Holiday reflections
From all of us at UMC — thank you for being part of our journey! We wish you a very happy holiday season and hope this brings a touch of warmth and cheer to your celebrations.
Below, you’ll find our favorite festive recipes, cherished photos from holidays past, and a video compilation featuring UMC team members reminiscing about the laughter, love, and unforgettable holiday moments they’ve shared with their loved ones!
Festive flashbacks
Enjoy this heartwarming video compilation of cherished holiday memories, celebrating the joy and love of the season.
Honoring Kyle Spane’s legacy
This holiday season, we are sharing our love by donating $15,000 to the Kyle Thomas Spane Endowment in memory of our dear friend and colleague. Kyle died of colon cancer just seven months after being diagnosed at the young age of 35. The rate of colon cancer in people under the age of 49 has doubled since the 1990s. This endowment fuels research focused on colon cancer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
In lieu of client gifts, we hope this contribution warms your heart and supports those in need. Thank you for being a cherished part of our UMC family. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with love and laughter.
“I was honored to work with and know Kyle since he joined Hudson Bay. We attended many WSU events together and he had a true love for life and a perpetual smile on his face. Fred Hutch fought as fiercely as Kyle did to beat this. We will truly miss him.”
–Steve Brooks, President of UMC.
Santa Snapshots
Every year, our family had a steadfast tradition of taking Santa photos at the mall. As kids, my siblings and I found it delightful, but as we grew older, we resisted the annual event. Yet, mom always demanded, “Dress up, drop the attitude, and get in the car!” Today, we look back and chuckle at six decades of Santa photos, our expressions evolving from awe to disdain—not to mention some judgment on our dubious fashion choices over the years. It’s a tradition I’ve continued with my two daughters, and now my grandchildren get to experience (or endure) this family tradition.
Anne Kruger Executive Assistant
Sparkling Family Toast
When my kids were little, we started the tradition of the “kid wine” toast. While we grown-ups toasted with glasses of wine, the kids proudly lifted their glasses of Martinelli’s sparkling cider. Giggling as they clinked their glasses together, smiles filled the room as they sipped and pretended to be grown-ups. My grandkids carried on the tradition, sitting at their little table and sharing the same giggles and fun. Watching the grandkids continues to bring back all those magical moments, reminding me how even the smallest of traditions connect the generations through love and laughter.
Sandy Chapin Marketing and Communications Director
Solstice Sunrise
Every year since we’ve had kids we have gone to Kerry Park on the top of Queen Anne and watched the sunrise on Saturday closest to the winter solstice. It’s a cold and crisp morning watching the sky shift from dark to light, and we always get great shots of the rising sun over buildings we built! We walk from there to the 5 Spot café for an early breakfast and talk about what the previous year has brought us, and what we are excited for in the coming year. It’s a fun way to spend the shortest day of the year!
Steve Brooks President
Tiny Tree Tradition
Every year for Christmas, my boyfriend and I go to the local produce market and pick out the smallest, shortest, and chubbiest tree we can find. Then, my friends and I get together to make homemade ornaments for it. For Christmas dinner, we’ve started a tradition of making a tourtière, a delicious traditional French-Canadian meat pie.
Elisa Anway Estimator
Holiday Hide-and-Seek
Last year, my sister brought her cat, Baloo, to my parents’ house for the holidays. Baloo was very skittish and loved to hide in obscure places, but always ran to the sound of cat food being put in his bowl. One night, he didn’t respond to the sound, and we spent half an hour searching for him. Then, we noticed the Christmas tree shaking whenever we called his name. Low and behold, Baloo had gotten stuck in the tree! We managed to get him down, and everyone had good laugh as he gobbled up his food.
Jackson Wood Energy Engineer
Cocoa and Snowmen
My daughter Tessa was eager for Christmas snow, so we packed up the family and headed to Suncadia. She lit up when she saw the snow-covered landscape. We spent our day building snowmen, sledding, and warming up with cocoa by the fire. It was a simple, unforgettable holiday we’ll always remember.
Devon Styles Sales Manager, Mechanical Services Group
Holiday Pajama Parade
Every Christmas we get matching pajamas for Christmas Day with our kids. I used to think that my kids hated it, but now that they are young adults, they demand it, LOL. This year I am very excited for our granddaughter’s first Christmas with her matching pj’s. Merry Christmas from AZ.
