Traditions

Off the top of my head I cannot think of a single Carolina Tradition in which I have taken part. I doubt going to a football game counts because that is, like, a universal tradition of colleges and universities. It would probably be smart of me to get out Transitions and remind myself of the traditions, but I am not currently doing so. I know of traditions, like the Tiger Burn and Ring Ceremony, but it's not time for the Clemson game (and I won't be here for it anyway), and I am not eligible for the Ring Ceremony yet.

As for my favorite tradition, I am not sure. Every year since 8th or 9th grade at the end of the school year my friends and I have had celebratory picnics at the Rose Garden in Bethlehem, but I'm not sure if this is a favorite tradition of mine, it's just one that comes to mind when I think of my friends. I enjoy holiday traditions like putting up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving (even if my mom wants to downsize to a smaller tree... I refuse to let her). I love Christmas music in general and the 'traditional' foods that are abundant in the Holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Years.

Stocker Family
Christmas Tree 2008

My favorite traditions probably are my family ones. I love that every Christmas Eve my mom cooks a big dinner (sometimes I help, but mostly I sit in front of the oven with a Santa hat on, waiting for the indicator to pop up to show that turkey is finished) and we all eat together and, afterward, the kids (all 3 of us) each get to open a gift, which is chosen by another sibling. Being with my family is something I really enjoy (no matter how much I may wish to deny it), and I love when we are all at home and dong things together. When we are home, you're more likely to find me in my brothers' room with them than my own.

I also enjoy Thanksgiving because it is the one holiday traditionally spent with my father's side of the family, whom I otherwise don't see very often. They are also very important to me, and it always makes me happy to see them. They are quite different from my mother's side, who I see regularly, but in a good way. Also, they are good cooks/bakers, which is always a plus.

A new tradition was recently started by my aunt, and we have done it 3 or 4 times since it start back in the Spring (including when I was home for fall break). My mom's side of the family, my best friend Maggie, and I go to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner and then we play on their Wii together. We do both sports and Rockband, and it is hilarious--especially when my grandparents try. Though it is a new tradition, I hope it continues on in the future because it is a lot of fun!

Well I have to leave for class in about fifteen minutes, so I should start packing up.

Ciao!!!

Holland