Digital Link’s Holiday Traditions

The holiday season is in full swing! Christmas day is getting closer and, for those who celebrate, there are many different traditions and festivities. We thought it would be fun to share some special ways in which the Digital Link team celebrate the season. So, without further ado, let’s get this holiday party started!

Deck the halls

Derrick’s (our fearless leader) tradition:

Growing up, we always had a Christmas tree full of ornaments. For the first dozen or so years, there were quite a few “bulk” ornaments – boxes of identical ornaments that you would buy from Eaton’s or The Bay that would fill the tree. We started receiving a special ornament in our stockings each year and as time progressed, the tree was filled with these individual ornaments and the bulk ones were phased out. 

When I first moved out on my own, my first tree was extremely sad. I didn’t even have bulk ornaments! My friends and I went to Burger king for a meal together and they had a special kid’s toy promotion going on with Sesame Street figures. My friends and I all bought one and I received Super-Grover. That night, I took a lighter and a hook and made mine into an ornament for the start of my own tree. Since that time, my mother has shared some of my own childhood ornaments, but my family tree has so many now that it again has no bulk ornaments. I still place Super-Grover on my tree every year as a reminder of where it all started. Many of us start from humble beginnings, but Christmas is a wonderful time to sit back, reflect and be thankful for where you are now. I sure am.

Baking and making gifts

Bree’s (our Web Manager) tradition:

Let’s be honest, Christmas time isn’t always an automatic happy and festive season for everyone. Things happen. But, learning to create gifts for loved ones has been a wonderful way to bump up that spirit for us! Over the years, we have spent weekends discovering new recipes to get our bake on – from homemade bark to truffles, cookies and hot cocoa mix! All are super easy to package up in delightful tins to give out to those who enjoy some sweets over the holidays. Handmaking Christmas cards and small crafts, like bookmarks, coasters, or bracelets, have also been fun and relaxing ways to quietly enjoy the season. Traditionally, all of this has been done while watching our go-to Christmas movies too! (A Muppet Christmas Carol, anyone?) “Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!” sings Tiny Tim.

Glimmering lights

Alyce’s (our Communications Coordinator) tradition:

The Christmas season has always been my favourite time of year! I owe that to my mom, who always made it such a joyful and memorable experience. Since starting my own family, we have several traditions that I carried from my childhood, while also making some of our own. Kicking off the season always includes watching Christmas movies. Some of our must watches include Home Alone, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

There is nothing better than enjoying a festive movie by the glow of the Christmas lights! We always go on a “twinkle tour” (something we did as a family when I was young). We load up in the car, turn on the Christmas music, and drive around different neighbourhoods to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights. Of course, I would be remiss not to mention the food! Our kitchen is usually filled with the smells of borscht, perogies, and molasses cookies (a family favourite).

Opening gifts

Shawn’s (our IT Specialist) tradition:

Growing up my mother would make me wait until Christmas morning to open presents. When I married my wife, who is from Fiji, their family tradition is to allow one present to be opened before midnight on Christmas Eve. Then, the rest of the gifts get opened AFTER midnight. When I commented on making the kids wait till Christmas morning, her response was, “Why would you want to wake up EARLY on Christmas just open presents! Open them now, and you get to sleep in!” So, that’s our family tradition! Presents after midnight and Christmas brunch if you’re lucky! (But it’s more likely lunch the next day.)

Christmas cookies

Amanda’s (our Graphic Designer) tradition:

Christmas isn’t Christmas without Christmas cookies! My Grandma only made Berlinerkranser cookies (Norwegian Butter Cookies) at Christmas and they were the most coveted cookies on the dessert table. They are like a shortbread cookie, but so much better. I now carry on the tradition of making these cookies every year and always make sure to set a plateful of them to the side for my dad. My grandma was an amazing woman, and I love taking the time to make these cookies and honour her memory during the holidays.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the season, we hope you can enjoy time with those you love most. In the words of Charlie Brown, “it’s not what’s under the tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.”

Happy Holidays from the Digital Link team!