Holiday season is fast approaching and though Florida isn’t likely to see a white winter, we still have our traditions.
Zach Mills, 21, still celebrates Christmas like he did as a child. “My mom is very festive. If you say Santa isn’t real, no presents for you,” said Mills. They go to Jim’s Wisconsin Trees to get a real Christmas tree and his mother hangs mistletoe by a suspended Tinker Bell. On Christmas day after presents, they cozy up and watch “Home Alone” each year, a must see, according to Mills.
Victor Wang, 21, also enjoys movies on Christmas. His personal favorite is “The Polar Express.” Wang’s family usually eats their Christmas meal at the family restaurant, Zen Forrest. “The spelling is intentional,” Wang laughed. Wang’s family does not have turkey or ham every year; the holiday meal is never the same. After the meal is finished, his family reads “Walter the Farting Dog,” a tradition started by his grandparents.
Mark Jenkins, 22, celebrates with a pretty large crowd. He is the youngest of seven siblings, all still living in Florida. He and his siblings were all adopted at birth. “I always say I’m thankful for my parents giving us all a wonderful life. Cheesy, but it’s true,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins’ favorite holiday tradition precedes the presents. Before anyone opens a gift, they tell the family something they are thankful for. “There are seven kids so you can imagine how patient we learned to be,” joked Jenkins.
Some USFSP students celebrate the holidays with friends. Noora Khalil, 21, usually spends her winter break working. Being a full-time student, she likes to take advantage of the extra availability to pick up a few more shifts. However, she does take time out to celebrate. Khalil enjoys a white-elephant party and gift exchange with friends.
