During the year Home Artisans of Indiana is involved in improving and beautifying your home, but during the holidays we are having fun celebrating with our families, co-workers and employees. Today we’ve gathered our favorite festive traditions to share with you.

“We used to visit my mom’s for Christmas Eve and stay all night. Now that the kids are grown, we have Christmas at our house with them and our granddaughter. For my business, I take my employees and wife out to dinner.” Member Brian Paxson—A Better View

“Our large family does a Christmas gift exchange, which usually turns into a white elephant gift with at least 3 whoopi cushions that are busted by the end of the day.” Member Millie Hindes—Watergate Roofing

“For the last ten years, I’ve spread the same white table cloth at our family Christmas dinner. Everyone writes on the tablecloth, either their signature, a handprint, a special date or lists of things they are grateful for. The tablecloth has never been washed and is now almost full of writing.” Member Donna Moulder—Mirror Concepts

“In our family, we follow special advent calendars that have treats for our kids each day. At the office we throw a big Christmas breakfast, where we exchange gifts and pass out Christmas bonuses.” Member Ray Rice—Digital Sight & Sound

“Every year on the day after Christmas we give our kids Christmas pajamas. They come downstairs to music blasting all of the great holiday songs. We spend the day decorating our home, then we drive downtown for ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the IRT.” Member Brian Schutt—Homesense Heating & Cooling

“Every year my children and I bake Jesus a birthday cake. We also ‘adopt’ a family and provide for them during the holidays. I love seeing my kids get involved with giving back to the community.” Member Diana Dinges—Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

“Every holiday season California Closets holds a donation drive for a nonprofit called Soles 4 Souls, which collects used and new shoes and distributes them to countries in need. We have collected upwards of 1200 + pairs at a time! My family and I do not exchange gifts at Christmas. Instead we donate money to various animal shelters and rescue organizations.” Member Erin Moore—California Closets

“Our family hosts a large breakfast Christmas morning and invites friends and family members. It started when our kids were little, and though they’ve grown it is something we look forward to every year.” Member Cathy Stegemoller—Steg Plumbing

“I have celebrated Christmas Eve and morning with my parents and brother every year since I was born. My children have spent every Christmas Eve and morning with their cousins. The location has changed but we plan to spend every Christmas morning together. My favorite part is watching the kids’ excitement as they rush to see what Santa brought.” Member Caryn O’Sullivan—Drapery Street

“We burn bayberry candles on New Year’s Eve, honoring the old saying ‘Bayberry candles burned to the socket, bring health to the home and wealth to the pocket.’” Member Gregg Pulley—Wesley’s Landscape and Lawncare