A Note from the CEO

It’s fun to think about the holiday traditions that endure, versus the new ones we embrace over time. My early childhood memories consist of my dad wanting to continue the tradition of waiting until Christmas Eve to put up the tree, trains, and decorations, but my four siblings and I could never wait that long. We would march out into our forty-acre property, and find the perfect tree and decorate it to the sounds of Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby playing in the background. We would have tinsel fights, go caroling at all the organized shut-ins, and play endless rounds of Monopoly. Our wood-burning stove was the background while we cooked and baked until the entire house smelled like Christmas. One of my favorite memories is the magical year we exited the church doors after the Christmas Eve ‘Candlelight Service’ to find a sky full of snow!

Now having three kids of my own, we kick the holiday season off with the four intentional weeks of Advent to prepare for Christmas. We decorate the inside of our home and light up the outside. My daughter prepares for her Nutcracker ballet performance, while the boys countdown until school is out. There is still a lot of cooking, and packing up goodies for teachers and crossing guards. And stockings are a huge deal in our home. My wife and I plan elaborate themes for each other's stockings while the kids look forward to their gifts. Every year we embrace a charity to support and the kids chip in some of their savings. We often travel to be with family, but this year, we will enjoy Christmas and New Year's in our own home, while we savor the flavors of Christmas around our own table. As you reflect on Christmas traditions, past and present, who will be around your table this year? Who will missing? What dishes will find their way to your table? What new flavors will be added? However you are celebrating, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!