Mary Putthoff, 12
Favorite Winter Tradition:
“My mom and I, around a week before Christmas, spend a whole day, and we hand make our cinnamon
rolls and our sausage cheese balls.”
When did the tradition start?
“We’ve done this every year since I was born. My parents had this tradition before I was born as well.”
Do you look forward to this tradition?
“I really enjoy it. It’s really nice to spend time with my mom doing something we both like, and those cinnamon rolls are so good.”
How has your perception of tradition changed as you’ve grown?
“I’ve grown to appreciate it more. When I was younger, I just thought it was something that we always did, but now it’s something I can really look forward to because it’s bonding time.”
Shea Splittorff, 11
Favorite Winter Tradition?
“We get into our cars on a chilly night where it’s feeling festive right close to Christmastime, and we get, really big Stanleys, with hot chocolate. Then we bring little cups, turn on the radio and sing, watch [the Deanna Rose lightshow] for a little and drink hot chocolate.”
When did this tradition start?
“[It’s] a family tradition we’ve done for the past five-ish years.”
Do you look forward to this tradition?
“Everyone’s so busy, it’s hard to get together at times. I think we’ve done this every year, and it’s just a cute little tradition.”
How has your perception of tradition changed as you’ve grown?
“We don’t have a ton of traditions. I feel like it’s never been a huge part of our family dynamic.”
Katy Thompson, 12
Favorite Winter Tradition
“We always start off the year with my grandma coming in town from, Georgia, which is always super special because she lives so far away. Part of her Christmas gift is going to ‘Nutcracker’ every year.”
When did the tradition start? “My mom and her have been going for 29 years this year. Since my sister and I were little, we’ve gone, even as babies.”
Do you look forward to this tradition?
“Even when COVID hit, my sister and I, [who] are not ballerinas at all, put on an in-home production of ‘The Nutcracker.’”
How has your perception of tradition changed as you’ve grown?
“With just having everyone struggle to be able to get to one place at one time, I’ve come to appreciate having my sister home and my grandma come in.”
