The winter holiday season has a way of softening time. Lights glow a little warmer, music lingers a little longer, and memories—both old and newly made—seem to gather more closely around us. At Touchmark, this time of year invites reflection, celebration, and connection, as our communities fill with familiar traditions and heartfelt moments that define what the holidays truly mean. 

From Christmas mornings remembered across decades to new rituals created with neighbors and friends, the season comes alive through the people who call Touchmark home. Holiday traditions here are as varied as the individuals who share them—ornaments collected over a lifetime, favorite family recipes, handwritten cards, or a song that must be played every year without fail. These personal touches are woven together into a shared experience that feels both deeply meaningful and joyfully communal. 

For residents and staff alike, the holidays are about more than decorations or calendars—they’re about togetherness. It’s the laughter during a holiday gathering, the quiet conversations over cocoa, and the care that goes into making everyone feel welcomed and remembered. These moments reflect Touchmark’s commitment to The {FULL} Life, where connection, purpose, and celebration are part of everyday living, especially during the most meaningful seasons of the year. 

As we share stories from team members about their favorite holiday traditions, we invite you to slow down and savor them—just as we do. From all of us at Touchmark, we wish you comfort, joy, and a holiday season filled with warmth, reflection, and the simple pleasures that make life full. Happy holidays. 

Genay G. Sottile, Retirement Counselor

One of my favorite holiday memories goes back to when I was a little girl. I grew up celebrating both Christmas and Jewish holidays, and my family blended both traditions in such a warm and meaningful way. One Christmas, my mom decided to invite our entire neighborhood into our home. It did not matter who celebrated what. She opened her doors to everyone with no hesitation. She even made sure to have a gift for every single person who came, expecting nothing in return and simply wanting everyone to feel included. 

I remember watching her welcome people in with so much joy. It made such a lasting impression on me. My mom is still that same generous, open-hearted person today, and she continues to inspire me. She taught me that true giving is about making people feel seen, valued, and cared for. 

That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and shows up in the way I work every day. At my core, I am a giver. 

Brooklyn Sanchez, Retirement Counselor 

I have had the pleasure of spending the last few Thanksgiving days here at the community and my favorite holiday memory happened just last week. The whole building felt full of gratitude. Families were together, residents were smiling, and our team truly brought the day to life. 

One resident had just returned from the hospital and was emotional in a way that was hard to put into words. He was grateful to be alive, and his family felt the same. His daughters stayed close to him all afternoon. At one point, one of them mentioned hearing someone rave about a sweet potato cheesecake, and she looked so hopeful. I looked over at the dessert table and knew we were not serving that in the buffet that day, and I felt bad having to tell her we did not have it. 

A little later, two caregivers from Terrace Lodge mentioned they had a cheesecake in their neighborhood and still had a small piece left. When they told me it was sweet potato cheesecake, I could not believe it. I brought the slice to the resident’s daughter and her whole face lit up. She and the entire family thanked me for going out of my way. 

It was a small moment, but it reminded me why I love working here. Coming in on a holiday is not a hassle. It is a blessing to live our values through service, hospitality, and teamwork and to help create a day that truly matters for the people who call this place home. 

Debra Thacker, Retirement Counselor 

I remember when I was little in Tennessee, my maternal grandmother (who had ten kids) would invite everyone to her house for Christmas dinner. The house was far too small for that many people, so we usually ate in shifts. My grandmother would stand over us at the table to make sure no one needed anything. She refused to eat until everyone else was done. When I asked her once why she wouldn’t eat with us, she said she had to make sure her boys were fed because she was so grateful they were there to feed. Her six oldest sons served in World War II, and they all made it back. 

Executive Chef David Milbauer 

Looking back on when I was a child, I remember the buffet table always had the same items every year: baked ham, German potato salad, baked beans, red cabbage, meatballs, relish plate, cheese and crackers and, of course, Christmas cookies for dessert. Now, 50 years later as a chef, the one thing that makes me laugh was the fact that there was also steak tartar with rye bread and onions. It was literally ground beef on a plate.  

Family is the one thing I can't live without. 

Tara T. Spagnolo, Life Enrichment Director 

My grandmother always made every holiday special and one tradition that she always did with me since I was little—and that I still do today—is make Christmas cookies. We would make many different kinds of cookies, put platters together, and give them to people in the neighborhood who didn't celebrate because they had no families.  

Another favorite tradition my family still does every year is make homemade tamales with an assembly line of family members to help! We would make dozens and dozens and then pack them up for the men who worked with my grandfather at the DWP who had to work on all the holidays! 

Being with my family and carrying out traditions is what brings me the most joy and happiness! 

Bob R. Pardee, Building Services Director 

Family is a funny thing.  From my Touchmark Family to my upbringing, I’ve always known people more by their nicknames than their given name. 

I was named after my maternal grandfather, Robert Sickman. My mother remarried when I was very young to a man whose legal first name was Bob. His eldest son was also named Bob and there was a great uncle in the family named Bob. 

When I was 10 years old, we had the only Christmas that included extended family from all over the country. As fate would have it, Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob and Bob were all there. Needless to say, “Grandpa-Bob,” “Dad-Bob,” “Uncle-Bob,” “Big Bobby” and “Little Bobby” had to be quickly deployed to prevent confusion!  

Weird, huh? 

Inspired by the traditions and connections shared at Touchmark? Discover how our senior living communities create meaningful moments all year long.  

Visit Touchmark online or call 503-646-5186 to learn more, schedule a visit, or speak with a team member about finding a place where you—or someone you love—can truly feel at home.