The Columbus Team Holiday Traditions

Sue Lusk-Gleich: A Shoelace on the Tree

“That first year we were by ourselves, one of the items we added to our tree was a white shoelace…”

When Johnny was three, I was a single mom without much money for decorations. That year, we started making ornaments from paper, scrap wood, or anything around the house.

One simple white shoelace made it onto the tree—and for the past 45 years, we’ve tied that same shoelace to a branch as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how grateful we are for this journey.

Mary Allen: Lasagna & Laughter

Christmas Eve is all about family. We begin with an early evening Mass, then everyone comes back to my house for our traditional lasagna dinner—it wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

The grandkids look forward to presents, of course. We make a game out of it, playing hot potato to decide who opens a gift first. Everyone opens one at a time, and it’s such a joy to watch each moment unfold.

Patrick Florence: A Double Celebration

My birthday falls on Christmas Eve—and my son’s birthday is Christmas Day.

We celebrate Christmas morning in the traditional way: gifts, family, and time around the tree. But by noon, the focus shifts to birthday fun. Just like when I was a kid, my son Connor gets to choose the meal—and every year so far, he’s picked pizza! Even as a teenager, he sticks to the tradition.

Erin Ogden-Oxender: Christmas Eve Magic

Christmas Eve has always been an event in my family. We’d go to church, visit friends for dinner, then return home to set out cookies and milk for Santa.

Before bed, my dad would read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas—a tradition I now carry on with my own kids. It still feels just as magical.

Jeanne O’Keefe: A Sweet Legacy

My dad always made peanut brittle in early December—a recipe passed down from his parents’ restaurant, Forester’s, in downtown Columbus.

About ten years ago, he gave me a “training session” so I could continue the tradition. Now, I make the brittle and gift it to friends and family in his honor. It’s a cherished holiday ritual I look forward to every year.

Terry Zellar: Church and Claus

My favorite part of Christmas is attending Christmas Eve service with our family. The church is beautifully decorated, and the air is filled with joy as we sing traditional carols.

Afterward, our extended family gathers—and the magic continues with a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! They play games, dance, make us laugh, and bring small gifts for everyone, young and old.

Heather Gott: Peppermint Cookies (Perfectly Imperfect)

Growing up, my mom made beautiful peppermint candy cane cookies. When I tried making them myself, I realized just how tricky they are!

Even though mine come out misshapen or broken, I love the tradition—and now, my oldest son joins me in the kitchen each year. I think his cookies are absolutely perfect.