Andover kids share some of their favorite holiday traditions

Teddy Tauscher, Andover Townsman, Mass.
·2 min read

Dec. 25—To celebrate the holiday season, we asked kids in Andover: What's your favorite holiday tradition?

Their answers did not disappoint.

Presents, cookies, latkes and the occasional big red envelope of cash topped the list of favorites.

We hope you enjoy their answers as much as we did.

Sophie Luo, 9 South Elementary School

Sophie celebrates Lunar New Year every year. Her traditions include opening a red envelope full of cash and a big dinner with all of her family.

She also enjoys seeing the dragon dance around.

Esther Messinger, 10 South Elementary School

Esther celebrates Hanukkah and receives presents for eight days. During the holidays she enjoys eating sufganiyot — jelly filled doughnuts — and latkes — potato pancakes.

Her family owns dozens of menorahs, many of which have been passed down through the family.

Marie Brabcova, 11 South Elementary School

Marie celebrates Christmas in keeping with her families Czech Republic roots. She opens advent calendars from the Czech Republic and receives presents from Ježíšek.

She also opens her presents on Christmas Eve. That night she begins by putting cookies in a bell next to the tree, hiding in a closet and then returning to open her presents.

Davis Montgomery, 10 South Elementary School

Davis' Christmas traditions include light shows, a Santa train and an Elf on a Shelf. On Christmas Eve he puts out milk and cookies, and stockings. One the day of, his family eats brunch, which he likens to Thanksgiving. The presents are opened afterward.

"Save the good stuff for last," Davis said.

Narayani Govindarajan, 9 South Elementary School

Narayani celebrated Diwali this year in October, though she said the date varies from year to year. In preparation she and her family set up lights on the day before the celebration. The day of, she wakes up early at around 5 a.m. and prays for the light. She says the day celebrates light prevailing over darkness. They also cook together and turn on the lights they set up the previous day.