The holiday season is a time for meaningful traditions that bring families closer. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen bonds, from decorating trees to enjoying snowy adventures. Across the towns, activities like ice skating, festive light displays, and sledding add to the magic, making winter a season of joy and connection.
Morgan Lewis, a senior, shares her winter traditions and memories. Morgan says, growing up, one of her favorite winter traditions was driving around with her sister and grandparents to look at Christmas lights together. She says, “Traditions bring family together by creating memories that will be remembered forever.” Morgan’s family celebrates the holidays by hosting gatherings with people she doesn’t often get to see, which helps strengthen their connections. Her favorite snow day memories are playing outside with her sister, building snowmen, and enjoying the magic of a snowy day together.
Freshman Kaileen Diaz shares her experiences with winter traditions. When she was younger, one of her favorite winter traditions was ice skating with her mom and dad on New Year’s Eve. It was always a wonderful time with her family and friends, filled with laughter and fun. Kaileen said, “as a child I also had traditions to manifest a snow day, like sleeping with a spoon under my pillow, flushing ice cubes down the toilet, and doing a snow dance.” In the winter, Kaileen expresses how snow and winter weather play an important role during the holidays, “It can brighten up spirits and spread holiday cheer.” Winter traditions are meaningful to her because they allow family to share memorable moments and create bonds that will last.
Ella Lewis’ favorite winter tradition is going out the day after Thanksgiving with her family to pick out a Christmas tree and decorate it together. Ella said, “I love being with my family and spending time with them. Christmas isn’t always about the presents, it’s about time with family and the memories you will create doing it.” One of her favorite snow day memories was when she lived in Georgia and experienced her first snow day ever. Ella and her sister ran outside as soon as they woke up, amazed by the snowfall. Her parents joined them to build a snowman, and afterwards, they all went inside to warm up and watch Christmas movies together. It was a magical day filled with family and fun.
Winter in the Mahoning Valley is filled with activities that bring the community together and embrace the holiday spirit. From ice skating at local rinks to enjoying festive light displays, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Families often gather for sledding at nearby parks, and warm up with hot cocoa after. This season brings special events that highlight the traditions making winter a special time.
Lily Sargent details activities to enjoy in Youngstown, such as Miracle on Easy Street, The Nutcracker performance, and Disney on Ice shows. Be sure to check out her article for more details and experience the magic of the season!
