Alexandra Fil

Alexandra Fil is a reluctant Bay Area resident with strong ties to the Palouse. A recent graduate from the Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, she holds a master's in communication, having studied how Hallmark movies can teach American audiences about environmentalism. She also holds a Master of Science in accountancy from San Jose State University, and a Bachelor of Science and bachelor’s in biology and anthropology from University of California San Diego. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on media literacy and science communication, with an emphasis on entertainment education, although in another life, she dreams of earning a doctorate by studying all things Christmas. On a personal note, her experience as a caretaker, first to her mother, then younger sister, and then Yaiyai, has profoundly impacted her life and perspectives on society and the human experience. Although raised Greek Orthodox, she personally identifies as a secular humanist.

Why you should celebrate Twelfth Night instead of ending Christmas on Dec. 25

From Christmastide to Twelfth Night, a reflection on why the Christmas season traditionally continues into January — and why that matters.

Do I have to tip the church?

At Greek festivals, where tips support the church, one writer questions financial transparency, gratuity culture, and where the money really goes.

I got kicked out of Sunday school

Alexandra Fil looks back with graditude on her Greek Orthodox roots, her family's complex relationship with religion, and getting "kicked out of Sunday School".

I wish Pascha were on a different day

This year marks author's first Greek Pascha (Easter) without her Yaiyai (grandmother), which will be even less about tradition now and more about honoring the love that made it all meaningful.

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