🎄 What Your Favorite Christmas Tradition Says About Your Leadership Style

Trevor Kruer • December 9, 2025

The holidays bring out the best in people — generosity, creativity, nostalgia, and even a little chaos. But have you ever noticed that the Christmas traditions you love most tend to say a lot about who you are?


For HR leaders and business owners, those seasonal preferences can reveal surprising insights into your leadership approach, how you motivate teams, and how you show up at work.


So grab a mug of hot cocoa, get cozy by the fire, and let’s unwrap what your favorite Christmas tradition says about your leadership style.


🎄 1. Decorating the Christmas Tree — The Visionary Leader


If your holiday joy begins the moment you pull the ornament boxes out of storage, you’re probably a big-picture thinker.


Tree decorators are:

  • Planners
  • Organizers
  • Visual thinkers
  • People who bring order from chaos

You likely enjoy establishing systems, defining goals, and giving your team a clear picture of what success looks like. Just like decorating a tree, you know that every piece — every person — plays a role in creating something beautiful.


Leadership takeaway:

Your strength is clarity and structure. Your team thrives because you give them direction they can trust.




🎁 2. Secret Santa & Gift Exchanges — The Culture Builder


If you live for Secret Santa, White Elephant, or carefully curated gift exchanges, you’re a leader who understands the importance of community.


Gift-exchange fans are:

  • Attentive listeners
  • Relationship-driven
  • Observant of small details
  • Masters at building connection

You value traditions, shared experiences, and workplace joy. You probably know everyone’s favorite snack, preferred communication style, and favorite Spotify playlist.


Leadership takeaway:

You foster belonging — and that’s a superpower in today's workplace. You know culture isn’t built in meetings; it’s built in moments.




🍪 3. Holiday Baking & Big Family Meals — The Nurturer Leader


If you light up at the idea of baking cookies, preparing holiday feasts, or hosting gatherings, you're the steady, supportive presence your team relies on.


Holiday bakers are:

  • Patient
  • Empathetic
  • Consistent
  • Thoughtful and detail-oriented

You create a safe environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. And just like baking, you understand that success takes time, care, and the right blend of ingredients.


Leadership takeaway:

Your empathy is your anchor. You keep teams grounded and united, especially during busy or stressful seasons.




🎉 4. Ugly Sweater Parties & Holiday Games — The Fun Bringer


If you love leaning into the quirky side of the holidays — the outrageous sweaters, themed parties, silly contests — you’re probably the energizer in your workplace.


Holiday fun-bringers are:

  • Creative
  • High-energy
  • Risk-takers
  • Skilled at breaking tension

Your leadership style makes work feel lighter and more human. You inspire creativity because your team knows it’s okay to experiment — and even fail — in the pursuit of something great.


Leadership takeaway:

You bring enthusiasm that can transform workplace culture. People follow you because you remind them that work can be enjoyable.





🎁 5. Giving Back & Volunteering — The Purpose-Driven Leader


If your favorite tradition involves volunteering, donating, or leading charity drives, you’re a values-first leader.


Purpose-driven holiday fans are:

  • Impact-oriented
  • Integrity-driven
  • Guided by empathy
  • Motivated by making change

You’re the type of leader who doesn’t just want results — you want meaningful results. Your decisions are grounded in ethics and long-term wellbeing, not quick wins.


Leadership takeaway:

You elevate everyone around you. Your ability to inspire purpose helps teams stay engaged and aligned.



🕯️ 6. Quiet Christmas Moments — The Reflective Leader


If your favorite part of Christmas is quietly watching the lights twinkle, reading by the fire, or enjoying peaceful moments with loved ones — you’re the thoughtful observer.


Reflective leaders are:

  • Strategic thinkers
  • Deep processors
  • Great listeners
  • Future-oriented planners

You don’t rush decisions. You reflect, analyze, and guide your team with intention.


Leadership takeaway:

Your ability to stay calm and see the bigger picture makes you a reliable and trusted leader, especially in uncertain times.



 Final Thoughts: Every Leadership Style Brings Holiday Magic



Just like the holidays, great leadership is a blend of traditions, personalities, and strengths. Whether you’re a visionary tree decorator or a purpose-driven volunteer, your style brings something valuable to your team — not just in December, but all year long.


So this season, take a moment to celebrate the unique traits that make you the leader you are. And who knows? Your favorite Christmas tradition may just reveal how you’ll lead your team into 2026.