What Are Your HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?
“One of my favorite traditions is the holiday Christmas party!” “We always watch the movie ‘Elf” and bake cookies with the entire family. We try to always visit Geralyn’s elderly Grandma in Colton every Christmas Eve. She has acute dementia now, so I’m not sure how much longer we will be able to do that. I am usually putting together complicated toys, like train sets or lego tables early into Christmas morning. On several occasions, Steve and I have Facetimed early in the morning to get advice from each other. Our youngest boys are the exact same age. I am not sure how much longer this stage will last now that Bradyn is 10. Lastly, one of my favorite traditions is the holiday Christmas party with all of the employees. We have done a lot of different things over the years, but the best part is just getting to see everyone enjoying Christmas together at one location.” - Michael Rappaport, Owner and CEO
“Spending time horseback riding!” “Every year since we were kids, my parents always made sure to stuff a stocking to the brim for us. We loved our stockings more than the presents because they had all kinds of treats, toys, fruit and school supplies. There was so much care and attention that went into them that my brother and I would run to the stockings first thing every Christmas morning. I still carry on this tradition. One year my dad decided to play Santa and got up on the roof stomping around and yelling real loud ‘Ho-Ho-Ho’ while shaking bells. My parents thought we would like this, rather it scared us so bad that neither one of us got out of bed and stayed there until our parents came and got us. This year, my brother and I will both be flying to Wyoming to spend Christmas week with our parents starting a new tradition. We will be spending time horseback riding, off-roading in the mountains and many more outdoor activities. One special item I make for Christmas is a hot cider in the crock pot with oranges and cinnamon sticks. It’s always a hit. My favorite side dish to make is a green bean casserole with bacon, cheese, light cream of mushroom and of course those fabulous fried onions. Christmas is my most favorite time of year mostly because it brings so much joy.” - Faith Harvey, COO
“Decorating our home with our son while blasting Christmas music!” “The one thing we always do on Christmas is play a present saran wrap game, it’s pretty fun!! We like it because it gets the family to interact and no matter what the prizes are in the saran wrap, everyone gets super excited to win a little something. We usually make two because that’s how fun it is! This year we are celebrating our second Christmas with our beautiful son! Christmas to us means slowing down and spending some much needed family time with our loved ones. We also enjoy decorating our home with our son while blasting Christmas music! He loves it!” - Jaymee Valencia, Director of Operations and Finance
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