The holidays are considered to be the most joyful time of the year, but what qualities make them so special? Of course, the presents and food are always a plus and the music and pretty lights will never be overlooked. It’s key to remember the people who contribute to making this year so special. The people you call your family. What makes family so special?

Many students described their families as supportive and caring, along with a string of unique qualities. But each family is different, each family consists of different people. But they’re your people! It’s hard to notice from the inside, but every family celebrates the holidays in their own unique way.

It’s no secret that no family is perfect, some holding more problems than others, but it’s okay to acknowledge imperfections.

It is important to be with the ones you consider family during the holidays, family doesn’t merely have to consist of your own flesh and blood. And while every family tree is different, and some may have deeper connections than others, it’s impossible to think of the holidays and NOT think of family along with it. Everyone has their own views on what makes family important.

“What makes family important to me is having someone there for you when you need it and who’ll understand you better than anybody else,” said Junior Arrianna Gee, “Whether it be blood family or friends.”

Junior Andres Ramirez adds that “If the family has a strong bond, they often benefit from being around each other.”

Every family, no matter how big or small, has its own traditions in some way. It’s fascinating to see both similar and different types held in each one. It can be a certain type of food made on the holidays or a time to gather and watch certain movies.

“On Christmas, I get up early while my dad makes breakfast and sorts the presents out by name, then we all take turns opening them,” Arrianna Gee explains.

Senior Sarah Bossard said, “We always have to wait until my parents wake up, and whoever wakes up first has to bug everyone.”

Of course, there are many things that make the holidays special to each individual, whether it be solely family or the holiday spirit.

“Holidays are special because of the way they make me feel,” Bossard said, “Christmas makes me feel nostalgic.”

“It’s impossible to be sad around the holidays when you have your family with you,” Ramirez states.

Gee says, “Having time to spend with people I love without the stress is what makes holidays special to me.”

Christmas especially is a traditional holiday most children grow up with, it would be hard to imagine spending it without the people you consider family. Though it is true that people will always meet new and important individuals in their lifetime; people considered family are a major part of the holidays!

Andrez Ramirez explained that without family, “It wouldn’t be the same, it would lack the festive feel that Christmas gives us, [one] that we all have grown up to love and cherish.”

Arrianna Gee describes how her Christmas experience would be very different without her family, not having them around to do their normal holiday routines as she adds, “It would be strange not watching Christmas movies with them on Christmas eve.”

Sarah Bossard takes a turn on the thought, stating “My family kind of makes holidays annoying for me, I feel like I could appreciate holidays more celebrating on my own terms.”

It should not be ignored that some people do not share the same experiences or viewpoints, and see family-oriented holidays as a burden or as a time to be morose.

Family is important, that belief is as sincere as it can be, but it is worth mentioning that family is not limited to the one you were brought into. As life goes on, you will find the people who truly make a family for you. Individuals who can make a house, a home. Everyone has their own experiences, their own traditions, their own happiness. Whether you find that happiness through family, through friends, or through yourself; The hopes that the winter holidays will bring people closer together is forever present.