For centuries, holidays have been an important part of human history. They play a major role in our values, relationships, and cultures. With how diverse Akins is, there are sure to be many different holidays celebrated! Of course, not every holiday is well-known but they’re equally important.
The Eagle’s Eye asked Akins community members to share their thoughts on the winter holidays they celebrate and their favorite foods and activities for the season.
Senior Ashlyn Rodriguez
Usually, we have Turkey and mashed potatoes and mac and cheese for Thanksgiving, and we also like to make special dishes at times, like cheesy Brussels sprouts and we also usually have chili or tamales or sometimes both. Christmas has less of a proper structure to it, but it is usually very similar foods, and there is almost always pumpkin pie at both celebrations.
I celebrate with both sides of my family, my mom and dad. It alternates what day with each every year, but we almost always see someone from both sides on each.
Senior Natalee Garcia
My family eats the normal Thanksgiving meals but also my grandma makes BBQ prime rib anything you can think of shes loves cooking for Thanksgiving celebrating with both sides of my family, my mom and dad. It alternates what day with each every year, but we almost always see someone from both sides on each.
my grandma makes over 15 dozen tamales just for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
the night before Christmas we have challenges like painting and making the best and most unique gingerbread buildings. pranks all night and dinner late at night no earlier than 9:30.
Senior Jennessa Holley
My mom cooks traditional Filipino foods like adobo (A marinated dish with pork or seafood) and Sinigang (Filipino stew). I like to help with the desserts because I bake a lot, and it’s easier to follow than cooking instructions. Food is important for this holiday because it brings my family together. We all gather at the table at the same time and can appreciate each other’s presence while everyone is home. I like not having school, it allows more time for family and friends. Having time for myself also gives me time to relax and have less stress on my back.
Senior Ash Morris
For Thanksgiving, I and my family here in Austin travel an hour-ish away to Hutto TX to all meet at my uncle’s house. For Thanksgiving the day after I usually have a second Thanksgiving at my own home, but this year I’ll have three, joining my best friend with her family. Then when it’s Christmas we all meet at my grandparent’s house.
Anonymous Junior
During Thanksgiving, we eat Pernil (Marinated pork leg) and Arroz con Gandules (Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas). I help with the rice and we stay home and eat during the holidays. I celebrate the holidays with my family. My favorite thing about the holidays is eating.
Anonymous Sophmore
I eat shawarma, and just anything my mom gives me. I help my mom make Warah al Dawali, shawarma, fajitas ect. I get free money and I fast.
Anonymous Senior
During Thanksgiving, I eat turkey, sometimes roast, jalapeño Mac and cheese, rolls, green bean casserole, yams, and sometimes corn depending on which side of my family I’m with. During Christmas, we usually eat about the same minus the turkey, where we’ll have a roast or ham of some kind. I usually help my mom make the mac and cheese and various other dishes the night before, but it really depends on how many dishes we’re having. I usually play games with my family (like LCR or a present unwrapping game.) Besides that, we just eat and hang out.
