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‘TIS THE SEASON
A lack of snow does not keep Miami away from ringing in the Holiday season. In fact, due to the city’s diversity, celebrations and activities go above and beyond known customs.
Extraordinary, yet traditional
December 2011
Are you sure I’m related to them? highlights takes a look into the texts students occasionally receive from parents.
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“You know what’s weird? I’m wearing underwear...I feel so weird at work.”
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“Procrastination is making you sour.”
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“Give a man an insult: He’ll hurt people for a day. Teach a man to insult: He can hurt the people who teased him because he never learned to fish.”
By Andrea Martinez
a fashion similar to Christmas, except that it occurs on Jan. 6, symbolizing the end of the Christmas season. Some religious affiliations, such as Jehova’s Witnesses, do When thinking about the holidays, traditional symbols such not partake in seasonal celebrations. as turkeys, Christmas trees, and Menorahs might come to mind. “A Jehovah’s Witness doesn’t celebrate any holidays, Regardless of the fact that these classic symbols are what most but there is a reason behind doing so. We don’t celebrate associate with the holiday season, there are a countless number thanksgiving because you should give thanks every day, and we of traditions that, while they may seem strange to some, are don’t celebrate Halloween because that holiday was initially a part of the seasonal celebration. Not everyone at the school has day to worship the devil,” said sophomore Gabriella Ocner. the traditional holiday experience. What do people who do not For Muslim students, Eid is a 30 day long fast that happens celebrate these well- known festivities during the month of Ramadan. To end do during the holidays? the fast, Muslims have a festival called We celebrate Christmas on “Me and my family usually just Eid-al-Bakar where they give presents eat Chinese food on Christmas,” said Jan. 7, and instead of Santa to the young kids and money to the freshman Bliss Aruj. Claus, Grandfather Frost older ones. Families who engage in the When Aruj spends the holidays celebration go to mosque to pray. A brings gifts for the kids,” with her Jewish side of the family, they sacrificed goat or cow marks the end of come together and enjoy a delicious Konstantin Petrenko, the fast. meal of Chinese take-out. Holidays “I’m Russian Orthodox, and we junior spent with her Baptisit side of the don’t really celebrate Christmas on family follow the typical Christmas the same day. We celebrate Christmas traditions. Even though she is part on Jan. 7, and instead of Santa Claus, Grandfather Frost brings Jewish, Aruj readily enjoys celebrating Christmas. gifts for the kids,” said junior Konstantin Petrenko, who also “My family celebrates Three Kings Day,” said sophomore participates in a unique custom. Francesca Rivero. Variation in celebrations during the holidays are as present Three Kings Day, Rivero explains, is a variation of in the schools as they are around the world. However, one Christmas celebrated in hispanic countries such as Peru, where common trend is noticed: holidays are a time to be spent with her family is from. Rivero said that this holiday is celebrated in those we cherish. STAFF WRITER
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Great Goodies
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“Did you have fun hooking up with your best friend at the mall?”
What is the best gift you could get during the holiday season?
“Getting the iPad 2 is my dream. The Apple store holds all I need,” said freshman Valerie Montezino.
“I have everything I want, life is good,” said senior Cody Marino.
“I am deperately in need of my dream car, a Nissan 350z,” said junior Michael Gomez.
Maggie Rivers/highlights
HOLIDAY DINNERS:
This season, try mixing up the holiday menu with these off-beat dishes
By Remy Fuentes FEATURES CO-EDITOR
Turkey is the traditional main entree that is set on display every Thanksgiving along with gravy, corn, garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and some sort of pie for dessert. Since Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, many consider a big plate filled with turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes to be a slice of heaven. Others, still, take this opportunity to switch things up and take a shot at variations of turkey. One thing that is certain: recipes for situations like this are never in short supply. An alternative, yet traditional main dish, a big smoked ham is a great option. Hams can be oven roasted with pineapples and cherries or pretty much glazed with any other fruit. Not a lover of fruits? No problem, just pop the whole ham in the oven to roast and wait a couple of hours for a savory meal you will not regret. For those who are not afraid of taking risks, there is the Turducken, a small stuffed chicken, inside a duck, inside a turkey, baked in an oven. Turducken is usually expensive since it is a bit hard to make by oneself. Instead of switching the whole turkey, stuffing may be added to enhance the flavor. Stuffing typically consists of bread, but variations can be found. “My mom makes stuffing mixed with corn,” said junior Elizabeth Lara Gamboa, whose mother annually prepares a unique stuffing. Whether replacing the turkey or what is inside of it, alternatives have proven to be a new spin on an old American tradition.
Remy Fuentes/highlights
TRADITIONAL OR NOT: Turkey alternatives can range from the mild ham to the wild Turdurcken.