’Tis the season: Central employees share their holiday traditions
The holidays are a time for connection, reflection and a little friendly debate—especially when it comes to trees, music and decorations. To celebrate the season, we asked Central employees a few lighthearted questions about their holiday preferences and traditions. Their responses highlight what makes this time of year meaningful: time with family, shared memories and traditions that grow richer each year.
Real tree or artificial?
While the classic scent of pine still has its fans, convenience won out overall.
75 percent of employees prefer an artificial tree, while 25 percent are firmly team real tree.
When does the holiday music start?
Holiday playlists spark plenty of opinions. Half of respondents say it is acceptable to start playing holiday music after Thanksgiving. Another 25 percent prefer to wait until December, while a smaller group—13 percent—start before Thanksgiving. A dedicated 13 percent say holiday music is welcome year-round.
Decorating the house
For most employees, Thanksgiving is the unofficial starting line. 87 percent believe decorations should go up after Thanksgiving, while 13 percent are ready to decorate as early as Nov. 1. No one voted for waiting until Dec. 1.
Favorite holiday movies
From classics to comedies, Central employees have eclectic taste. Favorites included Elf (the most-mentioned), Die Hard, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Polar Express, The Grinch and A Charlie Brown Christmas, along with several heartfelt and lesser-known picks that reflect personal tradition.
Traditions that matter most
Beyond surveys and statistics, employees shared the traditions that make the season special:
- Decorating the house and tree together—often with music playing and phones put away—to truly focus on family time.
- Hanging years’ worth of Christmas cards and photos with Santa to reflect on how families have grown and changed.
- Fun traditions like Saran Wrap balls, gingerbread houses and baking days filled with cookies and conversation.
- Creative twists on holiday meals, including friendly cooking challenges that encourage trying something new.
- Simple joys like driving around to look at Christmas lights with hot chocolate in hand.
- Meaningful Christmas Eve gatherings, from spending the night with parents to neighborhood soup potlucks.
- Thoughtful rituals such as opening gifts slowly to savor the moment, or writing personal letters to children and loved ones to reflect on the year and express gratitude.
- Collecting ornaments from trips and life milestones, turning tree decorating into a walk through shared memories.
Whether rooted in long-standing family traditions or new ideas created along the way, these stories reflect the heart of the season. From all of us at Central, we wish you a holiday filled with warmth, connection and moments worth remembering.