The holidays invite us to step away from screens, gather with people we love, and make time for the things that recharge us.
At Crackerjack, we’re endlessly curious—not just about great work, but about the people behind it. So this year, instead of gifts or gadgets, we’re sharing a handful of the simple joys our team looks forward to most this time of year.
A Few of our Favorites
🧩 Puzzles & Play
“From texting Wordle scores to online trivia to IRL puzzle hunts with friends, I’ve somehow turned my individual obsession with puzzles into a social activity. My wife and I recently hosted a jigsaw night—which turned out to be a great, low-key way to mix friend groups.”
— Jack
“I recently got into puzzles—especially the seasonal ones. I realized how calming they are and how good they are at pulling me away from screens. For the record, both my mother and grandmother prefer iPad puzzles, but there’s something about laying out the physical pieces on a table that clearly makes my puzzling technique superior.”
— Kathryn
🎄 Games, Music, & Martinis
“The holidays in our house include neighborhood bingo night (yes, I did win once—an achievement that will be referenced indefinitely), holiday pajamas, and lots of games. We get great takeout (because I do not cook), plus martinis. Always martinis. Music is non-negotiable: Mariah Carey on repeat, with The Greatest Showman mixed in. We rewatch Elf, eat popcorn with M&M’s, and dress the dog in holiday outfits. She doesn’t mind. Really.”
— Ginny
🍇 Lucky Bites for the New Year
“Ever since I was a kid, my mom encouraged us to eat 12 grapes before midnight—a Filipino New Year tradition for welcoming the year ahead. Each grape, like a tiny coin, symbolizes wealth and abundance across the 12 months to come. As an adult, it’s turned into a holiday kitchen challenge: meatballs and arancini, circle-cut finger sandwiches, sushi rolls—anything round counts. It’s all in the name of luck… and a little tasty fun.”
— Eliza
📺 Cozy Watching (with Drama)
“I’ve been completely obsessed with The Traitors this year. It’s basically a high-camp, live-action version of Mafia—and there’s even a board game, which I’ll be playing with my family on Christmas Eve. Perfect holiday viewing if you love drama, intrigue, and betrayal.”
— Doug
🍪 Sweet Traditions
“Every Christmas Eve, my family makes and decorates sugar cookies. There are lots of cutouts, a lot of music, and some very competitive decorating. When pieces fall off—like reindeer antlers—we perform ‘emergency surgery’ with extra frosting.”
— Jordan
❄️ Winter Energy
“All free time in the winter is spent bundled up and either snowboarding or mountain biking.”
— Justin
✂️ Crafting & Traditions
“We always set aside a night to drive around and look at holiday lights—music and snacks included. We also get crafty making paper snowflakes (sometimes the 3D kind), and we keep them up all winter. And every year, my girls and I make mandoo dumplings to ring in the New Year.”
— EJ
“My family’s Christmas and Hanukkah combo means stockings on Christmas Eve (because we simply can’t wait) and Chinese take-out the next day. Best of both worlds!”
—Sonia
🧹 The Satisfying Reset
“Around the holidays, I give myself a personal project I never have time for. Usually it’s cleaning out my closet, but this year I’m tackling cabinets—and possibly rearranging furniture while my boyfriend isn’t home.”
— Emilee
🍹 Hosting, Games, & a Holiday Classic
“My family usually goes to the Pops for a holiday show, then comes home for games—Left Right Center, Taboo, Scat—and a fun drink I try to perfect each year. Add a charcuterie board, and it’s my ideal night.”
— Corey
🍪 Cookies & Commitment
“I’ll be eating my way through the holidays—cookies, especially the ones I named ‘mom’s awesome cookies.’ To balance things out, I’ll also be keeping my Peloton streak alive. I’m currently at 858 days and counting.”
— Cynthia
🥂 A Festive Crowd-Pleaser
“I love hosting friends over the holidays. This year’s go-to is an easy cranberry punch—bubbly, festive, and very forgiving. Add games like Mexican Train Dominoes or darts, and you’ve got a perfect night.”
— KB
👉 Get the recipe
However you spend the season—quietly, loudly, competitively, or cozied up—we hope it’s filled with moments that recharge you.
Thank you for being part of our year. We’re grateful for the work we get to do together—and for the people who make it meaningful.
Here’s to a happy, healthy 2026.