The holidays have a way of slowing us down just enough to remember what really matters: faith, family, food, and the people in our community.
At People Driven Credit Union, our team lives and celebrates in the same neighborhoods our members call home. So this year, we asked team members from our Livonia, Romeo,
Southfield, Warren, and Ypsilanti branches to share the traditions that make the season feel extra special.
Our Team’s Favorite Holiday Traditions Across Southeast Michigan
Some traditions involve big community events. Others are as simple as hot cocoa, a drive around town to see the lights, or a board game around the kitchen table. All of them remind us that the best parts of the holidays usually aren’t found in a shopping cart—they’re found in our everyday routines and relationships.
Livonia: Lights, Parks, and Pajama Rides
In Livonia, a lot of holiday traditions start with one simple phrase: “Put your pajamas on, we’re going to see the lights.”
Families bundle the kids into the car, grab drive-thru hot chocolate, and head out to tour neighborhood light displays. Whether it’s a perfectly choreographed show set to music or a simple string of lights on a quiet street, it’s less about perfection and more about doing it together.
One Livonia team member shared: “We pick one night in December where the kids get to stay up late. We drive around Livonia looking at lights, then come home to watch a Christmas movie and eat cookies we definitely shouldn’t be eating that late.”
For some, Rotary Park or a favorite sledding hill becomes part of the tradition—one mandatory sledding day, even if the snow doesn’t fully cooperate. Others mark the season with church concerts, school programs, and holiday plays, where grandparents show up early to claim front-row seats.
Romeo: Small-Town Charm and Downtown Glow
Romeo has that postcard small-town holiday feel, and our team members lean all the way into it.
Downtown lights and the community tree are a big draw. Families stroll under the historic lights, take photos in front of decorated storefronts, and wrap their hands around a hot drink to keep off the chill.
As one Romeo team member told us: “Every year we take our family photo downtown. Same spot, same street, different year. You can literally watch the kids grow up in those pictures.”
Romeo is also a place where baking still holds its rightful throne. Cookie swaps, tins dropped off on neighbors’ porches, and family recipes passed down for generations all play a role. Holiday weekends are full of “just one more” cookie and the familiar clatter of well-used baking sheets.
Supporting local businesses is also part of the tradition. Many of our Romeo team members make a point of shopping Main Street for teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, and last-minute “I forgot about that person” presents. It’s a simple way to keep holiday spending close to home.
Southfield: Big City Energy, Close-Knit Traditions
Southfield has a more urban pace, but when the holidays roll around, our team members still find ways to press pause.
Tree lightings and local city celebrations kick off the season. Families meet up for community events, enjoy hot chocolate, and check out ice sculptures or light displays together.
Southfield also reflects a wide range of traditions. Some families celebrate Christmas, others celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, and many juggle multiple celebrations with different sides of the family. That makes the calendar a little full—but it also means a lot of meaningful moments.
One team member laughed and said: “We joke that our December is one long progressive dinner. We’ve got church, a Hanukkah party, and then a Kwanzaa celebration with friends. It’s busy, but it really reminds us how lucky we are to be surrounded by so many people we care about.”
Our Southfield staff also talk about the importance of planning ahead—setting aside money throughout the year so they can say yes to travel, family gatherings, and charitable giving without paying for it in stress later on.
Warren: Tunnel of Lights and Grandparent Nights
If you’ve ever driven through a neighborhood that goes all in on lights, you know it’s memorable. For many Warren families, that’s a non-negotiable part of the holiday season.
Our team talks about piling into the car and heading to see elaborate neighborhood light displays—sometimes whole streets that become glowing tunnels of color. Kids press their faces to the windows, parents snap photos, and grandparents happily fuel the tradition with extra candy canes.
As one Warren team member described it: “We have a tradition where the grandparents take the grandkids out to see lights so the parents can have one quiet evening at home. Everybody wins.”
Afterward, there’s often a stop at a favorite local diner or pizza place. The food is simple, the conversations are relaxed, and the memories are the kind that stick.
Some Warren families collect loose change all year long just for this night out—a low-key way to turn everyday coins into something special when December rolls around.
Ypsilanti: Depot Town, Coffee Shops, and Creative Spirit
In Ypsilanti, the holidays come with an extra layer of artsy, historic charm.
Depot Town is at the heart of many traditions. Families and friends wander past the historic buildings and decorated storefronts, stop in at local shops, and linger over coffee or dessert at a favorite café.
One Ypsilanti team member shared: “For us, it’s not officially the holidays until we’ve done a walk through Depot Town, picked up a couple of gifts from local shops, and treated ourselves to something sweet.”
Performances are also big here—EMU concerts, local theater productions, and community events quickly fill the calendar. Many families pick one performance each year as their “special thing,” whether it’s a symphony, choir concert, or a local play.
There’s also a strong tradition of thoughtful gifting—especially books, art, and handmade items from local creators. Ypsilanti team members talk about buying one special book from a local bookstore for each child or grandchild each year, creating a shelf full of memories as they grow up.
Traditions We All Share (No Matter Which Branch You Call Home)
While each community has its own flavor, some traditions show up in almost every conversation with our team.
Volunteering and Giving Back
Many team members participate in food drives, toy drives, and programs that support local families. Whether it’s dropping a few extra items in a collection bin, sponsoring a child’s wish list, or volunteering time at a community event, giving back is a central part of the season.
One parent on our team put it this way: “We always tell our kids: if you’re blessed, you share. So every year, they help pick out toys and food for families who need a little extra support.”
Simple Nights at Home
Yes, there are big events—but a lot of the memories our team loves most are the simple ones. Pajama movie nights. Board games. Matching holiday pajamas. One special breakfast on a specific day every year.
As one team member shared: “The kids probably won’t remember every present they opened, but they absolutely remember cinnamon rolls and matching pajamas on Christmas morning.”
Planning Ahead for a Less-Stressful January
If there’s one thing our team has learned working in financial services, it’s this: spontaneous spending feels good in the moment, but surprise bills don’t.
Many of our employees use separate savings “buckets” or special holiday savings accounts to spread out the cost of the season over the whole year. That way, when it’s time to travel, host family, or buy gifts, they’re using money they already set aside—without derailing everyday bills.
Share Your Traditions With Us
Our team’s favorite holiday moments might look a lot like yours:
- Driving around to look at lights in Livonia or Warren
- Enjoying small-town charm in Romeo
- Celebrating diverse traditions in Southfield
- Soaking up the creative energy of Ypsilanti
However you celebrate, we’d love to hear about the traditions that make the season meaningful for you.
Consider sharing your favorite local holiday tradition the next time you stop by a branch, or tag us on social media with a photo from your community. And if one of your traditions this year is getting your finances in shape for 2026, we’re ready when you are. If you are looking for a little extra cash for the holidays? Check out our Holiday Loan.
