The holiday season is a time of warmth, connection, and cherished traditions.
At the Edith Macy Center, our team embodies the spirit of the season with unique traditions that bring joy to their families and communities.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the festive spirit that lights up our center, featuring personal stories from our dedicated staff.
Celebrate Holiday Traditions with the Edith Macy Center Team
Pajamas, Movies, and Merriment
For Sales Manager Patti Caulfield, the Holidays are all about cozy family moments.
"Every year, we wear matching pajamas and watch our favorite holiday movies, like Elf and Home Alone. It’s a tradition that makes the season special," she shares. Her heartfelt greetings remind us all to embrace the joy of togetherness: Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and Feliz Navidad!
Cook Teresa Johnson echoes this sentiment, adding her love for classic films such as The Grinch and Christmas with the Kranks. "I love Edith Macy. I love working here," Teresa shares, highlighting her passion for her work and the festive season.
Cultural Celebrations and Festive Foods
The holidays also bring a beautiful blend of cultures to the Edith Macy Center.
Housekeeping team member Lidia Estefani, originally from the Dominican Republic, cherishes the tradition of visiting neighbors with ginger tea while singing Christmas carols. Her colleague Maria Arpi from Ecuador celebrates with la pasada del niño, a joyous parade honoring the Christ Child.
Dining Room Supervisor Arquim Marana, from Peru, shared his family’s holiday tradition of enjoying hot chocolate and fruitcake. “It’s a simple yet heartfelt way to celebrate with loved ones,” Arquim says, reflecting the warmth of this cherished custom.
Furry Friends and Festive Outfits
Sales Manager Ashley brings a playful twist to the season, dressing her dogs in matching pajamas. "It’s all about including everyone in the fun, even the furry family members!" she laughs. Her creativity and love for the season inspire us to find joy in the little things.
Time-Honored Traditions
Since his children were little, Manuel Quinones, IT Manager, has been watching *Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer* with his family every year. "It’s something we all look forward to—a reminder of the magic of the holidays," Manuel explains.
Engineer Mike Mele focuses on music and togetherness during the season. His favorite tradition is playing music for his family. "Spending time with loved ones is what the holidays are all about," he says.
Finding the Perfect Tree
Reed Corbett, from the Conference Services and A/V department, describes a cherished family tradition that combines the beauty of nature with the joy of Christmas.
“We walk through the snowy woods on my family’s property to find the perfect Christmas tree. It’s a special moment we share, from selecting the tree to decorating it together,” Reed recounts.
A Season of Gratitude and Joy
The Edith Macy Center team’s stories remind us of the diverse and heartwarming ways people celebrate the holidays. The connections we share, from movie nights and matching pajamas to cultural traditions and festive foods, make the season brighter.
As we embrace the spirit of the season, we wish you and your loved ones a holiday filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories. Happy holidays from all of us at the Edith Macy Center!