In the spirit of the season, we asked members of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Management Team to share their favorite holiday traditions and memories. From all of us at the JLC, wishing you very happy holidays and a wonderful new year!
Growing up in a Jewish-Catholic family, one of my favorite memories was my Catholic mom making latkes each year for Hannukah! We had a much-loved recipe from the synagogue and it was a special occasion each year since they take a lot of work (and often involve the fire alarm going off). I’ve continued this tradition by cooking latkes for my in-laws to teach them about Hannukah!
Rachel Bresnoff, Vice President of Finance
My favorite Christmas tradition is decorating the Christmas tree with my family while listening to holiday songs – especially the NSYNC Christmas album. I began this first with my mom and now with my husband and our pets.
Whitney Hill, Executive Vice President
Some holiday memories are sledding down this big hill at the park near my aunt’s house, decorating our Christmas tree and opening my presents. I loved how the tree made the house smell and there was lots of tinsel EVERYWHERE. Waking up to find Santa came in full force was always great!
Janica Buckley, Communications Council Assistant Manager
Our family loves going to see Gingerbread Lane at the Ballantyne Hotel. It’s fun, free and amazing to see the creativity that comes out when it comes to building a house out of cookies and candy.
Christina Gratrix, President-Elect
Every year I am actually the one that carries in the Christmas tree! There was only one year when we had a 10’ tree that was almost double my height and I couldn’t do it alone — but I tried. We have to remember that girls can!
Alexandra Whitsell, Fund Development Council Manager
One of my favorite holiday memories is a huge family holiday party that we used to have when I was growing up. I remember being able to play and run around like crazy with my cousins. Of course, now that everyone has grown up and moved away from our hometown, we don’t have the parties anymore. However, I will always love spending time with my family over the holidays.
Juliana O’Rork, Communications Council Manager
My brother refuses to get Christmas pajamas with me, but luckily my parents’ dog has no choice!
Morgan Squatriglia, Risk Manager
One of my favorite holiday traditions is baking and decorating cookies with my family on Christmas Eve!
Caley Boggs, Fund Development Council Assistant Manager
