Here at Purpose 2 Play, we’re so used to telling the stories of others, that the faces of the P2P staff often get lost in the rich content. That’s why we’re putting a spin on things for the holiday. We’ve asked some of our wonderful contributors what their favorite holiday traditions or what they appreciate about the holidays the most.

Enjoy getting to know the fine people of P2P a little bit better.

Kim Constantinesco:

Ever since I could remember, we would go over to my grandma’s house every Christmas Eve. She’d not only lay out a monstrous feast, but after cooking all day, she’d rally and play Christmas songs on the piano, for what felt like hours. It wasn’t a “chat while grandma’s playing” type of evening either. She handed out lyrics and expected every voice to contribute. Looking back, I think that simply singing along was the best and only way that the family could repay her for hosting what was always a beautiful evening. Now in late-stage Alzheimer’s, her piano playing days are long gone. However, every Christmas Eve, I close out the night as my grandma taught me to, holding a lit candle in a dark room, listening to Silent Night, and reflecting on the true meaning of the season.

Matt Petrero:

My favorite holiday tradition: It’s actually a past tradition. Growing up, we had a real Christmas tree most years. Every year, my Mom and I would go over to old man Pallone’s used car lot, part of which was cleared out for a month to make room for live trees. We’d head over two weeks before Christmas and the dog-and-pony show began. We would go up and down each aisle and look for the perfect tree. Since there is no such thing as a perfect tree, it quickly turned into an arduous task. I’d grab tree after tree, spin them around like a square-dance partner while my mom would critique every needle, on every branch, of every tree. With every Douglass Fur I do-see-do’d Mom would check back with Old Man Pallone to see if he would knock enough off the price to lower her standards and bring home the would-be substandard spruce. After what seemed like hours of negotiations, and endless tree groping on my part, the old man would settle on a number on which we all could agree. Of course he would throw in the twine to tie it to the car and so the honors of securing it to the roof. If he was feeling particularly generous, he’d even cut the requisite inch off the bottom of the stump. We’d bring the tree home, set it up, and, along with my brother and sister, decorate it. Ironically, it would always look perfect when we got done with it.
(Paul Peavy's decorations.)

(Paul Peavy’s decorations.)

Paul Peavy:

Definitely decorating like I’m a 9 year-old! Inside, my favorite is the monorail going around the Disney Tree and outside, it’s the Grinch trying to steal Spongey’s present.

I love decorating like I’m a nine year-old. I think I still love watching sports and competing in triathlons for the same reason. I still feel like I’m a kid when I’m either pulling for my ‘Noles or screaming downhill on my bike! I hope I don’t ever give up the ability and desire to see the world through the eyes of a child until I close my eyes for good.

Patti Putnicki:

By going “minimalist,” by focusing on the people in my life who add so much to it, by humbly appreciating the true reason for Christmas and by reflecting on the miracles so often ignored in life, I find a certain joy. My goal is to have a tradition of continual gratitude for all my blessings. To focus on the miracle instead of the madness.

Rachel Afraimi:

My holiday tradition is going through my photo journal and reflecting on the last year to see where I grew and what areas of my life I can improve on.

Matthew Case:

I appreciate the holiday season, for I enjoy spending time in Omaha, Nebraska with my friends and family, especially my twin brother.”

Alison Ryan:

One of my favorite holiday traditions is escaping the rainy northwest and going to Las Vegas to enjoy over-the-top Christmas displays and desert sunshine.

Wishing you a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season.

Warmly,

Your Purpose 2 Play staff