CELEBRATING THE SEASON: Our Team’s Favorite Holiday Traditions
ABBIE STOPKA Every December, the magic of Christmas comes alive for me at the Akron Civic Theatre, a tradition that began in elementary school when my class went on a field trip to see “The Nutcracker.” That day is etched in my memory — the excitement of boarding the bus, the chatter of my classmates, and the moment we walked into the theater for the first time. I remember gasping at its beauty. The Akron Civic Theatre is like stepping into a fairy tale. Its Moorish architecture, twinkling star-lit ceiling, and ornate details make it feel like a hidden treasure. Sitting in that historic space, I felt transported, as if the theater itself was part of the magic unfolding onstage. When the curtain rose, and the story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince began, I was captivated. Tchaikovsky’s music, the swirling snowflakes, and the dazzling costumes were unlike anything I’d ever seen. That field trip was just the beginning. Year after year, I’ve returned to the Civic to see “The Nutcracker.” As an adult, I appreciate the tradition even more. The story never grows old, and neither does the wonder it brings. Each performance feels like stepping back in time, not only to Clara’s world but also to the magic I felt as a child in that grand theater. Now, “The Nutcracker” at the Akron Civic Theatre is my way of welcoming the holiday season. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of tradition. No matter how life changes, the Nutcracker at the Akron Civic Theatre remains a comforting constant, a yearly reminder of the magic that’s all around us — if we take the time to look. KATIE HARRIS My dad’s grandma, Julia, left Hungary when she was 16 and moved to the east side of Cleveland. As the story goes, her family wanted her to marry the old widower next door and she wanted something different, so she left everything she knew to start a life somewhere she was free to choose her own future. Thankfully, she brought
with her some phenomenal family recipes, including her cookie recipe.
The recipe is a family secret (obviously) and these little gems are labor-intensive, but the results are worth it every time, and it brings me so much joy to share them every year — especially with my dad. The flakiest pastry ever, and (if I may boast a little) I’ve had people tell me they haven’t tasted such a delicious version of these since their own grandparents passed away. That’s not so much a testament to my baking skills as it is to the woman who created this recipe so very long ago. I never had a chance to know my dad’s parents, let alone his grandparents, but baking these cookies every December gives me a sense of closeness with those I cherish. Until 2021, I made the cookies at my home in Toledo. Since starting at T&P, I make them standing in my kitchen in Cleveland Heights, just a couple miles from where Julia once baked them. This has added an entirely new layer of nostalgia to the experience as I think about our very different lives unfolding in very different times in such close geographical proximity. I am grateful beyond measure for the sacrifices she made, the things she believed in and fought for, and the way she shaped her family’s world into one of so many opportunities where her great-granddaughter can do what I do and be who I am. ALANA POLK I absolutely love this holiday season. It’s an opportunity to spend time with family and make new memories while we still have them. My family and I love to listen to holiday music while we cook our favorite dishes. We laugh about our favorite silly childhood memories and reflect on how far we have come together. We play games and tell jokes and ultimately enjoy each other’s company. And when it’s all over, we all pass out on the couch with food in our stomachs and love in our hearts. SYDNEY WASHBURN My favorite holiday tradition is baking cookies with my mom after Thanksgiving dinner. Since I have lived six hours away from home for
the past six years and don’t get to spend as much time with family, this holiday tradition is incredibly special to me. My mom has a tin box filled with recipes handwritten by my Nana, along with some passed down from my Nana’s mother. After Thanksgiving, my mom pulls out a few recipes, and we bake a ton of cookies. We freeze a bunch to eat around Christmastime. My grandmother passed away when I was 9 years old, so baking these cookies with my mom is a very special way to remember my Nana.
ANNA NUNES My favorite holiday tradition is wrapping
presents with my family. My family, including my mom, sister, and me, take wrapping presents VERY seriously. Every present must have ribbons and bows, and the folding must be pristine. I’m not sure when wrapping presents turned into this elaborate process, and honestly, I think we’re just a family filled with perfectionists, but I love it. Since I live about six hours away from my mom and sister, they wait to start wrapping until I come home. We bring out our stash of nearly 50 rolls of paper, assorted bows, and ribbons and turn on holiday movies while we wrap. The process can take multiple days, but the fun we have while doing it is so worth it (and our tree displayed with gifts is always a great picture)! NATILEE SANTOS I am looking forward to creating special family traditions with my husband, Brian, and our daughter, Nell. I can’t wait to fill the holidays with moments of joy and love that we’ll cherish for years to come. LAURA ANTENUCCI There’s nothing quite like Christmas Eve at my mom’s house — a tradition that I wait around
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