From baking cookies to grandma’s famous holiday dishes, this time of year is when families gather together to share in the holiday spirit, and the Publix family is no exception. Each year, stores from across our operating area take a moment to celebrate and participate in long-standing traditions.

While many stores send an annual holiday card, others choose to give back to the community. Store Manager Veronica Hedgecock, #1011, Palm Harbor, Florida, helps facilitate a giving tree. Each year, a tree is set up with ornaments listing the age and gender of a child. Associates can select an ornament to help families in need. Its popularity continues to grow — so much so that some associates drop off their gifts before the tree is even up.

“It’s very powerful and moving to see the generosity Veronica’s cultivated among the team at #1011,” commented District Manager April Young.

Store Manager Robert Lovering, #1187, Deltona, Florida, added a personal touch to last year’s Sprinkle Joy gift cards. “As a new store manager, I was looking for ways to connect with customers during this busy time of year. I came up with the idea to write Happy Holidays and sign my first name on my business card. I then included it in the gift card sleeve — that way, the customer has my direct contact information. I believe it gives the customers a sense of confidence when they shop at our store and helps build a customer connection.”

Some stores in District Manager Chadi Majzoub’s area in the Miami Division take a break from the daily hustle and bustle to celebrate the season with a potluck meal. Associates decorate the breakroom and bring their favorite dishes to share with their Publix family.

“It’s great to come together as a family, and the associates really love it,” Chadi added.

Store Manager Natalie Stendardo, #1235, Antioch, Tennessee, hosts a holiday potluck too. Her associates also celebrate the season with a secret gift swap. Each associate brings an unlabeled gift to share while they all enjoy a traditional holiday meal.

Managers at #1330, Deltona, Florida, like to give small gifts as a token of their appreciation for their associates’ hard work throughout the year. Associates enjoy trinkets that have included a key chain, a pen and a bumper sticker. Meat Cutter Mike Larsh is among the excited associates. He loves to call his brother and nephew who are both meat managers in Palm Beach County to let them know what gift of gratitude he received, always ending the conversation with, “That’s how we roll at #1330!”

Across divisions — from store to store — we join together as a family to celebrate the season. With a large Publix family of more than 188,000 associates, it’s these little family traditions that bond us together year after year. From our side of the Publix family to yours, we hope you have a very merry holiday season!