The holidays bring out the best (and funniest) in us! We reached out to some notable neighbors—from rabbis to high school students to community leaders—who shared their heartfelt and humorous holiday moments. From flour-dusted donuts to doll-head lamps, these responses remind us that the season isn’t just about gifts but about family, faith, and the unique traditions that make each celebration truly memorable. Grab a mug of cocoa and enjoy!
Dayna Scott
Broomfield FISH Food and Family Resource Center
Executive Director
Do you have a holiday tradition that you find a bit silly? One of my silliest (and favorite) traditions that developed organically is my obsession with ugly gravy boats—bet you thought I’d say sweaters! Every year, we dig out the ugliest one for the table, and it never fails to get everyone laughing. It’s a little ridiculous, but it’s now part of our holiday charm!
Do you have a special recipe that holds sentimental value for you during the holidays? My mom’s cheesy butter noodles! We’d bake together every holiday, and these homemade noodles became the ultimate comfort food. They’re so good, they’ve completely ruined boxed mac and cheese for me!
What’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever given or received? I made a family storybook for my mom, filled with hilarious childhood memories. It’s been passed down to the grandkids, keeping our family tales alive and creating laughter for the next generation.
Christina Surprenant
West + Main Homes
Local Broomfield Realtor
Have you ever re-gifted something? Absolutely! You know those shake weights? That has been passed around as a joke for quite some time now!
What’s the worst holiday gift you’ve ever received? A doll head lamp. It may be a Halloween decoration now!
What’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever given or received? The most meaningful gift I’ve ever received is an ornament my grandma bought over 20 years ago during a family reunion in Breckenridge. It’s hand-painted with the church where my husband and I later exchanged vows. My grandma passed away before meeting him, but the Christmas after our wedding, my mom found the ornament and gave it to us. In that small, precious moment, it felt like my grandma was with us. Now, each year as we hang it on our tree, it’s as if she’s celebrating right alongside us.
Kristen Hamm
Broomfield Lifestyle
Freelance Writer
Have you ever re-gifted something? Yup. Always!
Do you have a special recipe that holds sentimental value for you during the holidays? Ever since we could wield a measuring cup, my sister and I would make apple pie out of our mom’s ancient “Joy of Cooking” book for Christmas eve.
What’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever given or received? Words are my love language (shocking for a writer, I know). My studly husband of 15 years recently gave me a journal in which he writes to me sweet birthday, Mother’s Day, and anniversary letters, so I won’t lose all his thoughtful sentiments. I absolutely LOVE it!
How has your perspective on the holidays changed over the years after becoming a parent? It’s shifted from just presents and fun as a kid to making awesome memories and keeping the focus on the sweetness and power of God.
Cora Weber
Legacy High School Sophomore
Student Government & Northglenn Youth Theater
Give us a quote from your favorite holiday movie! “Smiling is my favorite!”
What holiday tradition will you hang on to for your future family? Every Christmas Eve, my family has a tradition of going bowling, and it's one I’d love to carry on with my future family. It's such a fun way to kick off the holiday, bringing everyone together for a little laughter and friendly competition!
What holiday food do you look forward to? Every Christmas morning, my family makes caramel cinnamon rolls. It’s extra special since it's the only time we have them! I always call dibs on the middle roll—it’s the gooiest and most delicious!
Yossi Rapoport
Chabad Jewish Center of Broomfield
Rabbi and Co - Director
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened at your family’s Hanukkah celebration? One year, my mom accidentally dusted the donuts with flour instead of powdered sugar. Let’s just say, the first bite was... unexpectedly dry! We all had a good laugh—and ended up with flour everywhere!
What values do you think are most important to pass down through your Hanukkah traditions? One of the most important values to pass down is the idea that even a small light can dispel much darkness. This goes beyond the Jewish community; it’s about humanity coming together to share hope and kindness. Each candle we light reminds us of our power to make a positive impact. By passing down these traditions, we inspire future generations to spread light, lift each other up, and build a more compassionate and united world.
Michael Gordon
Rotary Club of Broomfield President
Board Member: Broomfield Chamber & FRIENDS of Broomfield
What holiday tradition from your childhood do you cherish the most Growing up in the southern hemisphere, we enjoyed a summer Christmas, starting with church, a beachside braai, and eagerly returning home for my mom’s once-a-year Christmas pudding!
How do you find joy in the midst of holiday stress? I find joy by recognizing that our definition of "stress" pales in comparison to true hardship. Real stress is not knowing where your next meal will come from or choosing between food and medication. I combat it by expressing gratitude for our many blessings.
How have your holiday traditions changed since becoming a parent? Since becoming a parent, we’ve focused on the true meaning of Christmas by using the Jesse Tree and lighting Advent candles to add reverence beyond just gifts. We prioritize giving back, whether through ringing bells for the Salvation Army or stocking food at Broomfield FISH.