4 Christmas Traditions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

4 Christmas Traditions

Some things never change.

Samantha Rockhill
Dec 20, 2016
Messiah College
17
4 Christmas Traditions
Joanna Kosinska

This year the Christmas season is a little different in my house. It is my first year at college, so this year is the first time that we are trying to work around conflicting schedules. It's also a little different than usual because we are taking a trip to Florida. But regardless of the changes life presents us with there are some traditions that haven't changed.

1. Decorating the tree together

We set up the tree over my Thanksgiving break to make sure I would still be able to hang up my ornaments with the family.

2. Lights on the Lake

Every year we have gone to see the light displays set up on the path around a lake nearby. This year my family has been once while I was at school and we are planning on going again so I get to see this year's new lights.

3. Christmas Eve pjs

Every year on Christmas my parents let my sisters an I open one present, pjs to wear that night. When we were younger they were matching Christmas themed pjs, but now we each get some that reflect our own tastes.

4. Candlelight service


Our church has an evening service on Christmas Eve which ends with everyone singing Silent Night, holding candles as the lights go down. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Interested in joining Messiah's Odyssey team? Apply here.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

Florida State University
323
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
equestrian
Health and Wellness

To The Burnt-Out College Student, Keep Going

When you're struggling to keep afloat, keep going.

West Chester University
457
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
burnout
Health and Wellness

No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead

Panicking and pulling all-nighters will not allow you to get an A.

The State University of New York at Stony Brook
438
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less
college
Featured

Warnings About College To Incoming Freshmen As Told By Gifs

College is hard, but you will make it through.

University of Delaware
538
college just ahead sign
Wordpress

1. You will have that special "college" look to you.

2. You will feel like an adult but also feeling like a child.

Community Donaldglover GIFfrom Community GIFs

3. You will have classes that are just the professor reading from their lecture slides for an hour.

Powerpoint Michael Scott GIFfrom Powerpoint GIFs

4. You will need to study but also want to hang out with your friends.

I Feel Like Its Been Forever Since We Just Hung Out Lauren Lindsey Donzis GIFfrom I Feel Like Its Been Forever Since We Just Hung Out GIFs

5. Coffee is your best friend.

6. You don't know what you're doing 99% of the time.

7. You will procrastinate and write a paper the night before it is due.

Ciúmes GIFfrom Keyboard Warrior GIFs

8. Money is a mythical object.

The Office Bankrupt GIFfrom The Office GIFs

9. It is nearly impossible to motivate yourself to go to classes during spring.

10. The food pyramid goes out the window.

11. You will have at least one stress induced breakdown a semester.

Community Abed GIFfrom Community GIFs

12. Most lecture classes will bore you to tears.

Big Bang Theroi Sheldon Cooper GIFfrom Big Bang Theroi GIFs

13. You will not like all of your professors.

Movies Quotes GIFfrom Movies GIFs

14. You will try to go to the gym... but you will get too lazy at some point.

15. When you see high school students taking tours:

16. You will try to convince yourself that you can handle everything.

17. Finals week will try to kill you.

18. You won't like everyone, but you will find your best friends sooner or later.

Best Scene From This Movie GIFfrom Comedy GIFs

19. You actually have to go to class.

Who Needs College GIFfrom Parks And Rec GIFs

20. Enjoy it, because you will be sad when it is all over.

Graduation GIFfrom Graduation GIFs
college gifs
Health and Wellness

Obsessive Thoughts Keep My Brain Stuck On A Loop And Me Stuck On My Couch

The more I research, the more I worry, the more I get stuck.

National Writers Society
591
Obsessive Thoughts Keep My Brain Stuck On A Loop And Me Stuck On My Couch
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Sometimes my brain just starts turning on an idea and it doesn't want to stop.

I don't know if it is related to my anxiety, perfectionism or depression. I don't know why it happens. It's frustrating, it's painful and it stops me from functioning.

Keep Reading...Show less
mental health

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments