By Kish Beverely
With snow on its way, and the holidays fast approaching, BYU students look forward to family traditions.
However, this does not include traditions like arguing with siblings about who got the most presents or fighting over who gets the wishbone.
These include traditions that families undertake each year in order to bond with one another and create memories that last a lifetime.
Teryl Metcalf, 23, a junior from Tacoma, Wash., majoring in communications, said his family has a Christmas Eve party every year.
'The holidays are a great time to invite family and friends over,' Metcalf said.' Because of this tradition, we have created so many memories to cry and laugh over to last the rest of our lives.'
Perhaps being newly married and single at school, students may not have an idea of what type of traditions they would like to start.
One BYU student said it does not matter what or who you start them with, just as long as you have them.
'Christmas itself is a tradition,' said Jesse Migliori, 23, a junior from Mission Hills, Calif., majoring in history. 'Traditions are a matter of obtaining one''s identity and discovering who we are.'
Many students also pointed out that traditions are essential because they can be beneficial.
'Traditions give us something to look forward to,' said Brienne Allan, 20, a sophomore from Orem, majoring in biochemistry. 'We always know that this is what we will be doing each year. It helps bring families together.'
In the holiday spirit of giving and charity, some BYU student''s traditions include service.
'My family and I usually go and sing Christmas carols at the hospital on Christmas Eve,' said Heather Raddatz, 21, a senior from Provo, majoring in exercise science.
Raddatz said her family traditions have made the family unit stronger.
Many students'' traditions have been practiced since they were children living at home.
Other traditions have just been started, but many students have holiday traditions they share with their families and friends year after year.
'My family always goes skiing on Thanksgiving morning,' said Briton Bailey, 22, a junior from Orem, majoring in a biology.'
Bailey also said on Christmas Eve, they drive around Temple Square and look at the Christmas lights, then come home and have hot chocolate and eggnog.