By Mirka G., Celiang H., & Chistina N.
After coming back from winter break and ending the year with presents and well wishes from family, we’ve started both a new year and a new semester. We’ve gone through Galileo asking teachers and counselors “How was your winter break? Do you have any traditions you or your family does around the holiday times and is there something new that you would like to make a tradition out of?”
“My winter break was relaxing but short. We usually get together for a hot pot but we didn’t do that this year. We got together, but it was just immediate family and we still ate together but it was smaller. I used to travel so I would love to travel again, but it was hard with quarantine.” – Ms.Yu
“It was calm and quiet because I went up to Tahoe for three days. The rest of the break I was home, slept in, and got a lot of rest. Traditionally we usually travel overseas[Asia]. I always go to Maccow because that is where I came from and we also go to Japan, Taiwan. We go to see my sister who are still in Maccow. I’m looking forward to traveling again. We would travel every winter break.” – Ms.Chan
“It was very good, I went to go see some family in Los Angeles and I spent time with them. It was a very small group because of the pandemic but it was very nice to see my family. We actually started a new tradition, which is now when we get together, we rent hotel rooms for as many family members that come and join us. They get a room or get together in the biggest room or a suite and celebrate. It’s kinda nice to get together and we will either order food like take-out. Not having to worry means everyone feels like they’re on vacation.” – Ms.Sanchez
“It was fantastic. I live in Palm Springs part time so I was down there the whole break. I meet up with my husband and his mother, that’s our family unit down there. We had dinner Christmas Eve and Christmas day; we had Chinese food. Our gathering was smaller, we usually invite friends. This time it was just immediate family, just the three of us. We had take out food instead of going out to a restaurant too.” – Mr.Barbour
“My winter break was exciting, I went to Hawaii, LA, and Palm Springs. In Hawaii, I spent a lot of time with friends. We ate a lot of food and I was snorkeling since I don’t know how to swim. We went on a boat and we jumped off the boat. In LA, I spend time with my boyfriend and his family. I also went hiking on Koko Head. It was tiring, but the view was gorgeous.” – Ms.Wong
“It was full of fun and family. It was also very busy because I have 3 school aged kids. We usually have a full family party the night before Christmas Eve. As a tradition we watch lots of Christmas movies and leave Santa cookies. And on Christmas morning we open all the presents. It would be nice to take a trip, skiing or traveling to Mexico. My kids are very sentimental about Christmas and Santa but as they get older it would be nice to travel.” – Ms.Morgan
