With the holidays right around the corner, Marketing & Communications student intern Zahra Albdair asked members of the Detroit Mercy community about their favorite memories and traditions.
Here’s what they had to say:
Jeff Dorr, S.J.
Position: University Minster
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
Growing up in Wisconsin, my family and I drove on Christmas Eve from my mom’s mother’s house to my dad’s mother’s house. The atmosphere is my favorite memory, driving on these old country roads with the snow covering and listening to Christmas music.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
As Jesuits we move around a lot. But I have my own miniature Christmas tree with nativity set of the shepherds, Jesus, Mary and the animals. I set this up in my room so I can have my own personal Christmas reminder.
Angela Davis
Position: Operations Manager, College of Liberal Arts & Education
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
When I was younger, I think about 10 years old, I wanted this children’s nail set and I begged for it all year and was always told no. At the end of the year on Christmas, I opened up my gift and saw the nail set.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
Each year for Christmas my entire family, both intimate and extended, get together for the holidays. We catch up, have good discussions and lots of fun.
Christopher Richardson
Position: Assistant Fitness Director
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
Each year for the holidays, my family gets together, and it is always the most memorable day.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
I love Christmas dinner and gift giving.
Samantha Mena
Year: Junior
Majors: Biology and Chemistry
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
When I was 14 years old, my family hosted Christmas that year and the entire family came over. The adults were playing poker and there was the good kind of chaos with happiness and laughter everywhere.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
My family celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve, and when we give each other gifts they are sentimental gifts.
Kaytlin O’Herron
Year: Graduate Student
Studying: Intelligence Analysis
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
When I was 6 years old, I went sledding on Christmas with my dad.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
Decorating the Christmas tree with my father every year.
Rebecca Tull
Position: Assistant Library Professor
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory/What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
Each year, my extended family and I participate in Christmas caroling. Mind you, we are not the most talented group, so there were many out-of-tune singers. But it is still amazing, and I look forward to it.
George Libbey
Position: Associate Dean for Public Services, McNichols Campus Library
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
My favorite Christmas memory is the first time I ever saw snow during Christmas.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
Attending Christmas Mass celebration.
Yahya Jamaleddin
Year: Junior
Major: Biology/Pre-Med
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
I didn’t grow up believing in Christmas, because it’s not a part of my culture or religion. When I was 8 years old, I told my elementary school friends that Santa wasn’t real, and it was a very funny memory.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
Each year during the holidays, my family and I travel to Chicago to visit extended family.
James Graves
Position: Associate Professor of Biology
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
Attending Christmas dinner with extended family and friends.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
The Christmas tree and wreath decoration.
Karla Lewis
Position: Administrative Assistant to the Dean, College of Engineering & Science
What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory?
When I was 9 years old, I got a doll called Real Baby and it really made me realize Christmas was magical.
What are your Christmas or holiday traditions?
Similar to stockings, I make Christmas Eve boxes for my family members. This is because when I was growing up, I was allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve, and this is my version of the one Christmas Eve gift.
Looking for more Christmas and holiday content? Watch Tommy Titan wrap a Christmas gift and a performance by the University Chorus.