Lalena Borland Support Coordinator, Mechanical Services Group
Pancake Snowmen Shenanigans
On Christmas Eve, my daughter and I make snowman pancakes and hot chocolate for dinner. We giggle as we stack fluffy pancakes, adding chocolate chip eyes, banana buttons and extra sprinkles for good luck. Instead of leaving cookies for Santa, we leave him a plate of our pancake snowmen… Santa needs extra energy to visit all of the kids in the world, after all!
Jessica Bobinac Communications Manager
Elf Antics & Candy Canes
Growing up, Christmas was magical, especially with the Marysville snow giving everything a festive glow. Christmas Eve meant family, candlelight church services, and watching Home Alone. Christmas Day was my favorite—laughter filled the house as my brothers and cousins played with new toys, followed by my grandmother’s incredible feast. As years passed and we lost loved ones, Christmas became less about presents and more about cherishing time together. Now, as a dad, I relive the magic through my daughter’s excitement for traditions like Elf on the Shelf, picking our tree at Farmer Brown’s farm, and too many candy canes. Christmas is no longer just about traditions; it’s about creating lasting memories with the people we love.
Joe Bray Special Projects Account Manager
Nutcracker Nights
Every other year, my daughter and I enjoy the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker at McCaw Hall—a cherished tradition since she was old enough to appreciate it. While we’ve sometimes gone with friends, it’s often a special outing with my mom. We’ve loved seeing the production evolve from Stowell and Sendak’s iconic version to Balanchine’s with Ian Falconer’s whimsical designs. One unforgettable year, my daughter even got to cheer on a close friend performing as a toy soldier. This magical performance never loses its charm and remains a highlight of our holiday season.
Leah Curulla Marketing & Pursuit Manager
Mele Kalikimaka to All
When I was a kid, my parents took me to Kauai twice for Christmas. For me, it was the most magical and memorable Christmases of my childhood. When I had my own family, I chose to give them the same magical Christmas experience I had as a kid, where Santa doesn’t come in a sleigh, but on an outrigger canoe!
Mark Faller CFO
Rusty's Yuletide Legacy
On the days before Christmas, after the kids were asleep, I’d wrap presents by the tree with Rusty—our first Cattle Dog. My silly holiday helper loved to either pull at the bows or lie upside down by my side. Year after year, he was in the middle of it all—wrapping gifts, opening presents, or sneaking Santa’s cookies. When his time came, four days before Christmas 2012, fittingly, he went to his final rest lying by the Christmas tree he loved so much. Rusty’s holiday spirit will always be part of our Christmases.❤️
Sandy Chapin Marketing & Communications Director
Snow Much Fun
A special memory from 2021 at Snoqualmie Pass with my family, surrounded by the beauty of the snow and the festive spirit. I hope your holidays are just as special, filled with love and happiness.
Martha Herman Project Engineer
Tapas and Traditions
Unwittingly, my husband and I started a new family tradition on our honeymoon. Due to a number of reasons (financial and sparse crowds topping the list) we traveled to Europe over Thanksgiving. Eight years later, we’re on our fifth trip exploring the various parts of Europe. It’s fun and exciting to walk through Christmas markets filled with handmade trinkets, while eating tasty treats. This year, our destination is Spain, where we’re excited to enjoy delicious tapas and immerse ourselves in the vibrant rhythms of flamenco dancing!
Ashley Di Cristina Marketing Strategist
Sadie's Sneaky Nights
Sadie, a clever pup, loves Christmas. She can’t resist the gifts under the tree. Each night, she would sneak a present and hide it in her bed. We were puzzled by the missing gifts until we found Sadie’s secret stash. From then on, We always left special gifts just for her, making Christmas even more magical.
Dava Pacheco Senior HR Generalist
A Holiday Heritage
At Christmas in 2022, I brought 2.5-month-old Gideon to meet my 98-year-old grandmother, “MaryMom.” Also in the picture are my sister-in-law Sanaz Karbasi, “little brother” Mark, and husband, Aaron. MaryMom and I were close: my middle name – Frye – was her maiden name. Gideon was the only one of her 3.5 great-grandchildren she met before passing in late 2023. It meant the world to me.
Bonnie Frye Hemphill Policy & Partnerships Director
Festive Family Memories
Holiday dinner at my brother’s house was a wonderful time! We couldn’t fit everyone into one photo, but I made sure to capture my kids and grandpa. It was heartwarming to see the generations together, sharing laughter and creating memories. Even though the whole family couldn’t be in one picture, the love and joy were felt by all.
