There are so many things that make the holidays memorable. For some, it’s that cookie recipe that’s been passed down through generations; for others it’s going to a Christmas Eve church service. Some enjoy their holidays watching Christmas movies on repeat, and for others the season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Santa. Whatever you do for the holidays, it’s a special time to be with your loved ones—a truth local residents know very well. Here’s a look at some favorite holiday traditions from Westbury residents.
On Christmas day, my brother Kyron Jones dresses up as Santa. He comes down the stairs to the living room and he dances around while his belly, arms and legs are stuffed with pillows. He sits down on a huge chair and is handed presents from Santa’s elves. Each adult and child gets their name called and has to sit on Santa’s lap to retrieve their presents. And, in order to thank the person for the gift, they get a kiss on the cheek! It takes hours to complete this task but truly a fun time is had by all.
—Karen Moodie, Westbury
Being of Hispanic background my recollection of Christmas was watching my mother spend all day preparing the holiday meal. The kitchen windows fogged up from her boiled green bananas and the air filled with the spicy aromas of the “lechon” in the oven, to her delicious “habichelas con dulce”. As I got older and later started my own family, my wife and I merged these island traditions with our own “Americanized” versions. We still celebrate with a Christmas Eve dinner with her whole family and Bing Crosby fills the air as she bastes the roast in the oven alongside the green bean casserole.
—Alex Nunez, Westbury
“Every year, my son and I go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Nassau Coliseum. We know the bass player and have met the band at meet and greets. It’s a great concert.”
—Christina Coulter, Westbury
