Through the end of year chaos of work and holiday prep, especially in years as unpredictable as the last two, it’s important to take a step back and remember the constants that keep us grounded and bring us joy. Though we may all celebrate a little differently, the holidays never falter from bringing people together and infusing us with gratitude for the positives in our lives.
Last year, our team took a look back on the year’s highlights and lessons learned. This year, we thought we’d dive into our multi-national team’s most cherished holiday traditions to remind us that no matter how grim things may seem, we can always take comfort in the wonderful memories made past, present, and future!
“One of our Colombian Christmas traditions is La novena. During the Colombian Advent Novena, we pray with our family from December 16th until December 24th waiting for Jesus’ birth. On December 24th, we share gifts with the family. Each day you invite members of your family and friends to your home and you can share dishes like Natilla, buñuelos, empanadas, manjarblanco, hojaldras etc.” – Angela Arroyave, Account Manager
Angela & Family 
Jeff & Family 
Anna & Family
“The holiday season for the Tabacmans is always very special. Whether it’s celebrating the holidays with the extended family in Florida or spending quiet time at home with friends, the holiday vibe is something we cherish & look forward to every year.” – Jeff Tabacman, VP of Sales
“My most favourite holiday tradition is to host Christmas dinner with my family. After dinner, it’s picture time! We put on our pajamas and open gifts.” – Anna Varao, Corporate Account Manager
“My favorite time of the year is December and Christmas day is a ball we have dinner and laughter.” – Ursula Bastien, Warehouse Picker
Diana and her son, Dominic 
Sarmale Cabbage Rolls
“For me, Christmas tradition equals tree decorations when the entire family is together, we listen to holiday music and the kids are fighting who puts up the tree star topper. It is always nice to share memories (Remember who gave us this decoration! How old were the kids when we bought this other one? and so on). Also, we eat our traditional Sarmale (cabbage rolls), they are indispensable from our Christmas eve dinner table.” – Diana Adam, Senior Director, Brands & Purchasing
“The Christmas holiday in our country is long-awaited in the family. On Christmas Eve, we have a tradition of preparing a tasty pork steak to eat with family and relatives. We also like to take pictures next to the decorated Christmas tree, to give each other presents and to make a snowman in the yard of the house, to go sledding. How beautiful are the holidays when we are all healthy and happy together!” – Lia Lungu, Web & Brand Support
Lia & her son 
Lia’s little one by the tree 
Todd ready for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Run
“Christmas is a very important time for our family. We attend parades, I do a virtual run called the Ugly Christmas Sweater Run and, of course, have our ritual of opening one gift on Christmas Eve, but the one ritual that means the most to me happens on Christmas Eve. It is nearly a full-day event that has evolved over the years. It starts with me making my seafood chowder in the morning so it can simmer for the day. This has evolved to now having my daughters help me prepare the chowder. The one thing that I am asked every year. “What are we putting in the chowder this year?” I have my standard ingredients but I switch up the fish depending on my mood for the season. We then attend church in the evening as a family. We then return home to have our chowder and watch at least one Christmas movie (Elf and The Santa Clause are favs), usually with some friends. – Todd DeWare, Senior National Accounts Manager
TJ’s Dog Rambo 
Luis’ elves up to no good! 
Ashley’s Xmas Light Hunt
“This will be a tough holiday without my mom. But my wife and I are going to start new traditions like volunteering to help the homeless” – TJ Haselden, Business Development Manager
“Every 1st of Dec the Christmas Elfs arrive to our home and they do mischiefs during the night. My kids wake up every day with that illusion and happy to see what they did until 1st of January” – Luis Albarran, E-Commerce Sales Associate
“Besides my annual family Hannukah party, my favourite holiday tradition is going Christmas light hunting. Each year, my friend and I choose a different borough of the city to explore. We’re going on year 7 of this tradition!” – Ashley Frankel, Digital Marketing Specialist
Huge thank you to our Warehouse for a great year! 
Toy Donation for the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation 
The ladies of the Sales Team
As for the Cesium team, one of our favourite traditions is our annual gift exchange which we were thrilled to have safely in person this year! We also can’t forget about our tradition of donating toys to the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. It just goes to show that the holidays are not about where you are or what you are doing but the wonderful people you surround yourself with!
Thank you, as always, for your business and support. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!