Tom Donaldson Purchasing, Fleet & Facilities Manager
Deck the Cookies!
One of my favorite holiday traditions is decorating peanut butter cookies with my family. It’s always full of laughter, creativity, and a dash of competition. As we got older, the decorations got more risqué—“Rated G” for some, and not so much for others! I’ve carried this fun tradition from childhood (I’m the swingin’ dude in the sweatsuit in the pic) to my own family today.
Steve Russo OR/SWW Group Director
Festive flavors
Jessica Bobinac Communications Manager
Sourdough Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread with Cheese + Garlic
This gorgeous sourdough Christmas Tree Pull Apart bread will delight your family and friends with delicious cheese and garlic butter stuffed into each little roll. Perfect for Christmas entertaining with sourdough.
Ryan Kodramaz Project Manager
Classic Pumpkin Pie
The key to my mom’s Pumpkin Pie recipe is making your own pumpkin puree—the canned stuff doesn’t cut it. I’ve been eating this pie since I was little, and it always reminds me of fall and Thanksgiving.
Leah Curulla Marketing & Pursuit Manager
Swedish Pepparkakor Cookies
These Swedish cookies, perfected by my grandma, are a cherished family tradition. Each year, I strive to replicate her perfectly thin and crisp creations, sharing our heritage and holiday cheer with neighbors in festive cookie boxes.
Matt Mifflin General Superintendent
Sour Cream Enchiladas
Sour Cream Enchiladas combine creamy, zesty, and savory flavors. Tortillas are filled, rolled, and baked until bubbly. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Mike Crook Major Projects Group Director
Golden Cornbread
This cornbread is a crowd favorite, especially paired with honey butter. One bite, and you’ll be craving more!
Sandy Chapin Marketing & Communications Director
Apple Pie with Vodka Piecrust
Here’s a secret: Vodka makes the flakiest, tenderest crust ever. Every holiday, “mom’s cocktail crust” is a hit, sparking laughs and ensuring every slice is enjoyed.
Meagan Curtis Account Specialist, Mechanical Services Group
Pomegranate White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet, tangy flavors with buttery softness—white chocolate chips and juicy pomegranate arils make this festive treat perfect for holidays or any occasion!
Lisa Ulrich Project Executive
Southwestern Calico Corn
This vibrant, flavorful side dish bursting with colorful corn, bell peppers, and zesty Southwestern spices. It’s a perfect complement to Enchiladas Verdes, adding a delightful pop of color and flavor.
Anne Kruger Executive Assistant
Red Velvet Cake
For generations, my family has baked the Waldorf Astoria’s Red Velvet Cake. A happy mistake—using two bottles of food coloring—became tradition. Forget boxed mixes and stick with the original recipe!
Mike Crook Major Projects Director
Carmelitas
Since moving in 2018, we’ve baked cookies for neighbors. This variation, a favorite, has been requested often. They’re a bit of work, but the delicious result is always worth it!
Lisa Ulrich Project Executive
Enchiladas Verdes
Enchiladas Verdes feature tortillas filled with turkey or chicken and cheese, topped with tangy tomatillo sauce. I use leftover holiday turkey—delicious paired with Southwestern Calico Corn. A perfect combo!
Elisa Anway Estimator
French-Canadian Meat Pie
Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie enjoyed throughout Canada and New England. It’s made from ground meat, onions, savory seasonings, and baked in a traditional piecrust.
Leah Curulla Marketing & Pursuit Manager
Paint Box Cookies
Making paint box cookies with my mom and brother is a cherished holiday memory. I now share this tradition with my daughter, using the same 1978 Twelve Days of Christmas cookie cutter set.
Ashley Di Cristina Marketing Strategist
Chestnut Cake
I love how chestnuts make this Italian cake perfect for the holidays! Add chocolate sauce or powdered sugar for a little extra treat
Steve Russo OR & SWW Group Director
Peanut Butter Christmas Cutout Cookies
One of my favorite holiday traditions is decorating peanut butter cookies with family. It’s less about the simple recipe and more about the laughter, creativity, and a hint of competition it inspires.
Steve Brooks President
Sausage Souffle
This sausage souffle is a cherished Christmas tradition in Jenny’s family. Prepped on Christmas Eve, it bakes while kids open presents. Paired with Cinnabon mini cinnamon rolls, it’s an easy, festive brunch favorite!
Seasoned with love. Shared with joy!
This full collection of recipes reflects the flavors and traditions that make the holidays bright for our team. We hope you enjoy them!