As the year comes to a close, the team at The Rome Group is pausing to reflect on the traditions that ground us and the intentions that help us slow down during the holiday season. From meaningful family rituals to quiet moments of rest and reflection, our consultants shared what they look forward to most — and what they're hoping to make space for as the holidays unfold.

Here's a glimpse into how our team celebrates, reconnects, and recharges.

For Dayna, the holidays are about simplicity, legacy, and rest.

"I always look forward to a quiet Christmas Eve dinner. We always make something special but there is no pressure — just Christmas music and aprons, and wine for the chef!"

This year also holds special meaning as she reconnects with family traditions:

"People often tell me that I remind them of my paternal grandmother, Edna. This year I have decided to make all of her Christmas cookie recipes, which I haven't had in years."

Her holiday intention centers on slowing down:

"I am also looking forward to long walks, chats with my daughter, naps, and reading at least one fiction book!"

Michelle

Food and family take center stage for Michelle.

"A long-time tradition in my husband's family is making homemade pizza on Christmas Eve. This year, we're hosting! It's equal parts delicious and lively, with plenty of laughter and dough flying through the air!"

After years apart, gathering together feels especially meaningful:

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to gather with family from across the country (our first time all together since before the pandemic!), pressing pause on everyday life to catch up, share stories and create new memories."

Ellen

Ellen's holiday tradition is joyful, hands-on, and family-filled.

"Every year my granddaughters and 2 cousins come to my home and we each decorate gingerbread houses."

Her intention is simple and grounding:

"Family is what I focus on and I try to always make space for exercise."

Mary Pat

Creativity and reflection shape Mary Pat's holidays.

"My husband and I decided early on to make sure one of our gifts for the other is homemade. This has led to a lot of creative — sometimes hilarious and clearly thrown together at the last minute and sometimes extremely thoughtful — gifts on Christmas morning."

She treasures a quiet ritual that helps her reset:

"Getting up early and sitting in front of the lit Christmas tree in a quiet house. It slows down the season for me a bit and creates space to reflect and plan (and check my lists!)."

Elizabeth

Elizabeth's holiday tradition honors family heritage — with honesty and humor.

"My dad often used to make gołąbki for the holidays… This year he is going to teach my daughters how to make them so that the tradition can continue."

And, in her words:

"TBH, I've never liked gołąbki… but I love that he wants to do it and they are excited to learn."

Her holiday intention blends peace with realism:

"My hometown is on the Chesapeake Bay. I love to take a quiet walk at night or in the early morning enjoying the lights and the quiet across the water. Also still, not losing my shit."

Nikki

Nikki's holidays are rich with tradition, music, and food.

"We light the menorah for eight nights with family and friends… sing a few Chanukah songs — both traditional and silly. Then, as with most Jewish holidays we overeat."

Her intention is all about enjoying stories — on screen:

"In addition to visiting our grandson, I'm hoping to catch up on a backlog of movies on my list."

LeeAnn

LeeAnn cherishes the beautiful chaos of family gatherings.

"My grandparents have always hosted Christmas Eve… even with adding all these kids to the group, I love how full it feels… chaos included."

She also reflects on creating traditions that span generations:

"We started hosting a cookie baking day with my husband's family before we had kids… and that they're enjoying it too!"

This season, her focus is clear:

"Spending lots of time at home with our little ones."

Alice

For Alice, comfort and rest are the priorities.

"My daughter and I have a great meal in our P.J.s — no need to dress-up — just way too much food and lazy, lazy, lazy."

Her holiday intention is simple and familiar:

"Reading — I'm a few books behind."

Sarah

Sarah's holidays are full of laughter, tradition, and togetherness.

"Year after year, my family watches (and quotes) the same holiday movies — often multiple times over the holiday season."

She's especially looking forward to being present at home:

"Spending time with my husband and kids in our actual home… I also plan to nap on a whim and walk the dog as much as his little heart desires."

Jason

Jason's tradition is rooted in memory and meaning.

"For many years, I've had each of my three sons pick out a Christmas ornament… It's an afternoon spent walking down memory lane together."

His holiday intention reflects reflection and planning:

"Spending time with family and friends. Taking time to slow down and reflect on the past year. Setting a few personal and professional goals for 2026."

Wishing You a Season of Connection

As we close out the year, we're grateful for the traditions that anchor us and the intentions that help us move into the new year with clarity and care. From all of us at The Rome Group, we wish you a holiday season filled with connection, rest, and moments that matter.