Holiday traditions are the threads that weave the tapestry of our collective and personal histories. They provide comfort in familiarity and joy in their celebration, whether passed down for generations or newly created.

These cherished customs connect us to our roots, families, and community, making the holiday season one of reflection, gratitude, and festivity.

Family-Centered Traditions

In many households including Pillar Bank’s team members, holiday traditions are opportunities for bonding and celebration. Some popular family traditions include:

• Baking and Eating Together: Families often bake cookies or special treats to share with loved ones and neighbors, creating delicious memories.

“We will always pray and then immediately after, someone is grabbing to be the first at the dinner rolls,” shared Brooke McLaren, Universal Teller in Baldwin. “My family ALWAYS fights over the middle dinner roll. It is the softest (and sometimes less baked) than the rest.”

• Game Nights: Competitive or lighthearted, playing games together adds laughter and joy to the season.

“We do the name drawing with my dad’s side,” shared Ashley Chevrier, bookkeeping specialist. “And we all usually jump in on a game of ‘spit’ or ‘Skip-Bo’ and those get very LOUD and wild, but it’s a blast!  (Several folks mentioned playing Skip-Bo – must be a fun one!)

• Advent Calendars: Counting down to the holiday with small surprises or chocolates is a favorite among children and adults alike.
• Decorating the Tree: Whether it is a theme or family heirloom ornaments, decorating the tree is a favorite tradition.

“My boys each pick out a new ornament for the tree,” shared Sarah Meyer, Marketing Coordinator. “We also get a blank bulb ornament and write with a Sharpie the year and all the fantastic things that happened to us.”

Modern Holiday Traditions

As families and cultures blend, new traditions emerge:

• Friendsgiving: A modern take on Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is a meal shared with close friends, often celebrated before or after the family gathering.
• Charitable Giving: Many families choose to make donations or volunteer, embracing the season’s spirit of generosity.

“We put together a few boxes for Operation Christmas Child (or something similar) as a family,” shared Rick Theune, Director of Business Development.  

• Eco-Friendly Celebrations: More families are adopting sustainable practices, like wrapping gifts in reusable fabric or exchanging homemade presents.

Creating Your Traditions

Whether you honor existing customs or wish to create new ones, the essence of a tradition lies in its meaning. Here are a few tips for starting your own traditions:

• Be Inclusive: Tailor traditions to reflect the interests and values of your loved ones.

“My favorite family tradition is getting everyone together and watching movies with snacks or playing games,” said Betsy Gerde, Universal Teller in Clear Lake.

• Start Small: Simplicity ensures your tradition is sustainable and enjoyable.
• Celebrate Diversity: Incorporate elements from different cultures to enrich your celebrations.

Holiday traditions anchor us in an ever-changing world. They help us pause to appreciate the moment, strengthen our bonds with loved ones, and cultivate joy. By keeping these rituals alive, we create lasting memories and share the true spirit of the season: love, gratitude, and connection.