At Verrado High School, the holiday season doesn’t just arrive, it settles in like a familiar friend, carrying with it the aromas of home cooked meals, family laughter, and traditions passed from one generation to the next.

As I sat down with a few teachers to learn how they celebrate this time of year, their stories painted a vivid picture of culture, memory, and the small moments that make the season special.

For Spanish 2 teacher Ms. Carrasquillo, the holidays glow with the spirit of Puerto Rico. In her home, December is a month of music, family, and the kinds of dishes that make the whole house smell like celebration.

“For Puerto Ricans, the food is a big deal,” she says with a smile. Pork cooked in every delicious way imaginable always takes center stage, served alongside fluffy rice and the laughter of relatives filling every room.

But the tradition closest to her heart comes on the night before Three Wise Men Day, January 6th. As a child, she would gather handfuls of grass, place them carefully into a shoebox, and slide it under her bed for the camels traveling with the Wise Men.

“They eat the grass, and the Wise Men leave gifts,” she explains. Now, she gets to relive that magic through her own children, passing along a tradition that ties her family to the island where she grew up.

Across campus, Digital Media teacher Ms. Studts celebrates the season with her own blend of flavors and togetherness. Thanksgiving at her house is a table full of classics mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, dressing, and turkey. Ms. Studts also lights up when she talks about celebrating with her former colleagues.

Mr. Mwangi proudly baked his first whole turkey this year “and it came out amazing,” he shares. He was a bit nervous since it was his first year. But once it was done It turned out fabulous, Admiring his masterpiece of a turkey he felt accomplished and was excited to share with his family

For Ms Marin “We make turkey tamales with very spicy salsas,” she says. but with a bold Mexican twist And in her family, even the games have heart. Their White Elephant gift exchange comes with a rule: if you steal a gift, you have to tell that person why you’re thankful for them. It’s playful, a little chaotic, and full of gratitude.

Christmas in her home feels just as warm. A roast in the oven, vegetables on the stove, tamales wrapped and steamed and the living room lit by the excitement of gifts opened on the 24th. The next day is for slowing down: board games, movies, and the easy comfort of being surrounded by people you love.

Though each teacher’s celebration is different, their traditions share something in common: a deep sense of connection. Whether it’s a shoebox of grass for wandering camels, a pot of spicy salsa simmering on the stove, or a table crowded with friends who feel like family, the holidays at Verrado are about coming together. Their stories remind us that what makes this season meaningful isn’t just the food or the gifts it’s the people who make every gathering feel like home.