As the leaves change colors and Halloween decorations appear, fall brings more than cooler weather to OH students. For many, the season means continuing family traditions, reconnecting with loved ones and creating memories that last long after the season ends.
For OH junior Nathan Olandese, one of his favorite fall traditions is carving pumpkins with his family each year. When asked who decides which traditions continue, Olandese said, “my dad is the one who usually decides what traditions we do every year but carving pumpkins is one that never goes away.”
Although pumpkin carving is a familiar fall activity, Olandese said some of the funniest moments happen when his family gets involved. His favorite memory comes from a little family chaos.
“My little brother always chucks the pumpkin guts at my older brother,” Olandese said.
Despite the mess, pumpkin carving means more to Olandese than decorating for Halloween. He explained that it gives his family an opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the season.
“It’s a time for all of us to be together and celebrate Halloween and other stuff,” Olandese said.
The tradition becomes even more meaningful when his older brother returns home from college. Olandese described his family’s traditions in one word: “uniting”
He explained why, Olandese said, “my brother comes home from college, and it is a great time for all of us to be together.”
While Olandese’s family celebrates fall by carving pumpkins, fellow OH sophomore Chase Knutson looks forward to a different tradition: hosting Thanksgiving at his house. Every year, his extended family gathers to share a meal and spend time together.
Knutson explained that the family continues the tradition because “[his] house is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner and everyone loves when [they] host.”
For Knutson, Thanksgiving is about more than the food. He said the gathering matters because “this is one of the only times where all of our families hang out and spend quality time together.”
Some of Knutson’s favorite memories happen after the meal, when the family members head outside to play football. One year, his team won the backyard game, creating a memory that stands out among his Thanksgiving celebrations.
Knutson also believes traditions should continue into the future. He said that they are important “for when you or other people in your family have kids for it to keep going on to carry the legacy.”
Fall family traditions are not limited to activities at home. Local destinations also give OH students and their families opportunities to celebrate the season together. Keller’s Farmstand in Oswego, offers fall attractions, including pumpkin picking, corn mazes and wagon rides. According to the Farm’s fall festivities website, these seasonal activities give visitors different ways to enjoy fall.
Although Olandese and Knutson celebrate fall differently, their experiences share a common theme: family matters more than the activity itself. Whether they’re carving pumpkins, playing football or gathering around the Thanksgiving table, these traditions give families time to reconnect despite busy school schedules and other commitments.
As OH students balance classes, extracurricular activities and their social lives, familiar fall traditions offer a chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones. For Olandese and Knutson, the laughter, shared experiences and time spent together are what make fall memorable and keep family traditions alive.
