The Willert Family
From traditional holiday sweets and songs to cherished times around the table, this Phoenix family serves their holiday style with a warm side of “aloha.” Mixing traditions both old and new—from Granny’s chocolate fudge to Will Ferrell’s modern holiday classic “Elf”—helps to strike the season’s tone in the Willert household. Like many families, some of the Willerts’ fondest holiday memories have been created around their dining table, adorned with a delicious meal that all four of their children—Matthew, Kevin, Annie and Laura (Future Face of Foothills 2013 winner)—have helped to prepare. “We all chip in,” says mom, Lisa, of the planning. “We feel truly blessed each and every day, but this day is magical; we sit at the Christmas table for hours.” After years of journeying to celebrate Christmas Day with extended family (following a visit from Santa, of course), the Willerts added a new destination and some tropical flair to their holiday travel plans. “We now pack up and head to our home in Hawaii.” But whether it’s celebrated by the sea or under a desert sunset, you get the sense it doesn’t matter where the family spends Christmas. “We just love being together. My kids are truly our best friends.”