This year, the CNH Architects team took time to reflect on their unique holiday traditions. From creative gifts to playing “find the Christmas Tree Pickle,” our employees’ traditions reflect the diversity of our team and the spirit of the season. Happy holidays!
AL, ARCHITECT
Classic traditions fill Al and his family’s holiday season as they stuff their stockings with creative gifts. They also enjoy a family drive to look at festive holiday lights – all while in their PJs and sipping hot cocoa drinks.
BRITTANY, SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER
Brittany likes to keep things simple by enjoying appetizers throughout the day, leaving their evening holiday meal to something easy, typically pizza, so that everyone can be fully present (and not cooking or cleaning). The Dice Game is a family favorite, and with a wide range of ages in their family, “things can get a little wild while playing!” She also mentions spending different days celebrating with each side of their families – giving them a mix of meal styles to enjoy, one of which includes prime rib.
BROOKE, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Brooke and her family enjoy classic holiday traditions when they play “find the Christmas Tree Pickle” in both adult and child versions. They enjoy making lefse, which is a Norwegian flatbread that uses special tools and is cooked on a large, flat griddle. Brooke brought in an early batch of lefse for the entire CNH team to enjoy. This stirred the debate of how to properly fill the lefse, and in Liz Elton’s opinion, “white sugar and butter is the ONLY way to go!”
JESSE, ARCHITECT
Jesse’s holiday season is vibrant with the rich customs and rituals of Hanukkah. These rituals include lighting candles and exchanging gifts with family! When Christmas arrives, Jesse and his family (including his new wife) enjoy a feast of Chinese cuisine, a practice that is widely observed within the Jewish community.
JILL, MARKETING DIRECTOR
Growing up, Jill spent each year gathering with her very large family (she has 38 first cousins – to put it one way) where everyone brings a dish to contribute to a potluck style holiday meal. This side of the family still gets together regularly, typically renting a venue, but Christmas has been the single holiday where everyone squeezes together into a cozy home. These days, Jill has established her own family traditions, such as an unplugged Christmas Eve where she breaks out her VHS player to watch holidays tapes – along with her CD player to listen to Christmas music – all around a wood burning fireplace in her three seasons – a room that conveniently connects to her kitchen and allows them to mingle and lounge while cooking dish after dish.
JON, ARCHITECT
For many years, Jon’s family has celebrated the holidays by creating Christmas-themed assemblies and launching them into the sky powered by model rocket engines, including everything from a five-foot cardboard Santa Claus to Barbie dolls in space suits made of duct-tape.
LIZ, INTERIOR DESIGNER
In recent years, Liz and her family have started a heartwarming tradition of visiting a local tree farm to select their Christmas tree. In addition, they have a touching custom of gifting cherished items that once belonged to their departed loved ones. Among these treasured mementos are Santas from her grandmother’s vast collection. Moreover, Liz and her family are actively involved in their church community. With her mother being a pastor, their entire families’ involvement reflects their faith and a commitment to spreading
joy.
MORGAN, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Morgan enjoys making mulled wine every Christmas, which is inspired by her European travels. The traditional drink uses wine and brandy – warmed over a low flame, then adding spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, and honey for an aromatic holiday beverage.
QUINN, PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Quinn and his family carry a unique tradition; each holiday season, they select a distinct international cuisine to explore. They study flavors, techniques, and history of the chosen cuisine, transforming their holiday meals into a celebration of global cultures.