Megan Benoit, Campus Carrier Features Editor

Mountain Day is on the horizon and traditions seem to be on everyone’s radar. Some people groan at the thought of upholding a tradition, doing the same thing over and over again. Others, though, look at it with excitement, and find comfort in reliving a wonderful memory each year. 

With both the holiday season and Mountain Day quickly approaching, my heart jumps with joy at the thought of the traditions that I get to participate in. 

Some Berry traditions are unusual and are stereotyped as being “just Berry things,” but our traditions hold value. For example, no matter how awkward and sweaty the Grand March is, the concept behind it is meaningful. Raising money for scholarships and promoting unity are important for Berry as a whole. Our tradition of walking up and down a hill holding hands reminds us of this each year. 

I think that the concept of a tradition can vary from person to person. Personally, some of my holiday traditions include listening to Christmas music from mid- October through New Year’s Day, baking banana and pumpkin bread with my mom to give to our neighbors and putting up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. 

For others, traditions are more set-in stone such as having the same meal every year for Thanksgiving, taking a family picture for a Christmas card while all wearing the same tacky sweater, or participating in the local holiday parade. 

Whatever you consider tradition, I hope that you take pride in it. Having a tradition should be something of joy and celebration, not something thought about with a sense of dread and hesitation when it comes around each year. 

Being a college student heightens the value of traditions due to the great amount of time spent away from family. Going home for the holidays seems extra sweet, and the moments seem to move in slow motion as I feel like I am going back in time. 

Traditions are a great way to reflect on the past and look forward to what is to come. When an annual event comes around I always think back to the past year. Specifically, where I was in life, such as what major events were going on, where I was living and who I was with. Then, I compare it to the current day and what all has changed. 

I think about what all is different and how much I have grown. A lot can happen in a year, so I also get excited for what the next year might have in store. 

Traditions are like an outline of your life. They tell a story of what you find important and where you come from. Therefore, hold on tight to your traditions and remember that it’s never too late to start another one.