THE TIFFINIAN 

Christmas traditions vary around the world. In America,our traditions include going caroling, filling stockings withgifts, sending Christmas cards, decorating a Christmas tree,and drinking eggnog. The Christmas pickle and mistletoe arealso traditions in America. Often, on Christmas Eve, cookiesand milk are set out waiting for Santa to arrive with hisreindeer to deliver gifts. But what are some traditions therest of the world has for this holiday?  In the Ukraine, spider web-shaped decorations are hungon the tree. This is done in reference to a legend of a poorwidow not being able to afford to decorate her tree. But,when her children woke on Christmas Day, the tree wascovered with webs that appeared to be gold and silver. Alongwith the Ukraine, in Germany and Poland if you find either aspider or a spider web on the Christmas Tree, it isconsidered good luck. In Spain, Christmas Eve is called Nochebuena. Before this,children may join in on ‘piden el aguinaldo’ where they gocaroling to receive money- hopefully. As for Christmas day,children will have some presents but the majority of themwill be opened at Epiphany. Rather than writing to Santa, inSpain they write letters to the Kings. On Epiphany Eve, whichis January 5th, they leave shoes out to be filled with gifts.Children also leave gifts to the Kings, like glasses of Cognac(alcohol), satsuma (similar to an orange), and walnuts.

Christmas TraditionsAround the Worldby Anna Reuter

KWANZAA

1 TO 1 TECHNOLOGY

HOLIDAYENTERTAINMENT

I N T H I S I S S U E

December 18, 2019 Volume 4

HANUKKAH

THE CHANUKAH STORY

CLASH OF THE CANS

AN INTERVIEW WITHALLISON DAUGHERTY

IN THE POLLS

Christmas Tree in Downtown Tiffin; Advertiser-Tribune

Christmas Traditions-From page 1 Sometimes water will be left for camels who come togive presents with the Kings. In Germany, one tradition is to leave a shoeoutside your front door on the 5th of December. Thisis so Sinterklaas will put little presents in the shoesfor the next day which is Saint Nicholas Day. Also, theChristmas Pickle tradition was thought to be startedin Germany by many Americans. However, it’spractically unknown in Germany. So, the chance itactually originated from Germany is slim. It is saidthe Christmas pickle may have been created formarketing purposes in the 1890s to coincide with theimportation of glass Christmas tree decorations fromGermany. The tradition is that the pickle was the lastornament hung on the Christmas tree and then thefirst child to find the pickle got an extra present. In Great Britain the mistletoe was first hung as aChristmas decoration. But, the tradition of kissingunder the mistletoe is probably of Scandinavianorigin. In China, the few Christians call Christmas ShengDan Jieh, meaning Holy Birth Festival. Evergreens,posters, and bright paper chains are used to decoratehouses. The Christmas tree, called a "tree of light," iscovered with beautiful lanterns, flowers, and redpaper chain to symbolize happiness. In Japan, children receive their presents on theirpillow during Christmas night. A traditionalChristmas meal in Japan is fried chicken. In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7,and Babouschka brings gifts to children. Babouschka,which means either old woman or grandmother inRussian, is based on a story about the woman whodid not give a gift to baby Jesus. So, in hopes to makeup for it, she gives gifts to children.  In Australia, December 25 falls during summervacation, so most of the country's Christmasfestivities are held outdoors. The most popular eventof the Christmas season is called Carols byCandlelight. This is where people come together atnight to light candles as well as sing Christmas carolsoutside. Although traditions and dates may differ fromplace to place across the world, the spirit remainsjoyful throughout the Christmas season.

What exactly is Kwanzaa? Who made it? Whattraditions does it have?  Let’s go back to 1966 to find out. Dr. MaulanaKarenga from California State University wassearching for ways to bring the African-Americancommunity together following the Civil RightsMovement. Working to find a solution, Karengabegan to research African harvests or “first fruits"celebrations. Karenga went on to form the seven principles ofKwanzaa. The Nguzo Saba, or seven principals, arevalued by African-Americans, and aid in rebuildingand reinforcing the community. Kwanzaa lasts forseven nights, each night representing one principal.On the first night, a black candle is lit and the firstprincipal is discussed, which is Unity. The followingprinciples consist of self-determination, collectivework and responsibility, cooperative economics,purpose, creativity, and faith. Each night also gets itsown symbol consisting of crops, a place mat, an earof corn, the seven candles, the candleholder, theunity cup, and gifts. Kwanzaa is celebrated every year from December26-January 1. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa intheir own special ways. They might include playingsongs and dances, storytelling, African drum playing,poetry reading and feasting on a great meal. Youdon’t have to celebrate Kwanzaa to appreciate itsrich history.

