Today concludes our
program’s three-part series on our Christmas Traditions. Each member of our
program – players and coaches – was asked to describe the special or unique
traditions they experience with their families this time of year. Feel free to
let us know some of yours. We would love to hear from YOU!
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| Mariah (on right) with teammate Sarafina Arthuer-Williams |
During the holidays, my family gathers at my grandmother's
house in Virginia. On Christmas Eve we have dinner, followed by a rather
competitive game of Scrabble, usually always ending with a victory for
my grandma. Later that evening, we watch Christmas movies and relax. The next
morning we sprint downstairs to rip open Santa’s presents. To top off the
lovely morning we have a big breakfast, then, spend the rest of the day
enjoying each other’s company. Being able to spend quality time with my family
is definitely the best time of the year. -- #21 Jody Chickey
Every year for Christmas I, my sister and my mother all go
to Culpeper and spend time with my mom’s side of the family, and eat a big
Christmas dinner at my uncle’s home. My sister and I also go to my father’s
house and spend time with him and my grandparents. I wouldn't say that it's
necessarily a tradition, but coming together with my family every year is always special. Although, there is a
favorite dish that my mother makes called Trifle -- which is
a dessert! I get so excited whenever she makes it! -- #22 Sydney Henderson
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It's a throwback! But there's nothing more important than looking to your
left & right and having your family right by your side!
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My favorite family tradition is to go Christmas tree shopping. We always go to a Christmas tree farm and chop down our tree. Even though it's cold and takes us all a while to agree on the perfect tree, we enjoy bickering and the occasional snow ball fight. When the tree is all packed and ready to go, we thaw our bodies by a fire with hot chocolate and popcorn. -- #14 Ashley Christie
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| Ashley (on left) with siblings. |
Christmas Eve has always been a bigger deal at our household compared to Christmas. It starts midday when we get all dressed up for church. Then after church in the big downtown cathedral, we all go to Maggiano's (which is an Italian restaurant), and we enjoy the big family-style dinner together. Afterwards, we go back to my house and change out of our church clothes, and we all put on our pj’s. The adults make "adult beverages" for themselves and hot cocoa for the kids. Afterwards, we all sort the presents under the tree and take turns opening them. -- #2 Rachel Mathews
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| Annual Christmas pic with my sis! |
Every December 23rd, for the past 15 years, my family and I
go to my parents’
house in Delaware and celebrate with
my parents, my two sisters, and their families.
We open presents and go out to dinner at Mrs. Robino's, a great Italian
restaurant. Now that I have my own
family, we have developed some of our own traditions. My sons, Jamie (5) & Brayden (3) are
really into trains. For the past 3 years
we have ridden the
Polar Express. They love
it. In the 1st picture below,
we are on the train. The 2nd picture
below is from last year. We were staying
in a hotel, and this gentleman walked in and the kids went crazy. They thought it was really Santa. He was a guy who traveled around and was
"Santa" for local events. We
just happened to be at the right place at the right time. With my schedule I can't always do this next
one, but every year my wife Angie takes the boys to her hometown in Lewes,
Del., and they go to the local Christmas parade. Lastly, for the last few years, we have gone
to a local festival in Frederick to see a tree-lighting, drink hot chocolate
and do crafts. These traditions are
great for now, but I'm sure as the boys get older, our traditions will change a
little. The most important tradition to
me is being with my amazing family who I love tremendously and see the smile on
their face!!!
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| On the Polar Express |
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| With Santa! |
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