Final exams are completed, students are making the trek back to their families' homes and Christmas lights sparkle all down College Street giving everyone that hint of holiday joy. Thanksgiving has come and gone and sights Christmas are now in full swing. For one student, Christmas is celebrated differently than most. A family tradition that has been passed on for generations makes Christmas with the Buraks one out of the ordinary.

Jen Burak, a senior at Auburn, says that Christmas means even more to her knowing that she is celebrating her family's heritage. Her father is fully Polish and has passed on traditions to his children. Burak has two siblings, Brandon, 17, and Amanda, 15, who also take part in the family fun.

Every Christmas Eve, Burak's grandparents come to her home in Charlotte, N.C. It is tradition that every Christmas Eve that the family of seven attend a late night mass together. After the service, the Polish festivities begin.

The famous dish very well known in the Burak family that comes out every Christmas, is a well known Polish dish of perogies. Perogies are semi-circular shaped dumplings made of unleavened dough that are stuffed with a variety of fillings. The filling is typically mashed potatoes, cheese or sauerkraut but could be any combination of fruits or vegetables and occasionally meat. Perogies are similar to ravioli and can be prepared in a variety of ways to serve as an appetizer, main dish or dessert.

"Traditionally, the perogies are stuffed with potatoes and cheese with a side of sauerkraut," Burak said.  "Which are definitely my flavor of choice."

Her mother, who is Italian, adds something a little special to the perogies she makes. "She will typically add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and goat cheese to hers," Burak said.

After the delicious Polish meal is devoured, all the children open presents. 

"It really is a special tradition that means a lot to me. Christmas time is the happiest time of the year and spending time with the ones I love the most is what makes it even better," she said.

Perogies will always be in the Burak family, even when Jen has children someday. 

The Burak Christmas is a time for their family, from all over the world, to come together and celebrate the roots that make them who they are. Although it may be a simple dish, it has more than a just simple meaning.