From decadent desserts to island getaways, these five Valley families share how each celebrates the season.

The Powers Family

For this star football player, the holiday season brings together family, food and much fairer temperatures. For Cardinals cornerback, Jerraud Powers, the holidays are rooted in the excitement of waking up to a Christmas morning filled with love and surrounded by family. The joy and anticipation of gift opening is followed by a big breakfast with his entire family, including wife, Leah, and their young son, Camden Jett. And what holiday season would be complete without the Grinch? Powers admits that the pressures of the NFL—teamed with the usual holiday hustle and bustle—often brings out his inner Dr. Seuss character. “It would not be the holiday season without someone in my family being the Grinch, and that usually is me! But as soon as I see my family and all the decorations, I instantly warm up.”  Holiday wear and tear aside, Powers hopes his son will carry on their tradition of making sure that cherished time with loved ones is at the top of his wish list each year.  That, of course, along with an ample serving of warm weather and sunshine. As the star athlete gets ready to celebrate his first Christmas in the Valley, Powers says, “The weather has been incredible. You can’t beat it. I love it out here.”