From puppet shows on reservations to matching pajamas and enough crab legs to feed an army, Gilbert families are celebrating the season in wonderfully unique ways. Whether they're flipping latkes, wrapping presents between serving Pad Thai, racing down staircases in coordinated PJs, or getting lost in a sea of twinkling temple lights, these six families prove that traditions - whether passed down through generations or hilariously improvised last year—are what make the holidays magical
Mike Collier
AIM for Christ
Each December, their family joins AIM for Christ’s outreach on the San Carlos Reservation, sharing the gospel through a puppet show, crafts, games, and gifts for families. They also decorate a gingerbread house, attend Christmas Eve service, read Luke 2 at midnight, open presents, and sometimes travel to Flagstaff to hike and play in the snow together.
Mindy Jones
The Amy Jones Group
One of the best parts of celebrating Chanukah is how it looks different each year, it may fall near Thanksgiving or Christmas, but always brings the same joy. This year, they’re attending local menorah lightings in Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek, cooking latkes, lighting the menorah, and giving back through Community on Purpose and The Amy Jones Group’s holiday programs supporting families in need.
Dr. Rob Mac Donald
MacDonald Orthodontics
On Christmas Eve, the family enjoys a seafood dinner of crab legs and shrimp with the kids and Granny, followed by watching videos of Christ’s birth and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas morning begins with a family photo on the stairs, kids and the dog in matching pajamas, before everyone excitedly discovers what Santa brought.
Penpa Simpson
Thai Lew Bistro
The family celebrates Christmas across their two Thai Lew locations each year. They love setting up a Christmas tree at the restaurant, where the kids open gifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While serving customers, many visiting family in town, they also host a Christmas party for their employees, creating a warm, festive atmosphere filled with community and joy.
Staci Herdt
Perspire Sauna Studio
The family’s favorite holiday tradition is wearing matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve. Another must is making Christmas pretzel treats, a simple recipe everyone looks forward to each year. Her girls love helping, and it’s become a sweet family activity. They also attend The Nutcracker every holiday season, continuing a tradition passed down from her mom, exploring a new production each year and creating cherished memories together.
Aimee Keller
For Our Town Gilbert
One of our family’s favorite traditions is going to see the Christmas lights at the Mesa Arizona Temple. As we walk through a wonderland of tens of thousands of lights, we also see scenes that tell the Christmas story, including wise men, camels, and Nativity scenes. This year it’s open from Nov 28-Dec 30 from 5-10pm each night.