The Hormel Family

Creative ornaments and yuletide cocktails are just a glimpse into this Valley family’s fun, fresh holiday style. Christmas is a time to share with family and, for many, that time is spent in the kitchen. For Jamie Hormel, who owns the Wrigley Mansion, and her three children, it’s no different. “We love to bake around the holidays,” she says. “It’s a great way to spend time together, staying in the kitchen, making a mess, listening to holiday music.” John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas (War is Over)” is a favorite. “One year, I decided to force my kids to learn every lyric. Since then, we all sing it as loud as possible every time it comes on the radio.” Jamie’s style is an effortless mix of modern fun and classic tradition, served with a side of “super strong eggnog!” Even the family’s Christmas Eve reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” has a fresh twist thanks to their “pass-around game,” during which guests pass a gift every time the word “the” is read. The ornament party is another nod to their special brand of tradition; guests fashion ornaments from clay, hanging their creations on a designated tree.  But it’s simple pleasures like lounging with her kids and dogs and wrapping presents that have the most meaning. “Before I had a family, I didn’t’ really have any holiday traditions…now, we have an endless amount.” And that just may be the best gift of all.