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’Tis the Season for Holiday Traditions

Ashley DeGroot | December 23, 2021

Holiday celebrations look different for everyone. Whether it’s putting up the tree after finishing off that Thanksgiving turkey or spending nights bundled up watching holiday classics, each of us has our own way of ringing in the season.

In honor of this special time of year, we explored the traditions that make the holidays extra special for some of our employees.

“From my very first holiday memory, we would go look at lights. It is so nostalgic.”—Candace, NCS Admin

“My husband’s family does a big cookie decorating contest. It’s going on five years now, and we even have T-shirts for it! Once everyone is done, we post the pictures on Facebook without telling who made which one, and for 24 hours, all of our friends vote on their favorites. There’s a trophy and everything!”—Martha, Tax Specialist

“We let our children choose their own special ornament every year. We started this tradition when my children were very young, and now that my children are adults, they do the same things with their kids.”—Kelly, Talent Acquisition Coordinator

“We have movie nights: Polar Express with Panda Express and Home Alone while eating cheese pizza and drinking Coke, like Kevin McCallister.”—Jennifer, Manager of Technical Recruiting and Strategy

“Every year, we bake cookies for Santa and make reindeer food. We also get a new ornament each year to represent our year or family.”—Jen, Senior Website Specialist

“For over 25 years, we have been doing a secret Santa with my family. The gift you give to your person must be either handmade; something that already belonged to you, like a keepsake; or some kind of service, already planned out. It is so special to see what is given. There have been many sweet, sentimental moments and tears shed due to the love that goes into the gifts.”—Justin, Recruiter II

“I am from Germany and moved to the United States in 2016. My first holiday season here was a bit challenging. Luckily, I made an amazing friend who was up to completing my favorite traditions with me. For the past four years, we make each other an advent calendar that we exchange on Dec. 1, with 24 little treats to unveil each day.”—Marlene, Inside Sales Recruiter

“Every year, all the grandkids would make homemade fudge with my Nana. Now that she has passed, my sister and I continue the tradition!”—Lacey, Senior Sales Enablement Marketer

“My husband and I started a tradition where we buy each other a book to open. Now that we have a three-year-old daughter, it’s exciting to start to share this with her since she can understand it!”—Callie, Senior Content Marketer

Traditions — new and old — bring joy in every season. Ready to find your happiness all year long? Join the Paycom team and make a tradition of loving what you do. Apply today!

About the author
Author picture, Ashley DeGroot
Ashley DeGroot
As a senior employer brand marketer for Paycom, Ashley DeGroot helps the talent acquisition teams determine their goals and assists with strategy development. Her efforts include campaign management, engaging with top talent and increasing brand awareness. After earning a public relations degree from the University of Oklahoma, DeGroot joined the Paycom team and has held a few different roles across the marketing department during her tenure. Her passion for Paycom's employer brand shines through in her work with more than 3 years of experience in the space. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending concerts and reading.