While students and teachers of Central York High School were preparing to hang their stockings by the chimney with care, they took some time to reflect on Christmas past. From cutting a Christmas tree out of the ground to making gingerbread cookies with grandma, some traditions have been around for years while others might be trending today. Here are some of the Central York Panthers’ favorite holiday traditions and experiences.  

Junior Kennedy Glassmyer, her siblings and her mother take part in a small tradition every year, decorating the Christmas tree. 

“We use the same artificial tree every year and my mom goes and finds a new way to decorate it each year and my family helps decorate it. Me and my brothers each have a small Christmas tree in our rooms that we decorate ourselves the same every year with special ornaments,” said Glassmyer.

As the times have started to change, fake Christmas trees have become more and more popular. In fact, according to a survey done by CBS News, 80 percent of Americans now use fake trees. 

This is just one of the many ways that America has changed their traditions from the old classic ways, to new modern, more convenient strategies. 

“Ever since seventh grade I have made batches of cookies and brought them into school. Everyone’s favorite are the sugar cookies,” exclaimed Glassmyer. 

Glassmyer has been making cookies for her friends and classmates since middle school. She loves to bake and put a smile on other peoples’ faces. 

Glassmyer is among the majority of Americans when she is taking her time to make Christmas cookies during the holidays. A recent survey revealed that 93 percent of Americans also take time to make cookies during the holiday season. 

There was no hesitation from Glassmyer to tell what she believed the true meaning of Christmas really is, 

“Christmas to me is being with the people who love you most. Christmas is a time to give back to the people who care about you.” 

As the holidays continue to become more commercialized and chaotic, few people remember what Christmas is really about. This holiday, try to give back and spend time with those who you are closest to. 

Ethan Levine, sophomore, spoke of his favorite things about the holiday and what matters most during Hanukkah. 

“Playing dreidel with my sister and cousins and spending time with my family.”

Hanukkah is also a very important holiday celebrated at Central York High School. Although there is no break for the Jewish Holiday, a large portion of the United States is Jewish. 

Alec Fahs, a sophomore who also celebrates Hanukkah said, “We eat dinner together every night, light the menorah, play the dreidel game, spend time together and open up gifts.” 

He also took some time to talk about his favorite memory he has of Hanukkah. 

“One year Hanukkah was during Christmas break, so I got to spend the holiday with my entire family in West Palm where my grandparents live.” 

Spending time with family and the ones that are closest to you seems to be a common theme between the two holidays. As this holiday season continues to approach us and time seems to speed up and become chaotic, take some time to slow down and remember the true reason for the season.