Favorite holiday traditions
Compiled by Magi Thomley Williams
During the eight-day festival of Chanukah, we begin each night at home by lighting Chanukah menorahs. Each of my daughters lights a menorah she received when she was born, and we light a family one. We exchange gifts, play dreidel for coins, and enjoy traditional holiday foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) with applesauce or sour cream and jelly-filled doughnuts called sufganiyot. The Friday night of Chanukah is a wonderful celebration at Temple Beth El. During our worship service, children lead songs, and people light their menorahs from home and fill the sanctuary with light. A joyful dinner of traditional foods follows the service.
— Andrea Fleekop, Director, School for Jewish Living, Temple Beth El of Pensacola
My family celebrates St. Nicholas Day. As a child, I loved getting that taste of Christmas so early in the season! My grandmother still makes stockings for us, despite the fact that we’re all adults. She stuffs them full of our favorite candies and some holiday trinkets. I just had my first baby, and I’m so excited to continue the tradition with her!
— Brandi Lane, supervisor, Healthy Families Escambia
Growing up, my mom always made homemade pumpkin roll with us. We would always bring it to parties and events. I have her recipe, and I cannot wait to share the tradition with my little family.
— Sami Kaye, owner, Sami Kaye’s Cakery
We love to invite neighbors over to decorate cookies with us. Everyone brings different sprinkles and icing. We cover the dining room table and let the kids go to town. We also make a crockpot of hot chocolate and have a toppings bar!
— Tristan Brooks, D.O., Ladder to the Stars Wellness, LLC
My favorite tradition is building a nice warm manger for baby Jesus during Advent. My kiddos get to place a handful of hay into our awaiting manger out front with each act of love that we catch them doing. Some years that poor baby would’ve frozen if it were just up to us! Ha-ha!
— Julie Baltz, MHS, PA-C, FEMM Health
Since I was a little girl, my mom and I started baking tiny Christmas cookies together on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day. The meticulous decorating was a labor of love that allowed us to bond and escape the daily grind. This year, I’m thrilled to share this cherished tradition with my daughter for the first time. For some, they may just be cookies, but for me, they represent family and connection.
— Kate Decker, founder, Dream Bigger Pensacola
