By Dahiru Waziri

Around the world, November marks the beginning of festive celebrations and holidays across many cultures. It is a time most use to gather with family and embrace traditions, whether common to their country or something specific to their family. At Eagan Immigration, we asked some of our colleagues to share some of their holiday traditions. From Secret Santa video calls to making wishes on grapes, our team has a diverse range of traditions that reflect the diversity in our company.

Early in November, many people celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a celebration with origins in Mexico. It is a popular holiday where people come together to honor their late loved ones. The traditions run from solemn rituals that pay tribute to deceased relatives to brightly colored celebrations of incredible costumes and face painting.[1] It’s an occasion that is marked in many households. One of our co-workers described how this occasion is marked in her home. Photos of loved ones are placed on a candle-lit altar with Cempasúchil, flowers, also known as marigolds, which are only used for this special occasion. They decorate the altar with Papel Picado or colored paper. Finally, her family prepares Pan de Muerto, or sweet bread, with a unique flavor especially served on this occasion. It’s a tradition meant to honor loved ones, and she describes what it means to her, saying…

“… honestly, I think it’s one of the most beautiful traditions we have in Mexico, it gives us time to remember all the people we loved and cared for who are not with us anymore here, but we will never forget them.”

As November ends, the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving is celebrated. According to a recent YouGov poll, many people in the United States consider Thanksgiving to be their favorite time of the year.[2] As the Thanksgiving holidays approach, many people have large family get-togethers. One coworker describes how her family prepares a large Thanksgiving meal, often starting preparation the day before.

“I always cook a BIG Thanksgiving dinner (and I mean big, we have Turkey, all the casseroles, bread, potatoes, desserts, tons of sides, we have so much we have leftovers for DAYS after).”

On Thanksgiving morning, they watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade before spending time together with family and friends.

As the Christmas holidays approach, many of our co-workers look for ways to connect with loved ones. One of our co-workers and her family are spread out across the U.S., so finding time to connect with them is important. Every year, as the “Head Elf,” she organizes a Secret Santa where every family member sends a gift to one other family member. On Christmas day, they have a video meeting where they open their presents. As she puts it…

“The effort everyone always makes to connect even when we aren’t together is nice!”

Other co-workers also take part in the Secret Santa gift exchanges. One co-worker shared how he and his family have dinner before opening their presents from their Secret Santa.

Another popular tradition in many households is decorating the Christmas tree. One colleague shares how she unwraps the ornaments for the tree and lets her kids put them anywhere they like before her husband helps one child place the star on the tree. She also describes some of the activities her family takes part in such as having gingerbread house competitions or making snow angels and snowball fights. Finally, she reads “The Night Before Christmas” to her children every year on Christmas Eve, noting that “To me, it doesn’t feel like Christmas without this tradition.”

A common event among many of our co-workers mentioned was enjoying a cozy night watching a movie or sharing seasonal holiday snacks with loved ones. One of our colleagues mentions his aunt’s cheeseball, while another cherishes a tradition started by her grandmother, who would order special cookies from a local bakery for Christmas Eve celebrations. It’s a tradition they still observe to this day, and she describes saying “It’s a little thing, but happy tradition for us!” Another colleague shares how she and her children open special presents just for Christmas Eve. The presents are usually a new storybook, pajamas, comfy socks, and a toy. She and her children then get comfortable and enjoy a movie together. Afterward, she puts them to bed and reads them the new story, as well as “The Myth of Santa’s Beard.” To end the evening, she makes time for herself, adding…

“I pour a glass of wine, turn on the Nutcracker Ballet (I LOVE Ballet) and I put out all of their presents. It’s one of my favorite traditions.”

As we get closer to New Year’s Eve, some of our colleagues were also happy to share how they welcome a new year. In the days leading up to the New Year holidays, one colleague shared how she used this time to reflect on the previous year and what she and her family are grateful for. On New Year’s Day, they write down their goals and any Bucket list items for the next year. Another colleague was eager to share how she dumps a bucket of water over the doorstep at midnight on New Year’s Eve, to ward away any unpleasantness from the previous year. One colleague describes how on New Year’s Eve, his aunt prepares 12 grapes for everyone that they eat at midnight. They make a wish for each grape. Adding a personal touch, this co-worker saves the biggest grapes for the more important wishes. He shares how successful this activity has been for him so far…

“I am happy to report that I successfully got my dream car with one of those grape wishes, using one of the big ones.”

The holiday season is an opportunity for many people to connect with loved ones and share in traditions that they enjoy. Common themes among all the traditions shared were the sense of family, togetherness, gratitude, and reflection which our colleagues share in their examples. From everyone at Eagan Immigration, we wish all our clients and readers a happy holiday season, however, you celebrate!

References:

[1] Journey Mexico, ‘Day of the Dead in Mexico Explained’ June 2023, <https://www.journeymexico.com/blog/day-of-the-dead-in-mexico>

[2]Oana Dumitru, ‘Which Holidays to Americans enjoy most – and least,’ YouGov. Com, (February 2024) <https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/48626-which-holidays-do-americans-enjoy-most-and-least>