As the holiday season approaches, students reflect on the dishes that make this time of year so memorable. For many, the food on the table is more than just a meal. It is a reminder of childhood, family traditions and the comfort of being surrounded by the people they love. Two students, Palu Sau and Cassidy Guerrero, shared the holiday foods that mean the most to them and the memories that come with each bite.
When asked about his favorite holiday food, Palu Sau could not choose just one. Instead, he listed the staples of a big family gathering: turkey, stuffing, horse, pig and everything that makes a holiday feast complete. For Palu, the food itself is not the only thing that stands out. It is the experience surrounding it.
He recalls childhood nights spent in the kitchen with his mom, preparing trays of food long before the holiday even began. “It reminds me of when we would always be up the night before any holiday helping my mom in the kitchen,” Palu said. Those late nights built more than just meals. They created memories that shaped the way he sees the holidays today.
When asked if the dishes make him feel closer to his family or culture, Palu explained that it is not the food itself, but the people he shares it with. “Eating the dish doesn’t necessarily make me feel closer, but it’s who I’m eating the dishes with,” he said. The act of gathering, talking, laughing and working together is what truly fills the holiday season with meaning.
The preparation of the holiday meal is also what makes it so special. “The food takes a while to prepare, so when my family comes together to make all these dishes it makes everything feel more special,” Palu said. For him, the heart of the festivities is found in the kitchen, where the work, smells and shared time create a feeling nothing else can replace.
For Cassidy Guerrero, one dish has been a holiday favorite for as long as she can remember: scalloped potatoes. It is a simple but comforting staple, and she loves it because “it usually goes with everything on my plate,” she said. From turkey to ham to dressing, scalloped potatoes are the perfect companion to every part of her meal.
Cassidy first began enjoying the dish as a little kid, and it has become a tradition she looks forward to every year. The warmth, creaminess and familiar flavor bring back memories of holiday dinners surrounded by loved ones.
In her family, the person responsible for making the dish is her dad, who prepares it every year. His recipe and the consistency of always having it on the table have made it a special part of Cassidy’s holiday season.
Whether it is an entire feast like Palu enjoys or a single comforting dish like Cassidy’s scalloped potatoes, holiday foods carry meaning that goes far beyond taste. They help create traditions, spark memories and bring families together in ways that last long after the season ends.
As students prepare for the holidays, one thing is clear: the meals shared around the table are woven into some of their most cherished moments. And year after year, these dishes, big or small, continue to bring warmth, connection and joy to the season.
Photo by: Karina Delgado