Winter break brings joy to counselor Erin Shore and her family. With family activities and holiday cooking, Christmas appeals greatly to the Shores.

Although many memories are connected to the holiday, Shore’s favorite is spending time with her kids.

One of her favorite holiday ornaments is the one with her kid’s handprint on it that she got when he [her child] was born.

“I enjoy putting up ornaments on the Christmas tree. They tell a story,” Shore said.

Shore has a lot of things that make her think of the holidays, but a certain recipe stands out in her mind.

“Grandmother’s recipe: a chex mix dessert party mix that feels like the holidays,” Shore said.

Although Shore has had to recently combine traditions with her husband, she also hopes to start a new tradition with her kids this year.

“I’m hoping to have a tradition at Brookfield Zoo. It makes you feel like a kid again,” Shore said.

She also hopes to bring her nieces along to join in on the new tradition.