Written by Ally Abruscato, Photo by Ally Abruscato
After a long ten weeks of projects, homework and adventures, SCAD students are excited for a relaxing winter break with family traditions and plans for the upcoming hiatus. Building gingerbread houses is one common custom. Some like to build the houses from scratch while others buy pre-made kits (that’s me!).
This year, Hannah Dinning, a first-year architectural history student is especially excited to construct hers. Growing up, Dinning took part in a family competition. Although the judging was rarely in her favor, she has fond memories of the championship. “We always lost but that didn’t matter because I got to eat a lot of gumdrops,” Dinning said.
Although Dinning is too old for the competition, she still plans on building a gingerbread house this year with her grandma. The two love baking together, but since the pandemic, they have not been able to spend much time together. “I always have a vision in my mind,” Dinning said. “I really want it to be a snow chalet, but it’s definitely not going to be that, and it’s definitely not going to stay together.”
During December, there are a variety of holidays celebrated around the world. For Sarah Adcock, a first-year fashion marketing student the real fun happens on Christmas Eve. Every year, the Adcock’s go to church and then attend a gathering at a friend’s house. At home, it’s a tradition for everyone to open one present the night before Christmas. To prepare for Santa’s arrival, Adcock and her siblings would write a letter to Santa to leave with the milk and cookies. “Santa is healthy, though,” Adcock said. “Sometimes he wants Wheat Thins.”
Adcock would throw oats and glitter into her backyard to create a trail for the reindeer. Afterward, her family would watch “The Grinch,” her dad read “The Night Before Christmas” and Adcock would use the Santa Tracker to monitor St. Nick’s location. These Christmas Eve traditions remind Adcock of her childhood and fill her with nostalgia and warmth. With the upcoming break, Adcock can’t help but reminisce over “being with my family and being so cozy.”
Although Gracen Rivera, a first-year industrial design student now lives in Florida, some of her favorite winter memories are connected to the cold weather. This year, Rivera is returning to the snow to go skiing in Idaho with her family. Even though skiing has been a part of Rivera’s life since she was three or four, she’s been unable to hit the slopes since the pandemic. But it’s about more than just the sport. Rivera said one of the best things about skiing is “spending a lot of time with my dad.”
As a kid, Rivera’s dad would take her skiing every weekend in the winter, spending the day outdoors having fun. The calmness and beauty of the mountains always soothed Rivera.
Hopefully, all SCAD students will have some time for relaxation and artistry during this winter break. No matter the place, weather, holiday or tradition, there’s sure to be joy all around.
