Turkey Trots, egg nog, festive lights touring or a family viewing of Elf. With the holiday season upon us we’re delighted to share some of the beloved traditions that add beauty and warmth to our celebrations.

At home or the office, in your neighborhoods & communities, how do you celebrate, give back and take time to enjoy sweetness with friends and family?

We’ve asked some of our Old Mill District community members to share their treasured memories. We’d love to hear yours, too.

April Lawyer, owner at Vanilla Urban Threads:

“Our favorite thing to do on Thanksgiving and Christmas is to take a family hike into the peace and beauty of our forest.”

Celebrating holiday traditions in the Old Mill District

Family hikes in the forest

Jaime Aguirre, co-owner of Ginger’s Kitchenware:

 “On the night before Thanksgiving we always have Spilt Pea and Ham soup while preparing for the next day’s big meal.”

Celebrating holiday traditions in the Old Mill District

Split Pea and ham soup on Thanksgiving eve

Thank you for contributing your favorite festivities in the comments, by email at or by hash tagging photos with #bendholidays on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

We’ll continue sharing traditions and photos throughout the holiday season!