Inside HICCC: Staff Corner

December 2024

Celebrating Holiday Traditions at the HICCC 

Parades of pinatas, “magical” book readings, and wishing on candles for Día de las Velitas are just a few ways staff members at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) embrace winter holidays in their cultures and homes. 

This holiday season, we’re excited to share some of the unique ways HICCC employees observe this meaningful time of year. Whether with traditions passed down through generations or new rituals created with loved ones, friends, and teammates, each celebration highlights the rich diversity of experiences that make our staff so special. 

Here’s a closer look at how HICCC team members celebrate the season: 

Community Caravan through Guanajuato 

Diana Rosendo, Early Education Program Coordinator for HICCC’s Cancer Research and Education Training Core (CRTEC) explains a vibrant Mexican tradition that takes place on Christmas Eve in Guanajuato. Each year, neighbors invite one another into their homes to “welcome” baby Jesus into the world, cradling the small statue and singing a lullaby called "A la Rorro Nino".

After laying him in the Nativity scene, the entire community caravans from house-to-house as hosts pass out tamales, goody bags, Mexican hot fruit punch called ponche navideño, and other festive treats. As neighbors and friends walk through streets draped with colorful flags, fireworks and pinatas explode in the background, a testament to the true celebration of this custom.  

The Joy of Giving 

Moshe Kelsen, Deputy Associate Director for Administration at the HICCC, and his family cherish their annual Chanukkah traditions surrounding the joys of gift giving. For each of the eight nights of Chanukkah, the Kelsens celebrate in a unique way as a family after lighting the menorah. Some themes, like the first night, are about meaningful donations to charities, while others treasure the lasting memories made as a family through music, art, and culture. Beyond their family traditions, they also enjoy a festive Chanukkah celebration with extended relatives, which culminates in a spirited dreidel competition. 

A Taste of Ireland 

Growing up in Ireland, HICCC Associate Director for Administration Emer Smyth’s holiday highlights revolve around cherished Irish delicacies. Beginning with a hearty breakfast of sausages, rashers, and even steak, it’s an all-day affair of the finest fixings. The grand finale is the pièce de résistance: a decadent sherry trifle and a Christmas pudding, flambéed and placed at the table with a generous splash of brandy. 

Día de las Velitas Lights Up the Season 

Día de las Velitas, or "Day of the Little Candles” is celebrated on December 7th each year in Colombian cultures. To commemorate this holiday, Erica Agudelo, CRTEC Program Coordinator, lights small candles and lanterns throughout her home with her father, celebrating the unofficial start of the Christmas season as they blow out candles and make a wish. 

A Magical Literary Tradition  

For Holly Swaminathan, Assistant Director of Research, Finance and Reporting, the holiday season isn’t complete without curling up and reading the beloved Harry Potter series. Her dog, Yoda, often finds himself wanting in on the magic, and the two celebrate this cozy tradition together in the serenity of Holly and her family’s home.

Mrs. Claus’ #1 Fan 

CRTEC Education and Training Program Manager Marian LaForest dresses in her "holiday best" for her rugby team’s annual holiday celebration. Getting into character as Mrs. Claus, she joins her teammates in celebrating a year of hard work and camaraderie.