From Cinnamon Rolls to St. Nick: How We Celebrate the Season
The holidays aren’t just a season—they’re a vibe. They’re made up of little moments, big feelings, and those familiar rhythms that remind us what’s really important. At the heart of it all? Traditions. Whether they’re big or small, these rituals keep us grounded in love, memories, and connection, especially when they revolve around home.
Holiday traditions are as unique as the people who create them. Maybe your family has passed down the same sugar cookie recipe for generations or gathers every year to read The Night Before Christmas. Or perhaps your traditions change as your family grows and evolves. Whatever they look like, these moments bring a sense of joy and belonging.
For many, the holidays kick off in the kitchen. The smell of cinnamon, gingerbread, or a favorite dish can instantly take you back to cherished memories. Stephens Real Estate agent Lauren Ballard loves starting Christmas morning with cinnamon rolls. “There’s something about beginning the day with that sweet treat,” she says. “And every year, we head to Denver at the same time—it’s part of our holiday rhythm.”
For our office coordinator, Michala Karn, Christmas morning is all about monkey bread with her dad, George. “We wake up early to make it together,” she shares. “Once it’s ready, the rest of the family joins us, and the day really begins!” Whether it’s cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, or a holiday casserole, these tastes of the season bring comfort and warmth.
The holidays are extra special for kids, and Laura Polite always includes her little helpers. “Every holiday season, my Mom, my two daughters and I make, bake and frost homemade sugar cookies while blasting Christmas music on the Alexa. It’s something we all look forward to every year!”
Decorating for the holidays is another tradition that sparks joy. Stephens marketing coordinator Lisa Stofac’s family makes a big deal out of decorating the Christmas tree. “When our kids were at home, we’d put on Charlie Brown Christmas music and decorate together,” Lisa says. “Our tree is a mix of memories—ornaments the kids made or ones we’ve picked up while traveling. Now, it’s usually just Tom and me, but we still talk about those memories and the new ones we’re making.”
For Stephens agent Zach Dodson, celebrating St. Nicholas Day adds a unique and special touch to the season. “One of our traditions from Miranda’s side of the family is celebrating St. Nicholas Day—a German tradition,” he says. “The kids leave their lists for Saint Nick out on the front porch, and then Saint Nick (or one of his helpers) stops by, picks them up, and leaves small treats and a note for the kids. “The kids get such a kick out of it—it’s become a big deal for them.”
Stephens agent Anne Warkentine believes holiday traditions wouldn’t be complete without a classic movie. “Every year, we watch It’s a Wonderful Life,” she says. “It’s special to me—my daughter even named my granddaughter Zuzu after the character in the movie.”
Christmas Eve is all about cozy family time for many of us. Supervising Broker Chris Earl and his family celebrate with a festive dinner and matching pajamas before winding down for the night. “We save gifts for Christmas morning,” Chris says.
Joan and Mark Stone bring some playful fun to their holiday with a gift-hunting tradition. “When our daughter was two, we started hiding a gift with rhyming clues,” Joan explains. “Now, with grandkids aged 6 and 3, the tradition is going strong. We tuck clues in silly spots, like under the cat’s food dish or by my coffee cup. The kids love the hunt so much, they’re almost sad when it’s over. It’s the chase that makes it magical!”
Other traditions are just as meaningful. Agent Abigail Hummel’s family gathers at her grandparents’ house every Christmas Eve. Agent David Dunn loves putting up the Christmas tree and attending a candlelight service at church. Agent Ida Lewis takes her holiday decorating to the max. “You can never have too many lights!” she says. Agent Ken Morris treasures Christmas Eve with his whole family together, making it extra special.
Whether you’re baking cookies, watching movies, or going on a gift hunt, traditions are the glue that holds our holiday memories together. They connect us to our past and create moments we’ll cherish for years to come.
At Stephens Real Estate, we know how important home is for creating these traditions. As a proud local business in Lawrence, we love hearing about how our neighbors celebrate the season. Whether your traditions are old, new, or somewhere in between, we hope your holidays are full of warmth, laughter, and all the magic of home.
Happy holidays from all of us at Stephens Real Estate!
