"Every family has that one holiday tradition that never seems to fade, no matter how much the kids might groan about it. For my family, it began with my elementary school music teacher, who had us perform a festive take on the classic children’s tune about the farmer and his dog named Bingo—you know, the one that begins, 'There was a farmer who had a dog, and Bingo was his name-O.'
In the song, you spell out B-I-N-G-O, then drop one letter each verse and replace it with a clap until you’re clapping all five times. My mom thought it was adorable and decided to make it 'our thing.'
Each year, all the cousins, my brother, and I—five of us in total—were called to the front of the room during our big family gathering. The adults would sit on the couches, surrounded by all of our presents, eating my mom’s infamous sugar cookies, while we stood there in Santa hats, each holding a letter to spell S-A-N-T-A.
Then came our version of the song:
'There was a man who had a beard,
And Santa was his name-O!'
With each round, we’d drop a letter and clap instead, and as kids, we absolutely hated it. We’d laugh, roll our eyes, and secretly hope the song would end sooner.
Fast-forward nearly 40 years, and the tradition still lives on. Now it’s the grandkids’ turn to take the spotlight, giggling through the same song while we cheer them on just like our parents once did for us. Somehow, I always get pulled in to help because 'we never have enough kids,' and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
As much as I dreaded it growing up, I’ve realized Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without it—a reminder that the best traditions are the ones that make us laugh, year after year."
—Jill Taylor, community relations director at Cadence Chandler
“My favorite holiday memory happens every year when my family and I travel up to Payson to cut down our own Christmas tree. We spend the day together in the forest, choosing the best one, then bring it back down to the valley to set up in our house. Once it’s up, we decorate it with all our special ornaments. To finish it, we set up our electric train that’s circles the tree. This tradition has always been my favorite and one I can look forward to.”
—Spencer Redmon, membership representative, Village Health Clubs & Spas
“'I’m Home.'
If you’ve ever been estranged from your child(ren), you know it’s one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a parent can endure. My daughter Sage and I were estranged for two and a half years—a season that was incredibly difficult for both of us.
Growing up, Sage would walk through the door after school or activities and call out, 'I’m home!'
It was a simple phrase, but one that echoed love, safety, and connection. During our estrangement, I missed hearing those words more than I can express.
Then, on Christmas morning 2024, I heard those words again.
Sage has permitted me to share this story to offer hope to others who may be experiencing estrangement—especially during the holidays. Keep hoping. Keep praying. Keep loving.
This is my favorite holiday memory.
—Kimberly Akers, co-owner of Amada Senior Care Phoenix and the East Valley
“We grew up in a small town and had a tight circle of about six families that we always hung out with. For New Year’s Day, every year we would get together and each family would bring a dish that represented good luck from their culture or hometown. My father’s family was from Quebec, so we had Tourtière, a savory meat pie traditionally made of pork or veal, potatoes and spices. Impressive and easy to make, it is said to bring about the good luck of ‘having family return home’ for the holiday season. Delish!”
—Denise McCreery, owner, d’Vine Gourmet