Unconventional Holiday Traditions

For most, the holiday season is a time for relaxation and simple family traditions that take place close to home. For exchange student Femke Hummert, junior, this time of year entails traveling to England and Germany, in addition to doing seasonal activities with her immediate family.

Christmastime is chaotic for Hummert, since her stepdad and mom live in England, while her grandparents and her dad live in Germany. “It [the holiday season] gets busy because you have to go see everyone,” Hummert said.

While many individuals typically take time to unwind during the holidays, Hummert’s schedule never slows down.

“I’ve never been home for Christmas,” states Hummert, who typically spends her holiday break traveling internationally to visit family.

Aside from traveling, Hummert states that she adores the holiday season due to the many traditions she and her family uphold. A few of these traditions include ice skating, baking cookies, and Christmas shopping.

Above all, Hummert claims that one of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time with her family. “Christmas is my favorite holiday because everyone is happy, there is Christmas cheer, and you get to spend time with family,” Hummert said with a radiant smile.

While still on the topic of family, Hummert recalled her most beloved Christmas memory. “Two years ago, I went skiing with my dad and got to travel round trip to visit my family,” Hummert responded cheerfully.

Besides spending time with her family, another of Hummert’s favorite seasonal traditions is tasting the Starbucks holiday drinks, which are only on the menu for a limited time. Although she claims that she doesn’t favor one drink in particular, she states that “they are all just really great.”

All in all, Hummert looks forward to sustaining her family’s long-lived tradition of traveling internationally for the holidays.