With Christmas fast approaching, streets twinkle with fresh baked goods, and carolers sing songs of joy and unity through the air. The atmosphere is charged with shoppers’ energy and excitement for the season’s festivities.
During this merry time of year, the Boardman Training Center team pauses to appreciate the true meaning of the holiday. Continue reading to discover the BTC team’s favorite Christmas movies, traditions, beloved memories, gifts, and more!
What Is Your Favorite Christmas Movie?
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It is absolutely HILARIOUS!” – Amber Petroff, BTC Admissions Team Member
“[National Lampoon’s] Christmas Vacation, my family and I quote this movie the most; we watch it every year.” – Allyson Kerr, BTC Phlebotomy Instructor
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My family really enjoys this comedy at this time of year. It is also a fun and lighthearted show to watch for all ages.” – Sandy Poynter, BTC Campus Director
“Elf, super funny.” – Laura Durch, BTC Instructor and Academic Compliance and Support Associate
“My all-time favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, I still laugh as if it’s the first time, even at scenes I’ve watched a thousand times before. For me, it’s a timeless classic that I eagerly anticipate every holiday season. It’s a tradition I cherish, and I can’t wait to share it with my kids to keep the tradition alive for years to come.” – Amanda Sanko, BTC Team Member
“Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer is my favorite Christmas cartoon. It reminds me of home and what it was like to work at a local business in a small town around the holidays.” – Abi Haught, BTC Team Member
“A Year Without Santa Claus!” – Haylie Smith, BTC Administrative Assistant
What Holiday Tradition Do You Cherish Most?
“The past few years, my best friend and I have our families get together, have dinner, and decorate gingerbread houses and cookies together.” – Amber Petroff
“Having the Elf at our home brings so much joy to my kids.” – Allyson Kerr
“When my boys were young and still today, we enjoyed decorating the Christmas tree as a family. Once that is finished, we then watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and enjoy homemade cookies and hot cocoa.” – Sandy Poynter
“My husband, daughter, and I all write love letters to each other and place them in our stockings. It gives us a chance to write a message of love at least once a year. They make me cry every year.” – Laura Durch
“My most cherished holiday tradition is one I started with my kids just five years ago: Christmas crafting. We all share a love for creating, so every year, we spend time making festive crafts together. Some of our creations find a special place in our home, while others are turned into heartfelt gifts for immediate family members. My kids especially enjoy wrapping them up and experiencing the joy of giving something they’ve made with their own hands.” – Amanda Sanko
“My grandpa used to order ‘As Seen on TV’ products a lot as he got older. Since he passed, we each buy an ‘As Seen on TV’ gift and play white elephant with them every Christmas.” – Abi Haught
“Every Christmas Eve, my family gathers at my grandma’s house to make homemade pizzas. This is a tradition I look forward to all year. It’s a simple, but every year we come together, share stories, and create memories.” – Haylie Smith
What Is Your All-Time Favorite Holiday Memory?
“When I was younger, we would go to my grandpa’s house Christmas night, and he had a jukebox. The kids would sneak behind it and steal the quarters out of it and just play the same few songs over and over.” – Amber Petroff
“Doing a white elephant gift exchange, it was so fun, and it got crazy.” – Allyson Kerr
“Having the whole family together for dinner. Listening to memories that have taken place throughout the year.” – Sandy Poynter
“Listening to Christmas music with my mom as we sat and just looked at the lighted tree in a dim living room of my childhood home.” – Laura Durch
“My most treasured holiday memory is the last Christmas I spent with my dad. He had been battling leukemia, and we weren’t sure if he would be able to leave the hospital in time for the holiday. I’ll always be grateful that it worked out and he was able to be home on Christmas Day. That year, my dad, my brother, and I shared a day filled with love, laughter, and gratitude—simply enjoying each other’s company in a way I’ll never forget.” – Amanda Sanko
“My favorite holiday memory is getting to watch my niece and nephew open presents for the first time.” – Abi Haught
“My favorite holiday memory is the year I got my childhood dog, a toy poodle named Snookie. I will never forget getting my first pet on Christmas. This year, she turns 14, and she’s still just as special as she was that day!” – Haylie Smith
What Is One Thing You Look Forward To Every Christmas?
“Spending more time as a family.” – Amber Petroff
“Buying gifts for people. It’s my absolute favorite thing to do.” – Allyson Kerr
“Having the whole family together. Everyone works hard throughout the year, and it is nice to have the whole family together, at least one day of the year.” – Sandy Poynter
“I love the morning of, the opening of presents, the happy faces, the dog running around with the paper, and most importantly- the reminder of the biggest gift ever given to each one of us, Jesus.” – Laura Durch
“One thing I look forward to each year is waking up early with the kids and seeing their eyes light up with excitement as they open their stockings and unwrap their presents. Afterward, we enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls and read Christmas-themed books, savoring the sweetness of the moment and the food. It’s such a joyful time spent with my little family.” – Amanda Sanko
“Each year I look forward to going home and baking cookies with my Nannan.” – Abi Haught
What Is The Best Gift You’ve Ever Been Given?
“I love it when my daughter brings home handmade things from school. You know it’s been made with love.” – Amber Petroff
“A large gift bag full of brand new socks.” – Allyson Kerr
“My husband and daughter.” – Laura Durch
“Choosing the best gift I’ve ever received is tough, but the most meaningful one stands out clearly. It was my first Christmas as a parent with my oldest in daycare. His teachers helped him create an adorable little snowman using his tiny footprint in air-dry clay. I had no idea it was coming, and the moment I opened it, my heart melted. That thoughtful, unexpected gift made my entire Christmas unforgettable.” – Amanda Sanko
“My Nannan had her wedding and engagement rings turned into necklaces for my cousin and me.” – Abi Haught
Boardman Training Center Wishes You Happy Holidays!
Our BTC team wishes you and your families a very merry Christmas!
Boardman Training Center offers career training for those seeking a new career in the new year! Take the first step towards your dream career by requesting information today.