LucyAmbrose

If there’s one thing Marian girls love, it’s celebrating. So, it’s no surprise that many have treasured holiday traditions. 

These spirited activities can bring students closer together and highlight the joy of giving within the Christmas season. 

Secret Santa is a fan favorite amongst Marian girls, fostering community and creativity. 

For freshman Caxtyn Johnson, Secret Santa is a cherished tradition. Coming from a large family that exclusively exchanges gifts through Secret Santa, she has developed a knack for making the experience memorable. “We go all out,” she shared. “It’s not just one gift. We have multiple hidden gifts leading up to the big reveal. It is a lot of fun and gets our family in the holiday spirit.”

Adding a playful twist to holiday festivities, senior Nora Coffey and her family participate in a “Christmas Olympics.” The event features back-to-back minute-to-win-it games with a clear winner and a “biggest loser,” sparking both laughter and competition with the holiday trivia. 

Senior Ellie Brown’s holiday traditions involve her playing the classic game Left Right Center, a dice game that keeps her and her friends entertained for hours. Brown says, “It’s  a fun and simple dice game that typically involves some kind of stakes like candy or small amounts of money. My friends and I play the game with different Christmas gifts on the line.” 

Some home rooms at Marian even get their own Christmas traditions. Junior Maeve Wharton said, “My home room has done secret Santa with each other since freshman year. It is really fun and gives us a chance to maybe get to know someone a little better.” 

Junior Molly Herek emphasizes how doing a tradition like Secret Santa within her friend group is more financially practical. “It’s a way more affordable way to show appreciation for everyone without breaking the bank,” she explained. By getting one person a meaningful gift, they can still celebrate the season but in a thoughtful way. 

For junior Bridget Finnegan, who has only one brother, her friends’ Secret Santa tradition holds extra significance. “I love it because I get to shop for things that are different from what my brother usually asks for like poker cards, fishing gear, and golf balls,” she said. It’s a chance to get creative and think outside the box when selecting gifts. 

Sophomore Olivia French said that her holiday traditions of doing a gift exchange on the swim team “add so much joy to the holiday season. It’s a fun way to spend time with people you care about while getting into the Christmas spirit.” 

These holiday traditions—whether competitive, heartfelt or practical—capture the festive spirit that everyone desires during the Christmas season. From Secret Santa surprises to minute-to-win-it challenges, the students make this holiday season one to remember.