Michelle Talsma Everson
Writer
"In 2021, I found out that I was half ethnically Jewish and had a new family to learn about. To celebrate my first Hanukkah, my aunt and uncle sent me a Hanukkah-themed care package and it was so touching. They welcomed me with open arms, and I will never forget that."
Alison Bailin Batz
Writer
"Each year, my dad would make one of our gifts an experience. My favorite was when he rented a trolley to take my entire extended family on a holiday light adventure. Well, it is either that or the original Nintendo WITH the power pad I got in 1986 from 'Santa.'"
Stephanie Slezak
Photographer
"Best gift I have ever received was not really because of what it was (which was a real basketball hoop) but the fact that Santa brought it. I remember sneaking to look in the middle of the night and seeing a giant long box that was illuminated by the lights on the Christmas tree. I remember thinking ‘Santa came!’ and quickly running back to my bed sooo excited."
Alison Stanton
Writer
"Last Christmas my teenage son Dylan gave me a set of lovebird salt and pepper shakers. He knows how much I adore the lovebirds that visit our bird feeder, and also that I appreciate cool salt and pepper shakers. He came up with this idea all on his own, which really touched me."
Mindy Wester
Writer and Photographer
“Growing up, we didn’t have an abundance of money and most of our belongings were hand-me-downs. I will always remember the year I walked downstairs on Christmas morning to see FOUR brand-new shiny bikes in our living room! Purchased with each of us in mind…perfectly fitted with handlebar tassels and all.”
