As students return from Thanksgiving break, the Georgetown Prep campus em- braces a new season: Christmas. Wreaths and festive dec- orations now adorn the halls, temperatures have dropped dramatically, and we’ve even experienced the first snowfall of the winter. With Christmas around the corner, we spoke with members of our faculty about what makes the holiday season special to them.
Mr. Dybicz: A Season of Family, Song, and New Traditions
For Mr. Dybicz, Christmas has al- ways been about the joy of family and song. Every year, his extended family gathers in Cleveland, where aunts, uncles, and thirty cousins (along with their children) come together for festivities. A cherished tradition includes an uncle leading Christmas carols and a “Simon Says” singing game with the children, ensuring laughter and memories for all.
Sadly, the full family reunion hasn’t happened since the pandemic. However, this year holds extra significance for Mr. Dybicz: it’s his first Christmas as a dad. With his son born last December, he’s eager to introduce new traditions, whether through family carols or creating something entirely fresh. This Christmas promises something exciting and new for his growing family.
Mr. Kaufmann: Family Togetherness at Its Best
Mr. Kurt Kaufmann finds joy in the rare opportunity to bring both sides of his family together during the holidays. He cherishes the moments when his parents and his wife’s parents join his immediate family to celebrate, making the season a time of unity and togetherness.
Dr. Tusell: A Taste of Guatemala
For Dr. Tusell, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Atol de Elote—a traditional Guatemalan drink made from corn, cinnamon, and milk. This rich and flavorful beverage is a staple during the holidays in Central America, much like hot chocolate is in other cultures.
Quick and easy to prepare, Atol de Elote is served warm with a touch of cinnamon and a spoon. For Dr. Tusell, this drink not only warms the body but also the spirit, evoking fond memories and anticipation for the season’s festivities.
A Holiday Twist on a Classic Dish: Bread Dressing
When you think of Thanksgiving, stuffing probably comes to mind as a quintessential side dish. Whether moist, crispy, or both, this aromatic blend of herbs and starch has long complemented turkey dinners and family gatherings. But now, with Christmas ap- proaching, it’s time to turn our attention to a more festive twist: Mr. Dybicz’s Bread Dressing.
This flavorful and colorful dish, a legacy from Mr. Dybicz’s grandmother, uses many of the same ingredients as traditional stuffing but adds a unique touch. Mr. Dybicz first fell in love with this recipe as a child, surrounded by the comforting scents of his grandmother’s cooking. After her passing, he continued the tradition, honoring her memory and sharing the delicious recipe with others. Thanks to his generosity, Georgetown Prep students, staff, and alumni can now savor this family treasure. Interestingly, stuffing itself has a long histo- ry, dating back to Roman cookbooks from the first and second centuries AD. The tradition lives on, now championed by a proud member of the Georgetown Prep Latin department.
