As Christmas approaches, streets twinkle with the flow of hanging lights, the delicious smell of fresh baked goods wafts, and the sound of carolers singing songs of joy and unity drifts through the air. The atmosphere is bustling with the energy of shoppers and excitement for the season’s festivities.
During this time of gift-giving, the East Ohio College team will take a moment to embrace the true meaning of the holiday season. Keep reading to learn about the EOC team’s favorite Christmas movies, traditions, memories, gifts, and more!
What Is Your Favorite Christmas Movie?
“Frosty the Snowman. It has been my favorite since I was little.” – Jennifer Harris, EOC Assistant Director of Nursing
“I can’t say I have a favorite Christmas movie, but there’s something so magical about curling up under a cozy blanket and getting lost in a season of Hallmark movies on repeat. It’s the perfect way to soak in all the warmth and nostalgia of the holidays.” – Amanda Bednarek, EOC Nurse Educator and Lab Coordinator
“A Christmas Carol.” – Craig Monte, Career Management Director
“I can’t pick just one, so I’ll go- Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, A Christmas Story & Elf. The first three just always remind me of my childhood. They were a staple of my childhood and a tradition for me and my family. We had to always watch them. Elf is something that my wife and I enjoy. We are big Will Ferrell fans, and this is something we always watch together.” – Jon Ream, EOC Orientation Coordinator and Instructor
“Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. I watched this movie 32 years ago while in the hospital after the birth of my son, Tim. It was a very special time for this new mom, as I snuggled with him just days after his birth.” – Tamala Clutter, EOC Nursing Program Director
“Christmas Story because I love to play it 24 hours on Christmas Day.” – Jamie Stine, EOC Dental Assisting Program Director
What Holiday Tradition Do You Cherish Most?
“When I was little, my sister and I would get to open one present on Christmas Eve, which was pajamas. Then, we would watch Christmas movies and drink hot chocolate. I carried this tradition on with my children, and it always brings back memories.” – Jennifer Harris
“My most cherished holiday tradition is baking cookies with my family. The kitchen fills with the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar, and we all take turns decorating the cookies—some turn out like little works of art, while others are hilariously messy. It’s less about perfection and more about the laughter, the stories we share, and the simple joy of being together. Those moments remind me of what the holidays are truly about: love, warmth, and making memories.” – Amanda Bednarek
“Attending midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.” – Craig Monte
“Putting up the Christmas Tree! The moment Halloween is over, Christmas starts for me. It is absolutely my favorite time of the year. I love just being with my family, especially after a long year. Decorating the tree just sets off the season. My mom always decorated the house for Christmas when I was a kid, and it was something I always looked forward to. She would always put the hooks on the ornaments, and my brother and I would take turns putting them on the tree.” – Jon Ream
“This may sound rather “lame,” but our immediate family has always prepared a giant breakfast on Christmas morning. I start making the fried potatoes and breakfast meats before anyone is awake. By the time the family has completed opening our gifts, breakfast is served. After dishes are done and the house is put back to “normal,” we usually enjoy a much-needed nap. This is the perfect way to spend the day.” – Tamala Clutter
“Making Christmas cookies with my daughter while watching Christmas movies.” – Jamie Stine
What Is Your All-Time Favorite Holiday Memory?
“One of my all-time favorite holiday memories is the year my wonderful family decided to go all in on matching Christmas slippers. We’d planned a cozy night in, with everyone gathered around the fireplace, wearing our festive pajamas and those hilariously adorable slippers—reindeer, snowmen, and even ones that jingled when we walked. We spent the night laughing until we cried, playing board games, sipping hot cocoa topped with way too many marshmallows, and telling stories that somehow got funnier with every retelling. The house was filled with the sound of love and laughter, and every time someone shuffled across the floor in their silly slippers, it only added to the joy. It was such a simple tradition, but it brought us closer together, reminding me that the magic of the holidays is found in those perfectly imperfect moments with the people you love most.” – Amanda Bednarek
“Gathering as a family at my grandparent’s house on Christmas Eve.” – Craig Monte
“Going to church with my mom on Christmas Eve at night and singing Christmas hymns. We would then go to my grandmas, and the whole family would get together and exchange gifts and just enjoy each other’s company.” – Jon Ream
“When my son was probably 2 or 3, all he said he wanted for Christmas was lollipops. So, I placed a lollipop on top of each gift. I can still see his smiling face as he shouted, “Holy Cow, Mom! Another “poppylop!”” – Tamala Clutter
What Is One Thing You Look Forward To Every Christmas?
“Going to look at Christmas lights through the town. Christmas lights feel so magical.” – Jennifer Harris
“I look forward to the QUIET!! There’s something so comforting about that moment—no rushing, no expectations, just being present with the people I love most. It feels like the heart of the season, where everything slows down, and the true meaning of Christmas shines through.” – Amanda Bednarek
“Spending time with family and friends.” – Craig Monte
“Just being with my family and friends. Getting to unwind and just enjoy being with one another. We are all so busy throughout the year that we don’t get the opportunity to all be together.” – Jon Ream
“Family time together with no place to go and no demands. Just being there, in the moment.” – Tamala Clutter
What Is The Best Gift You’ve Ever Been Given?
“My mom and sister recently found a Puffalump, pink mouse on eBay. It was exactly like the one I had when I was little. After my dad passed away from kidney failure, his best friend brought me that mouse when he came to visit. I was almost 3 years old. I carried that toy everywhere. Her name was Miss Mousey. To get a replica of this toy meant so much to me.” – Jennifer Harris
“One of the best gifts I’ve ever received came from my own childhood, and it wasn’t something I unwrapped—it was something I gave. I remember the excitement of visiting the “Santa Secret Shop” at school, where we could pick out presents for our loved ones. I would spend hours carefully choosing the perfect gift, thinking about what would make each person smile. The joy came not from finding something big or expensive but from knowing I had picked something that would truly make them happy. Seeing the excitement on their faces when they opened my carefully chosen gift made me realize something that has stayed with me ever since—the true joy of giving. It wasn’t the gift itself but the thought, love, and care behind it that made the moment so special. That experience taught me the magic of giving, and it’s something I carry with me to this day.” – Amanda Bednarek
“A new bike when I was young.” – Craig Monte
“A few years ago, my son got me socks with his face on them! LOL. It was pretty fantastic. I always prefer something that is from the heart and not a store. My kids usually come up with some great gifts with the assistance from my wife.” – Jon Ream
“My son was born on Dec 17th. I consider that the best gift ever!” – Tamala Clutter
East Ohio College Wishes You Happy Holidays!
The East Ohio College team wishes you and your families a merry Christmas full of cheer and great memories!
If the prospect of a new career is one of your goals for the new year, career training at East Ohio College is an excellent option! Request information today to get started on the path to your dream career.