As we conclude 2025 and enter 2026, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year meaningful: our team, our partners, and our community. The holidays invite us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the people and traditions that ground us.
At bBIG, those traditions look different for everyone, but they’re united by the same themes: family, intention, gratitude, and togetherness. From well-worn rituals passed down through generations to adventures that create brand-new memories, we thought it would be fun to share how some of our team members celebrate the season.
Chris
Some holiday traditions are built on consistency and care, creating moments that children and adults carry with them for a lifetime. For Chris and his family, the season is filled with thoughtful rituals that emphasize presence over pace, and meaning over excess.
My family keeps a classic Christmas tradition. A few weeks before the holiday, the kids write letters to Santa following the “four gifts” rule: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. Around December 20, we host our annual cookie exchange, and on Christmas Eve, we set out milk and cookies for Santa (along with the magical key we hang on the front door, a necessity from the years when we didn’t always have a chimney for him to use).
On Christmas morning, Santa leaves presents for the kids and a handwritten letter, and we take our time opening everything rather than rushing through the moment. New Year’s Eve wraps up the season with fondue at the table and board games that carry us all the way to midnight.
Joel
For some families, the greatest gift isn’t something you unwrap, it’s where you go and who you experience it with. Joel’s holiday traditions are rooted in flexibility, choice, and a shared belief that memories last far longer than things.
Our holiday tradition is travelling. We have my stepson every other Christmas, so on the years we have him, he picks whether he wants to go on a trip or would prefer presents. He typically picks a trip. When it’s just my girlfriend and me, we usually bring our dogs and go camping. We prefer to buy experiences over gifts since they last longer, and for us, it creates a more memorable gift that everybody can enjoy. Last year, we went to New York for Christmas, which was his choice. The year before, when my girlfriend and I chose our trip, we did a 12-day road trip from DFW through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee & Arkansas.
Stephanie & Michelle
Holiday traditions often carry the echoes of those who came before us. For Stephanie and Michelle, Christmas Eve is a deeply rooted celebration that honors heritage, family history, and the enduring comfort of gathering in a familiar place.
My family celebration is fairly small — about 7 of us gather on Christmas Eve every year at my mom and dad’s house, which is also our childhood home. Traditionally, we have an early dinner made up of all German food — bratwurst, Schnitzel, German potato salad, German breads, and cold cuts. We used to celebrate every year with my grandparents on my dad’s side, which is almost 100% German and a little Portuguese — so this tradition is deeply rooted and influenced by them, and we remember them and honor them over this meal. Then off to open presents and eat dessert by the fire until late in the evening!
Nick
For Nick, the holidays unfold across households and generations, blending structure with joyful chaos. It’s a celebration that balances tradition with humor—and ends exactly how a Christmas Day should.
For the holidays, we travel to see family. We spend Christmas Eve with my wife’s side of the family, where we have dinner and exchange gifts that evening. For the gift opening, we always open one gift at a time, in order of age. Then on Christmas Day, we are at my parents’ house and start the morning with the gifts under the tree. The grandkids open their gifts first, and then it’s a free-for-all. Once the gifts are done, we have a cooked ham for lunch, and the rest of the day is relaxing and watching the best Christmas movie: Die Hard.
Jen B
Families evolve, and traditions evolve with them. Jen’s holiday story is one of continuity through change. Proof that love, openness, and a good cinnamon roll can hold everything together.
My family has always opened one present on Christmas Eve, a tradition that kicks off the holiday. Growing up, it was usually Christmas pajamas or a shared gift for my brother and me. One of our favorites, which we still talk about to this day, was getting Beatles Rock Band!
My parents have been separated since I was in high school, but our Christmas traditions have never changed, only grown. Over the years, we’ve welcomed everyone’s significant others, children, dogs, cousins, neighbors, and more into our Christmas morning traditions. No matter the chaos or head count, we end the morning the same. With Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and mimosas, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Ross H
Some holiday traditions are equal parts reverent and adventurous. For Ross and his family, Christmas is a celebration of faith, togetherness, and the joy of being outdoors shared across generations and wide open spaces.
Every year, our family of four daughters, my wife, and myself uphold the cherished tradition of traveling to Southern California to celebrate with my wife’s family. The festivities peak on Christmas Eve, a lively and holy night where we all dress in our best attire for a grand gathering hosted by my mother-in-law, who welcomes both family and neighbors to join the fun. We spend the evening catching up and playing games, filling the house with laughter and connection. The celebration continues into Christmas Day, but with a shift to outdoor adventure, as we spend the day exploring my mother-in-law’s property on horseback or ATVs.
Kyle
Holidays can be beautifully full of people, places, and plans. Kyle’s traditions reflect that fullness, made even more meaningful this year as a new generation joins in on the celebration.
My wife and I have a tradition of opening our gifts to each other on Christmas Eve morning, before we leave for Long Island to my mom and stepfather’s house. On the evening of Christmas Eve, my mom hosts appetizers and cocktails followed by a massive meal with immediate family that includes my sister, brother-in-law and their three kids.
We all meet back at my mom’s house on Christmas morning for breakfast and opening gifts – and my wife and I are excited for our 11-month-old daughter to be part of the tradition this year. In the afternoon, my wife and I (along with our daughter now) hop from house to house visiting more family. Both coming from divorced households makes it an eventful and somewhat chaotic day celebrating four Christmases.
Taken together, these stories reflect what we value most at bBIG: connection, intention, adaptability, and heart. Whether gathered around a table, on the road, outdoors, or welcoming one more chair into the room, our team shows up for the season—and for each other—in meaningful ways.
As we step into 2026, we carry these moments with us. Thank you for being part of our journey this year. From all of us at bBIG, we wish you a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and traditions, old or new, that make you feel at home.