Student-athlete holiday memories: Jack Vajda

Jack Vajda is one of three freshmen on the men’s golf team. He has competed in four of the five tournaments the Jaguars have participated in this fall. His average score is 73.42 and his best finish was tied for 29th at Old Town Club Collegiate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Here are some of his favorite holiday memories:

Did you believe in Santa Claus as a child?

I did believe for a long time until I woke up one night and found my parents and they explained everything to me.

What is your first Christmas memory?

Having all of my family there, waking up on Christmas morning and opening gifts around the tree.

What was the best gift you ever got?

My first set of golf clubs.

What was the worst gift you ever got?

I usually get socks from my mom. She loves to stuff the presents with socks.

What is one family tradition you will carry on when you start a family?

Probably opening one gift on Christmas Eve; probably get pajamas for my kids and wife.

When do you start listening to Christmas music: the start of November or a few days before Dec. 25?

I like to do it closer to Christmas. I feel Thanksgiving is looked down upon, and I love Thanksgiving. So usually after that.

What is the one song that makes it feel like the holidays?

All I Want for Christmas by Marah Carey. It’s played a lot, so it makes it feel like it.

What is your go-to holiday movie?

Elf. We watched it as a team a couple of nights ago and we’ll probably watch it again before Christmas.

What is your favorite part of The 12 Days of Christmas?

My favorite part is just counting down the days. Having a countdown and celebrating the countdown to Christmas is my favorite part of it.

What is the one dish you have to have for it to feel like Christmas?

Desserts, for sure. My mom always makes Oreo pie and some of the best I’ve ever had. If she makes that, then it really feels like Christmas.

What is your least favorite holiday side dish?

I’ve had it a couple of times, but I’m just not a big fan of cranberry sauce.

Do you unwrap gifts, on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

My mom and dad always buy pajamas for Christmas Eve, so we always open those and wear them to bed.