In my home, the holiday season is defined by my daughter—let’s call her Krissy Kringle—who could easily be a North Pole transplant. She’s the first to haul out the decorations, schedule Christmas movie marathons, and remind me, “Mom, it’s time to start your shopping!” With her color-coded lists and curated gift links, her holiday enthusiasm is both organized and infectious. As her mom—and someone managing year-end business plans and budgets—I genuinely appreciate her energy. If Christmas had a poster child, I’d nominate my sweet Krissy Kringle. She is pure joy. But with her wedding on the horizon next year, I wonder how Christmas will feel without our chief holiday enthusiast. Perhaps that’s a story for another time.
The holidays stir up a spectrum of emotions. For some, like Krissy, the season overflows with joy and anticipation. For others, it’s tinged with nostalgia or reflections on years past. I remember my own favorite Christmas as a kid—a year when my parents, both hard-working and stretched thin, somehow made sure the gift I wanted most was under the tree. That year, I was determined to get a Nintendo with Super Mario Bros. (just like every other kid at the time). My dad, who was working second shift, went out late one night to stand in line at Toys R Us just to get it for me. On Christmas evening, he moved the couch in front of the TV, and we stayed up playing Super Mario Bros. together all night. That memory is a gift I carry with me to this day.
This year, as I wait for MRI results to determine if the mass on my dad’s kidney is cancerous, my holiday memories are tinged with new layers of joy, worry, hope, and fear. Christmas feels different when you carry the weight of past memories while facing the uncertainties of life’s challenges. It serves as a reminder that the season isn’t always “merry and bright” for everyone —it’s often a mix of emotions. For many, the holidays bring financial and emotional pressures that aren’t always visible, making the season more complex than it seems.
This contrast shows up at our credit union as well. Some team members revel in every festive detail, while others experience this season more quietly. As leaders, it’s essential to create an environment that respects all ways of engaging with the holidays and supports employees however they feel comfortable. For instance, we can encourage flexible ways to celebrate the season. Some may love to decorate their workspaces, while others prefer something as simple as a holiday playlist. By honoring these individual choices, we affirm that holiday joy has many forms, each valuable in its own way.
Supporting our team also means helping them manage holiday stress in practical ways. Instead of mandatory gift exchanges, we can encourage low-cost, heartfelt gestures—homemade gifts, acts of kindness, or simple acknowledgments that keep the spirit alive without financial strain.
Creating space for conversations about what this season means to each person is another way to foster inclusivity. By inviting employees to share family traditions, faith-based observances, or even the importance of time off, we help build a more understanding environment. For those who find joy in giving back, organizing volunteer efforts as a team is a great way to connect and share the holiday spirit. This year, for example, we’re participating in a “Santa for Seniors” drive to bring holiday cheer to members at a local senior center.
Our members deserve similar support, especially during one of the year’s most financially and emotionally demanding times. To help ease financial burdens, we can offer budgeting resources, low-interest holiday loans, and flexible payment options. These services empower members to enjoy the season with less stress, giving them a little more peace of mind.
This season is also an ideal time for financial literacy initiatives. With spending on everyone’s mind, workshops on holiday budgeting or one-on-one advice sessions can provide practical skills that last beyond the season. Engaging the community is a priority as well. Credit unions play a crucial role in their communities, and the holidays are a wonderful time to strengthen these bonds through food drives, wellness programs, and charity events, giving members a chance to connect and contribute.
Most importantly, the holidays give us an opportunity to reaffirm our “people over profit” mission. Credit unions are built to support members’ well-being, not simply to make a profit. During the holidays, personalized support and flexible options can serve as a powerful reminder of our commitment to them. It’s about building trust and showing that we’re here for our members through every season of life.
The holiday season may mean something different to each of us, but as leaders, we have a unique opportunity to create a sense of belonging for all. Whether this time of year is marked by joy, faith, or quiet reflection, it’s our responsibility to listen and foster an environment where everyone feels valued. For me, Christmas is deeply rooted in faith—a celebration that goes beyond the gifts under the tree to the true gifts gathered around the table: family, friends, and moments of connection. Yet, I understand that for others, this season may hold different memories, experiences, or emotions. By honoring and embracing each person’s journey, we build a stronger, more compassionate community, living out the credit union values of care, inclusivity, and empathy that truly set us apart.
