Our favorite holiday traditions
This month, we asked our staff to share some of their favorite holiday traditions and moments. Here is what they had to share:
Dr. Pam Jordi: “We’ve started a new tradition since moving home to Minnesota. On Christmas Eve, my husband and I take the boys to the Como Zoo, and then go to The Original Malt Shop (aka Snuffy’s) for lunch. (This year it was too cold, but we are looking forward to it next year!)
Kendra Wollman, Receptionist: “Peanut butter blossom cookies and spritz cookies are the go-to in our household each year! I was especially excited for this holiday season because it was my first one as an auntie!”
Jenifer Rossow, Sonographer: “During the winter months, our family likes to get together and enjoy all the winter activities. Here is my youngest daughter enjoying a little snowmobile fun in the front yard.”
Amy Nelson, Medical Assistant: “I love getting friends and family together for our annual cookie bake/decorating festivities!”
Kristin Larson, Business Office: “One of our favorite traditions is going to Nicollet Island Inn, where we got married, on our Dec. 3 anniversary to celebrate and reminisce. This year, we went for brunch and brought our 13 month old. It was a fun way to kick off the holiday season! A new tradition we started this year was to go to Bentleyville in Duluth to see the beautiful lights. It was so fun and a wonderful time together and we will definitely be back next year.”
Dr. Jewelia Wagner: “The Wagner Christmas traditions start with church on Christmas Eve. This year Autumn is Mary in the Christmas pageant and the twins are shepherds. Then we come home and traditionally have soup followed by opening presents. Then Santa comes…I know him! Everyone is excited to see what he brings on Christmas morning. Then we have family over for a yummy Christmas dinner. All of this is, of course, fun but my favorite part is being together as a family. Erin usually travels back to Minnesota, including this year, and it warms my heart to have Mark and all my girls together to celebrate.”
Shala Brooks, Medical Assistant: “My family loves playing the silent auction but with gifts. We all are handed fake money and we bid on the prize. Nobody knows what the gifts are because they’re wrapped up and the gift has a price tag on it. It’s up to you if you want to overbid on the gift or not. You can’t exchange gifts either. My aunt last year bid $40, and it ended up being a box of batteries. We also have a talent show, and everyone participates. I always look forward to Secret Santa and food. My family is huge so it’s nice getting together with everyone—our Christmas gathering is typically 50+ people!”
Jenny Nordstrom, Receptionist: “My family has a tradition of making Krumkake every year, and this year we traveled to Duluth and visited the Glensheen Mansion.”
