Fun Meets Heart: Silly Presents And Treasured Holiday Traditions

holiday employee blog

The holiday season is a time for making memories, sharing traditions, and spreading joy with loved ones. At Xyleme, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community not only with our customers, but also within our team. That’s why we decided to take a break from our usual work routine and ask some of our staff about their favorite holiday experiences. 

We gathered some heartwarming and hilarious stories from some of our dedicated and hardworking team members who are eager to share their joy and cheer during this festive holiday season. So, sit back, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and read on as we explore the holidays through the eyes of the Xyleme team!

What was your most memorable highlight of the year at Xyleme?

"Our Customer Summits were great this year. It was a real pleasure to watch and listen to our customers teach us about how they use our product in ways we hadn't even thought of!"
xyleme employee sharon
Sharon
Account Management
"Being new to Xyleme this year and getting to know the Xyleme team! Every employee who works here is unique, intelligent, and friendly! I feel more heard and welcomed into a team than I ever have."
Sarah
Marketing

As we reflect on the past year, we can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude. It has been a year of tremendous growth, both for Xyleme as a company and for each individual member of our team. None of this would have been possible without our exceptional employees and the unwavering support and trust of our valued customers.

Our team at Xyleme is comprised of some of the most dedicated, talented, and hardworking individuals you’ll ever meet. Each day, they bring their passion and expertise to the table, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve as a company. They have embraced challenges, adapted to new technologies, and collaborated seamlessly to create innovative solutions. Their commitment to excellence is what has propelled us forward, allowing us to reach new heights and achieve unprecedented success.

What is it about our customers that you appreciate the most?

"I appreciate when our customers are open to new possibilities and what it may bring. Change is always difficult but I love that they trust us and jump right in."
xyleme employee janeen
Janeen
Onboarding
"Learning and Development teams are often full of passionate, dedicated people who just want to do their best and help others. That's what I appreciate most about them: their servant attitudes."
xyleme employee chris
Chris
Sales

Our customers play a pivotal role in our continued growth. Chick-fil-A and Wells Fargo are among our most recent stories where they share valuable feedback, insights, and unwavering loyalty. Their trust in our products and services has fueled our determination to exceed their expectations and deliver solutions that truly make a difference. We are truly honored to have such incredible customers and partners who believe in our vision and support us every step of the way.

What is the weirdest holiday gift you have ever received?

"Slippers in the shape of a fish . . . still not sure why my mother thought they were a good idea."
xyleme employee amanda
Amanda
Content Services
"I can say definitely the weirdest gifts I get are from my grandma. She always means well, but ends up getting me something that looks like it came out of a small town boutique somewhere. I recall getting a metal statue of a chicken or rooster at some point."
xyleme employee drew
Drew
Technical Services

Do you ever receive unexpectedly strange gifts during the holiday season? It’s not uncommon to unwrap a gift box, anticipating a cozy sweater or a new pair of shoes, only to discover a neon-colored pineapple-shaped lamp or a miniature toilet bowl coffee mug. And let’s not forget about the edible oddities – from bacon-flavored candy canes to pickle-flavored popcorn, some holiday treats are designed to make you do a double-take.

Last year one of our employees said they got expired prosciutto as a gift! But amidst the wackiness, there’s a certain charm to these weird gifts – they add a unique character to the holiday season and make for some great conversation starters at holiday parties. So embrace the unexpected, and who knows – you might just end up falling in love with that unicorn-shaped slingshot or that cat-shaped phone case.

Are you an early or last-minute shopper?

Just slightly over half of our team answered that they pride themselves on getting their shopping done early!

"I am notoriously known as the "bad gift giver" in the family. I often find myself in the "as seen on TV" aisle of the local Walgreens or CVS, which are the only places open on Christmas Eve for me to do my shopping" - Drew

What is the most memorable non-material "gift" you have ever received during the holiday season?

"My son coming home for the holidays (from serving over-seas in the military) as a surprise!"
Jenn
Accounting
"Simple: time with my family. And it's always my favorite gift of the holidays."
xyleme employee chris
Chris
Sales

During the holiday season, many of our employees take a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of work to relax and unwind with family. We love hearing about the non-material gifts, such as quality time spent with loved ones or thoughtful acts of kindness, that hold a special place in their memories. The gift of experiences, whether it’s a spontaneous adventure, a heartfelt conversation, or a meaningful gesture, can create lifelong memories that far outweigh any material possessions. So as you celebrate this holiday season, cherish those non-material gifts that touch your soul and make you appreciate the true spirit of the holidays.

Can you recall a humorous holiday memory from childhood?

"During our visits to Japan over the Christmas break, I have a funny memory of hitting my head on a door frame, which always made my grandmother burst into laughter. She lived in a smaller home, and as I grew taller, I would often forget to duck between rooms, resulting in those accidental head bumps. With neither of us fluent in each other's native language, we relied heavily on pantomiming and hand gestures."
Raymond
Engineering
"My Mom making a cake for a holiday potluck and it mysteriously disappearing. (cake pan and all). No one fessed up to it, all us kids were grounded and to this day we still do not know who the thief was. It is still up for debate at all family gatherings."
Jenn
Accounting

For many of us, the holiday season stirs up memories of our childhood. We remember the magical moments of waking up early to discover a tree overflowing with presents, the anticipation of the first snowfall, and the delicious smell of holiday treats baking in the oven. We reminisce about the excitement of decorating the tree and the joy of playing with cousins and friends. The holiday season was a time of wonder, where anything seemed possible and dreams were made real.

Even as adults, we look back on these moments with fondness, holding onto the innocence and magic of our youth. Childhood memories of the holiday season remind us of the simple joys in life and the importance of family, friends, and community. We may not be able to relive those moments again, but we can carry their spirit with us as we create new traditions and make new memories with the ones we love.

What holiday traditions does your family cherish?

"Cooking together in the family circle, enjoying our traditional dishes, celebrating with family, and then going out to the city center to admire the Christmas tree. After that, we visit our closest friends and sing carols."
Olena
Product Management
"Every year on Christmas, my grandma (who is not a good cook) makes us frozen chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, and Kraft mac and cheese instead of the traditional Christmas dinner."
Jillian
Engineering

Holiday traditions are an integral part of the holiday season. Whether it’s baking gingerbread cookies with family, decorating the tree together, or exchanging heartfelt gifts, traditions help us feel grounded and rooted in our culture and identity. They give us a sense of belonging and provide a framework for how to celebrate and connect with our loved ones during the holiday season. 

Some traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, while others are created new every year. Regardless of their origin, traditions are a reminder of the love, warmth, and joy that the holiday season brings. They give us something to look forward to every year and help create a sense of continuity in our ever-changing lives.

State three words to describe the year 2023

From our families to yours, have a wonderful holiday season! We hope that this time of year brings you warmth and joy, whether you're spending it with your family or friends, or just sitting on the couch watching some of your favorite movies.

We wish you all the best in 2024!

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