Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
We were a Christmas Eve family. If we behaved in church, we got to open presents -- a strong motivator as a kid. Our family now tends to do a few Christmas exchanges with Angie, Maddie, Layne, and I doing ours before we head to South Dakota and then one with each side of our family.
Do you travel to see family or do you have at home traditions for the holidays?
Our tradition has mostly been to travel back to South Dakota where Angie and my families are. We did have a few years when Angie was a Church Youth Director where we did church in Loveland and then traveled back on the 25th or 26th for a 2nd Christmas in Rapid City. This was a couple years ago at my parents house for Christmas.
Do you shop throughout the year for Christmas or do you wait until closer to the holiday?
It doesn't feel like Christmas shopping for me unless I'm doing the buying closer to the actual holiday -- so I normally don't really even think about my list until around Thanksgiving. Angie does almost all of our Christmas shopping though and she shops throughout the whole year and is normally done by Thanksgiving!
I am pretty traditional when it comes to Christmas Eve services. I like the evening service with candles, but maybe not the midnight one! We knew if we behaved in church we'd get to open at least a few presents when we got home!
Do you attend Afternoon Christmas Eve service or do you choose the candle light Christmas service?
Over the next 12 days leading up to Christmas, we have 12 polls for you to engage in with us!
First up, do you do real or fake trees for Christmas?
Real trees are my preference. We've talked about going as a family to cut one down and make a day of it, but that hasn't happened just yet! Most of my family in South Dakota ventures out into the Black Hills to find trees for Christmas. What's your tree tradition at your house?
Do you have a favorite gift you've either given or received? My Mr. Coffee Cup warmer (well loved as you can see) that sits on my desk is one of my favorites I have received. My mother-in-law gave it to me years ago and I still think it's the best gift! A runner up would be the snoozy slippers that Kristi gave all of us -- I've worn through two different pairs now!
‘Tis the season for sweet treats! My favorite is the Peanut Butter Blossom — soft, chewy, and topped with a Hershey’s kiss, yum! What’s your favorite Christmas cookie?
Before the end of the year rolls around, check to see if you have an Action Team left! With Thrivent Action Teams, YOU can make a meaningful impact in your community. If you are a Thrivent client with membership, you have access to two up to $250 projects to make a difference.
If you need help, call the office or email one of us (Gene, Kristi, Erin or Maddie) and we can make it happen.
Maddie, my daughter and social media person for our office, did one at her student teaching placement this year! If you have done an action team, share what you did below!
The Friday after Thanksgiving is normally the day the Elder household decorates for Christmas. Last year, we got a 15 foot tree that was a great addition in the new house. (Peep it in the back of this picture)! I'm grateful we will have some extra guys around the house this year so I don't have to get on the roof to hang Christmas lights!!
Do you decorate for Christmas before or after Thanksgiving?
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy spending time with the people you love. I am grateful for my wonderful clients like you!
Our house has always loved hosting people and this year is no different. We will have 13 people around our table this year filled with lots of great food thanks to Angie's cooking. We tend to use Angie's adopted grandma's china and we recently got some from my grandma as well.
Do you have any fun traditions for Thanksgiving?
Even though Kristi started with me on April Fools day 12.5 years ago, she’s certainly no joke! I love how she has become the go-to for our clients who often ask to speak with either Gene or Kristi. She keeps our team focused and organized and also happens to be a wicked good speller. I’m grateful today for Kristi and for the fact that I truly love coming to work everyday to be with my coworkers who are also my friends.
What you need to know about legacy planning & how to get startedWhy is legacy planning important? Because it gives you the chance to make a lasting impact—supporting the people and causes you care about, while staying in control over who receives what, when and how. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin. ↓
Today I'm thankful for changing taste buds! Strange, I know. Growing up we had a huge garden and Mom on occasion would make homemade tomato soup. I really didn't like it. By that I mean...I would sit for hours before eating the soup. At which point it was cold and tasted even worse to me as a 10 year old. Last week we were all feeling a cold coming on and with tomatoes from my garden ripening on the counter, I decided to make....homemade tomato soup! My recipe had basil and heavy whipping cream, but it did make me laugh and be grateful for "maturing" taste buds! Sorry Mom if you are reading this!
I'm grateful for the amazing people that make up the Trail Ridge associates. Erin Hummel is our Front Office Professional, and often the face our of office. Erin's smile is usually the first thing you see when you come to the office and cheery voice you'll hear when it's time to schedule or gather follow up info.
Erin also adds the soundtrack to the office, sometimes it's classic rock (ask her about the 'Stones), sometimes it's Christmas (never too early to start for Erin)! Thank you for all you do!
6 year-end financial tasksThe hustle and bustle of the holiday season can distract us from other action items on our checklist. End the year on a strong note by refocusing on your finances. Take a look at these tasks to complete before Dec. 31.
Happy Veterans day today - we have lots of clients that served and we are grateful for all of you and your service to our country to keep us all free. Special thanks to my Dad, Barry, who faithfully served a career with the United States Air Force and my late grandpa Ray who served with our Marine Corps.
Fun night with the crew raising funds for Loveland Habitat for Humanity. The theme was Blue Jeans and Blueprints! If you want to join us next year, let me know!
Top 7 charitable giving strategies: Maximizing tax benefits and impactThere are ways you can help maximize tax benefits when giving. Learn more about different charitable giving strategies and their tax advantages.
This year we have a "bonus daughter" living with us as she does her student teaching. Granted, she's a long time close family friend so it hasn't been much of a sacrifice having her around, but I'm very grateful that our family has been able to welcome lots of guests, visitors, and sometimes longer term stays for people in our home. It's something that our entire family has been behind and has kind of become our share gift -- the gift of hospitality! What are you thankful for this week?
Happy Halloween!! Over the years on nights that are warmer we've pulled our fire pit to the driveway from the backyard. It makes for a nice night outside and families tend to stay a little longer than the normal trick or treaters rather than running to the next house. The fire gives them a chance to warm up for a minute and we get to see the kids costumes and have a bit of a conversation. Weather looks decent enough to try tonight! Stay safe and Happy Halloween!
