As the air becomes chilled and the leaves start to transform in color, fall is just around the corner as well as the holidays that come with it. Traditions like pumpkin carving, giving out candy and big family dinners are always a part of enjoying the season. However, some family traditions are unique, as many families take it upon themselves to create unique traditions to keep fall as festive as can be.
Some families decide to travel for the holidays, and get out of the San Diego heat. Senior Claire Halaka and her family like to go on a road trip to Oregon and explore the Portland streets. “Portland is my favorite place to go in the fall. We always walk the streets and take pictures, because it’s covered in trees and the colors are honestly so beautiful. I personally prefer cold weather, so being in Portland is refreshing. Just from these family road trips, Portland has become my favorite city,” she said.
Large servings of all kinds of food never fail to bring people together. Senior Grant Olsen’s family always plans a huge family reunion around the fall holidays, “My immediate family is pretty small, but when the holidays come around, the annual family reunion reminds me just how big my family is. There are probably a hundred faces I never usually see. Growing up over the years, the fall reunions have always made me feel connected to my family. There are always four or five huge tables filled with people eating homemade mashed potatoes and a couple of turkeys. The place is filled with laughter and family stories which has always been what fall is about for me,” he said.
Although fall reminds most of us of Thanksgiving, for some families the festivities are centered around Halloween. Senior Ashley Obermeyer spends the evening downtown with her grandparents. She said, “When I was little, I always wanted to go trick or treating with my friends, but when I was old enough to participate in my grandparents’ crazy antics, I jumped right in. Every year we hide downtown and dress up in really scary costumes to throw candy at people walking by. It’s hilarious watching people’s reactions and also eating the candy. My grandparents have so much fun in the fall.”
Whether it’s a trip, a big dinner, or a bizarre ritual, the fall should be celebrated in whatever way reminds you of the meaning of family.