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Kwanzaa: The SevenDay Celebration andHow it Came to Be

By Miranda Fisher

The idea of schools going one-to-one withtechnology has been thrown around for a fewyears now. The combination can be looked at fromtwo different perspectives: “Laptops/tablets canimprove the learning curriculum in schools,” or“Laptops/tablets deprive students of the true‘learning experience.” While some people are forthe “traditional” learning experience, the fact isthat, most students are prefer using technology tolearn. School districts may be against it becausethey say “We can’t afford it,” but the truth is, thesavings may not be immediate but over the years,the schools can cut back costs on things liketextbooks. Parents can save money on backpacks,binders, and a personal laptop for their student(s).Some schools in Ohio have already made thisswitch. Dublin City Schools is just 1 hour and 30minutes from Tiffin. They have a program throughthe district where students receive a Chromebookin 6th grade and they turn them in when theycomplete their 8th-grade year. Once the studentsreach 9th grade, the students receive newChromebooks. Starting when they get into 6thgrade, the students are charged $40 each year. Ifthe student has completely paid the charges from6th grade to 11th grade, the student is chargednothing their senior year. The students are thenable to keep their Chromebook when theygraduate to use it in college or another careerpath. If the students don’t want to be in thisprogram, they can opt-out by completing a form.This is just one of the schools around Tiffin thatare giving their students the opportunity to extendtheir potential through the use of technology.

A Christmas Carol ~ Am I ashamed I included one ofthe most basic holiday works out there on this list?Well I am unashamed  because I do not think you canhave a holiday season without the story of EbenezerScrooge. Plus, pop culture references to this work arejust about everywhere. I prefer the Dickens bookinstead of watching the movie, but that is up to you! The Polar Express ~ For the longest time, I felt likeThe Polar Express was the most underratedChristmas Classic in existence. The Polar Express hasexperienced a recent surge in popularity with thevarious internet memes connected to it. If you arelike me and you grew up with The Polar Express,watch the film this holiday season to experiencesome nostalgia. If you have never seen it before, thenenjoy a classic this holiday season. It’s a Wonderful Life ~ Due to its 1946 release date,this film is considered one of the first holiday classics.Do not let the release date deter you from watchingGeorge Bailey’s feel-good Christmas story. If youclaim to be a fan of holiday movies, It’s a WonderfulLife is a necessity this Christmas. Letters From Father Christmas ~ This work is fromJ.R.R. Tolkien and is written from the perspective ofSanta himself. The novel is a collection of lettersmarking Santa’s various journeys. Overall a wonderfulwork for the holiday season.

Holiday season is upon us and I for one love thefestivities and customs that we all partake in during theholidays. Another thing I love to do is read and watchmovies. I love to combine these two concepts and enjoysome holiday-themed media. I will share with you five ofmy favorite books and movies in no particular order totake a look at during the holiday season. 

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HolidayEntertainmentBy Trevor Blodgett

Schools andTechnology: Is it agood combo?By Danielle Rosenbauer

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HanukkahBy Jorie Fawcett

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday observed at theend of December and lasts eight days. Hanukkah2019 will be observed December 22-December 30.The holiday commemorates the rededication ofthe Second Temple in Jerusalem in second centuryBCE. During the Maccabean Revolt, Jews rose upagainst their Greek-Syrian oppressors andreclaimed Jerusalem. During the revolt, the SecondTemple was destroyed. Judah Maccabee had only aday's worth of oil for an oil lamp during therededication. He witnessed what he believed was amiracle: the one-day supply burned for eight days.The eight-day celebration of Hanukkah representsthe eight days the lamp burned.  There are a few more allusions to the originalstory in the festivities. Foods fried in oil signify theoil lamp. Fried potato pancakes and jam-filleddonuts are a favorite. A big part of the holiday isthe menorah. A menorah is a candle stand withseven branches to hold seven candles. Starting onthe first night of Hanukkah, participants use aseparate candle to light a candle on the menorah.The next night, two candles are lit, and then three,and so on. The eight total candles once againrepresents the eight nights.  A traditional game played during Hanukkah iscalled the dreidel game. A dreidel is a four-sidedspinning top. During the game, each player startswith 5 coins. Every player contributes one coininto a central pile. This becomes the “pot.” Playersspin the dreidel in turn, and contribute or collectfrom the pot based upon which letter faces upwhen the dreidel stops spinning. The player whoends up with all of the coins wins the game. The Tiffin Columbian Concert Choir performeda Jewish folk song at the holiday concert. The piecewas titled S’vivon (arranged by Darmon Meader).S’vivon translates to “the dreidel” and the songreads about the dreidel game and Hanukkah beinga holiday of lights.  Special thank you to Jody Strong for providingbackground information for this article!

