year followed by midnight mass and pancakes at the 24 hour diner,” said junior Zoey Twyford.

“Going to Wisconsin and eating amazing cookies with cherries in the center,” said senior Manda TenHoor.

“At Thanksgiving my family and I always put our names in a bowl, and then we draw names and that’s who we get a present for when we get together to celebrate Christmas,” said junior Keturah Scott.

 

Author

You may also like…

Climate research censored

by | March 12, 2026 | Science and Health, Talon | 0 Comments

What impact does censoring have on scientists and everyday people? Global warming’s acceleration over the past decade has contributed to some of the hottest years on record. But as this climate crisis grows more prominent and new data is unearthed, is there anything...
Read More

Too cool to care? The issue of nonchalance

by | March 6, 2026 | Features, Talon | 0 Comments

Why nonchalance isn't the best strategy Skinny jeans and side parts used to be the hottest things. Now, it’s being “detached” and pretending not to care. This behavior is known as nonchalance. Dictionary.com defines nonchalant as “coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or...
Read More

Service with a smile

by | March 2, 2026 | Features, Talon | 0 Comments

Students can learn courage & generosity from Nance Murdoch From fighting for her life to being a grandmother to six, Nance Murdock has done it all. At the age of 19, Murdock was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was bad because I had to go to chemo and radiation,”...
Read More

M.A. library growing amid national decline

by | March 2, 2026 | Briefs, Talon | 0 Comments

Library Grows Despite Reading Decline Although national studies show a significant decline in high-school reading performance, Minnehaha’s library is expanding while many local schools, including independent schools, are cutting back on their libraries or even...
Read More

Recording vinyl history

by | February 20, 2026 | Arts, Talon | 0 Comments

Local music stores sport friendly rivalry Minnesota is certainly no stranger to the music scene. Being the birthplace of folk icon Bob Dylan and funk-rock pioneer Prince alone gives the state plenty of credibility. So it should be to no one’s surprise that the Twin...
Read More