As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time for traditions, both old and new, that bring warmth and cheer into our homes. At Helen Adams Realty, we believe that real estate is about more than just buying and selling homes — it’s about the people and the memories they create within their four walls. To celebrate the spirit of the season, we’ve gathered five of our agents to share their favorite holiday traditions. From festive family gatherings to cherished local customs, these personal stories reflect the heart and home we strive to help others find.

"We gather with friends to eat a traditional Norwegian dinner on Christmas Eve. After dinner we pass out riskrem, a type of Norwegian rice pudding. There is a nut hidden in one of the bowls. The person that discovers the nut in their bowl wins a big basket of candy, gifts, fruit, and money."

- Debra-Aase Farnum

"I love taking my son and daughter to the Charlotte Ballet's The Nutcracker. It is perfect for gettingnin the holiday season and always a stellar performance."

 - Holly Webster

"It started as a joke a couple years ago - my little brother was introducing his partner to the family for the first time by bringing him to our Thanksgiving dinner. My sister and I were super excited, but he's our little brother so of course we needed to play a trick on him - we decided to make ridiculous/disgusting looking sides to serve with dinner and acted like they were old, traditional family recipes that we made every year - my nieces and our mom got in on it too! We made things like a sweetcorn jello mold, olive deviled eggs, fried calamari green bean casserole, cantelope & raisin mac 'n cheese. It was so funny that now we have a new tradition of who can make the weirdest side that actually still tastes pretty good."

-  Rebekah Taff

"Every year, we spread a little sweetness by making spritz and chocolate chip cookies for all our neighbors! The boys love helping—mixing, baking, and of course, decorating the cookies. This past year, we stepped it up with cute boxes and custom gift tags from a local maker, adding that extra special touch. Love to see my boys finessing the presentation and take pride in delivering them. It’s become a tradition they look forward to all year!"

- Anne Dabrowski

"We host a Christmas DAY Open House drop in anytime 1pm to 9pm 'Christmas on the Lane ' - our street address is a LANE- After you open gifts come share fellowship with our family and bring your family. We mail& email invitations to our neighbors, friends and clients. We have had anywhere from 50-125 drop in over the years. Families, kids, singles, visiting parents all come and it's blast. My husband and I provide all the food and beverages."

-  Jinnie Forsythe Brown