The Chanukah StorySubmitted by Jody Strong

Long ago in the land of Judea there was a Syrianking, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish peopleto reject their God, their religion, their customs andtheir beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. Therewere some who did as they were told, but manyrefused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee. Judah and his four brothers formed an army andchose as their name the word “Maccabee,” whichmeans hammer. After three years of fighting, theMaccabees were finally successful in driving theSyrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple inJerusalem. The Maccabees wanted to clean thebuilding and to remove the hated Greek symbols andstatues. On the 25th day of the month of Kislev, thejob was finished and the temple was rededicated. When Judah and his followers finished cleaningthe temple, they wanted to light the eternal light,known as the N’er Tamid, which is present in everyJewish house of worship. Once lit, the oil lampshould never be extinguished. Only a tiny jug of oilwas found with only enough for a single day. The oillamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred asthe tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, butfor eight days. Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory overthe Syrians and the rededication of the JerusalemTemple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lastsfor eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil.The word Chanukah means “rededication.” InAmerica, families celebrate Chanukah at home. Theygive and receive gifts, decorate the house, entertainfriends and family, eat special foods, and light theholiday menorah.

The Chanukah MenorahThe Chanukah menorah is called a "Hanukiyah." Ithas nine candle holders. There are eight candles, onefor each night of Chanukah. The ninth is called the"Shamash." The Shamash is used to light the othereight candles. The Shamash is lit first and then isused to light the other candles. The candles are placed in the Hanukiyah fromright to left. But when the candles are lit, you lightfrom left to right.

Allison Daugherty is in her second yearteaching English at Tiffin Columbian. Shecurrently teaches Honors English 10, English 10,and AP English Literature and Composition.Daugherty is a graduate of the University ofDayton where she studied Adolescent to YoungAdult Education.  Education and teaching was always somethingDaugherty grew up around. She has “an olderbrother, dad, and aunts and uncles who areteachers.” She draws much of her inspiration fromher father. A fellow teacher, her father has gonethrough cancer and “is a fighter.” Not worrying onthe little things has been advice to live by forDaugherty. Daugherty is a planner, but she saysthat “focusing on today can make life a little lessstressful.” Being with students all day keeps lifeentertaining, and without her students the dayswould “be pretty boring.” Outside the district, Daugherty coachesgymnastics at the YMCA. She has a cat named Binxand enjoys going to sporting events in Columbusand Cleveland. Pictured is Daugherty with her sororitysisters participating in the Walk to EndAlzheimers.

TC's National Honor Society and StudentCouncil teamed up to hold "Clash of the Cans"from December 2nd-6th. The week-longcompetition was held in order to collect non-perishable food items to donate to local foodbanks. Thirty-eight first period classroomscompeted for the donuts that were promised tothe two classes that collected the most items. In the end, four classes dominated the rest.Mrs. Gardner's 1st period came in fourth and Mr.Monsour's placed 3rd. Profe Ingalls's classcollected 169 cans, and choir brought in awhopping 254 cans, both earning a donutbreakfast on the morning of their choice. At the end of the week, TC collected a total of915 items! This number crushed the 500-can goalset by the clubs at the start of the week. The canswere donated to the Salvation Army and Fish, afood pantry located in Tiffin. Thank you to everyone who donated and/orsupported the drive! Go TC!

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Focusing on Today:An Interview withAllison DaughertyBy Jorie Fawcett

Clash of the CansBy Corbin Hite

The totals of the 1st period classes were postedon a graph under the main stairs.

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In  The Polls:By Charlie Noftz

We sent out a survey to the studentbody, and recorded some of the bestresponses:

Everyone in my family receives a book as a gift onChristmas Eve, and we all curl up with a blanket and readuntil it’s time to sleep.” -Ginny Faeth, 12th“My family does "hunt-gift," and it's where my dad hidesgifts all around the house and then gives us rhyminghints.” -Madison Wright, 10th“Watching The Polar Express on Christmas Eve.” -CalistaMorrison, 11th“My mom and I have a tradition every year where we goout and buy a new Christmas ornament for our treetogether.” -Naleena Thom, 11th

"What is your favorite holiday/seasonal tradition?“ Make sure to follow theTiffinian on twitter forupdates and easy accessto the monthly issues.

@TTiffinian"A grand piano” Cole newlove, 10th"A laptop” -Noah Swander, 9th"To give less fortunate kids food and clothes” -Kaitlyn, 12th"1.9 billion dollars” -Pandora Aiello, 10th

"To Stacey Geiger because she is a bright, caring teacherthat always makes her class an interesting fun-filledexperience that still gets you to learn.” -KelseyWaltermyer, 11th“Mrs. Ridge! She genuinely cares about each and everyone of her students. She treats her students like they areher own children and she has helped me not only in theclassroom but in my everyday life.” -Jorie Fawcett, 11th“Mr. Schmits for giving me courage the previous year andcontinuing to do so this year.” -Jada Kipps, 11th“For sure Mr. Edmond, he is not only a teacher but amentor and overall great person.” -Leah Crocker, 10th

"If you could ask Santa for one thing, what would it be?“

Would you like to give a specific teacher or staff member ashout-out or "thank you"?

The Tiffinian staff wouldlike to wish you a happyand safe winter break!