The Wright-Keiper Family

A visit to Radio City Music Hall to see the famed Rockettes Christmas Spectacular ensures that this Phoenix family starts the season off on the right step. For many Arizonans, beating the heat is a top priority at some point each year. For Pamala Wright-Keiper and her family of four, visiting the desert southwest was at the top of their holiday wish list for more than 20 years. “When the children were small, we lived in New York City and would come to Arizona for Christmas,” says Pamala. “Now, we live here and visit New York City the week before Christmas.”

The Phoenix holidays are celebrated with husband, William (he is chairman and CEO FirstGlobal Partners, LLC); daughter, MacKenzie; son, Austin; and an array of extended family and friends. Decadent holiday delights—like red velvet cake with a side of Champagne—and traditional songs help ring in the season. But it’s perhaps the family’s collection of wooden toy soldiers that creates that special, signature touch each year. “We have over 100-some antique, some new, from all over the world,” Pamala says of her vast nutcracker collection. “Whenever we visit a city or country for the first time, we scout for nutcrackers.” The family’s love of Arizona winters promises that no matter where their travels take them, they’ll be home for Christmas. “Seventy and sunny—that’s how we like our holiday season!”