What makes Christmas a special holiday for those who celebrate?

Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25, is a special holiday for many people. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and spend time with family and friends. Many people also enjoy the traditions associated with the holiday, such as decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, and singing Christmas carols. For many, Christmas is a time to reflect on the year that has passed and to look forward to the year ahead with hope and optimism.

The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion (Heersink ODI) spoke to Program Manager II Erica Brown, M.Ed, about what makes Christmas special for her and how she celebrates it.

Brown grew up traveling and gathering with family at Christmas, a tradition she continues today. She explains, “Christmas has always been a special time in our family. To give you some context, both my parents are from the south. My dad's from Georgia, and my mom's from Alabama. But I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For us, Christmas wasn't necessarily about gift-giving. It was everything that led up to Christmas, the family gatherings. I have a lot of family in Fort Wayne, a lot of family in Georgia, and a lot of family here in Alabama. So, we never stayed in hotels. We always stayed with each other because it had been such a long time since we'd seen each other. “

The Brown family’s celebrations

Brown remembers celebrations, “We would all get together when I was a child, just like we still do today. A lot of my family members, especially when the older generation was still with us, would to go to my grandmothers’ houses on both sides. One grandmother was in Georgia; one was in Birmingham. We'd switch back and forth. That was the best time, and even though it’s a little different today, it still is special.

Back in the day, my grandma always had giant four-decker cakes and pies. There was more food than you could eat in a day, and we kept those old Southern traditions. We graze, meaning you stop for a little bit and eat until you’re full. Then once you get a second wind, you come back for more. That is all leading up to Christmas. And on Christmas day, we have Christmas breakfast.” She elaborated, "As kids, we would get up, have Christmas breakfast, and open our presents. The adults didn’t usually exchange gifts.”

Brown’s one standout Christmas memory

“To give you some context, I was the mischievous one in the family. I have an identical twin, who is older. She would always follow me, but she would get into trouble for things that I did. My parents would hide our Christmas presents and one year I found the location where they hid all the presents. At first, my parents said, ‘Santa Claus hides gifts all over the world; those aren't your presents.’ The next day, I remember seeing all those gifts under the tree. I thought to myself, ‘nope, that’s not true.’ That was when I discovered Santa Claus wasn't real.”

A favorite sweet dish

It’s a quick answer for Brown when she thinks of her favorite dish to share with the family this holiday, “Sweet potato casserole, that’s my favorite. My favorite version is my mother's, so it just can't be from anybody. I would also say my dad's sweet potato pie. My dad is more of a cook in the family.”

More Christmas Traditions

Claudia Hardy, Director of Community Outreach in the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

Broad family gathering with gift exchange on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

 

 

 

Rodney Tucker, M.D.

Time with family then quiet Relaxation; Sometimes trip out of the country.

Rodney Sullivan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Director of Medical Physics Residency Program

Just hanging with family, opening presents, and reflecting on the birth of Jesus.

Shirley Gibbs, Program Director in the Department of Neurology and ODI Staff Liaison

The best part of Christmas for me is Christmas Eve and spent with Family and good food. Watching my small nieces and nephews be so excited about Christmas and opening present. Enjoying time with my Mom and Siblings is always the best.

Valerie Minor, Administrative Associate in the Office of Wellness

Gather with family. Share memories. Play music (sometimes even sing and dance!). Give Gifts. Have a big meal together.

Nicole Guyton, Program Director and ODI Staff Liaison

Surrounded by family. We enjoy playing Dirty Santa and having ugly sweater wars!