The holidays are a time for family, traditions, and of course, shopping. Every family has their own traditions. Every year senior, Paige Sparks, celebrates the holidays with a different type of tradition. The girls in her family and a few work friends take a long drive to Godfrey, Illinois to have lunch at Josephine’s.

“It’s our yearly tradition,” Paige’s mom, Debby Sparks said.

The lunch menu includes sandwiches, soups, and salads, but the part everyone goes for is the dessert. A tray is brought to the table filled with a range of desserts: everything from lava cake to apple pie.

“The crème brulee alone is worth the drive,” Paige said.

Josephine’s is not merely a restaurant. It doubles as a small strip mall. Jewelry, purses, clothes, and room decorations fill the small shops. The shops and restaurant area are always busy and crowded.

This year the girls went back to Paige’s aunt Angie’s house and opened a few Christmas presents early.

By Emily Wilkins