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Mom, what's for Christmas?

Photo by Matthew Bin Han Ong, Comm '12

Parties, carols, cards, sweet treats, lights and Santa-mania. What's not to love about Christmas? Marquette Magazine asked students for their favorite holiday moments, and here's what they have to say:

"My family doesn't have a holiday tradition, but every Christmas, we have moments that I think are worth sharing. Last year, as we were talking, the kids sprung into a mini concert for us. My brother played the guitar and my other siblings sang Christmas songs and attempted to dance. We all laughed and had fun; it was such a great time. I think it's little moments like this that really make the holidays something special." — junior Katherine Curiel

"One of my favorite family holiday traditions is when my mom makes homemade caramels. My mom makes the caramels and my dad and I wrap all of the candies in multicolored foil, and we package the caramels for close friends and family members. We watch Christmas movies while wrapping the caramels, and the best part about the caramel packaging is eating the deformed pieces!" — senior Louisa Walker

"Our family always wakes up in the morning and makes a huge breakfast before opening presents. We make French toast, eggs, sausage, and hot cocoa." — junior Joshua Arter

"Every Christmas Eve, after attending Midnight Mass, my three sisters and I get in our pajamas, gather around my dad on the sofa and he reads The Night Before Christmas. After we finish the story, we hang our stockings on the mantel and set out a plate of Christmas cookies and milk for Santa. The next morning we wake up, gather around the Christmas tree and open presents, with gift tags that still say, in disguised handwriting, 'Love, Santa.'" — senior Cortney Krauss

"My favorite holiday tradition that we've done since I can remember: My two brothers, my sister and I sleep in the same room Christmas Eve and then wake each other up on Christmas to open presents with our parents. Nothing is better than spending time with family on Christmas." — senior Angelina Ciccantelli

"The Christmas tree is the highlight for my family — at least for my sister and I, because we spend all of Christmas Eve making it look pretty. Every year on Christmas Day, my family and relatives go to church to hear me sing or play the piano, and then drive around town in a big van to visit friends and more relatives. And the best part of the day? A big 'reunion' dinner at our favorite restaurant — in good old Chinese fashion." — senior Matthew Bin Han Ong

Marquette students have started new traditions with friends on campus. See some of the best dorm decorations in the video Christmas at Marquette's Residence Halls.