By SHAELI KERSEE
shaeli@du2.byu.edu
The hustle and bustle of Christmas has not stopped local companies from celebrating. The decorations are up and soon 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . ' will be ringing in your ears as you enter a local business.
Putting on employee parties and donations are common among most of the companies, but each vary in their own way. Christensen Automotive, at four different locations, is having their Christmas party at the Provo Marriott.
They also enjoy having Santa come visit each location giving out little gifts to children and having pictures taken.
Each year the employees are given a unique gift. They also participate in Sub-for-Santa and are a drop off location for Toys-for-Tots.
The Peppermint Place, a local candy store, also has Santa come visit their store. He comes for four days in December. Children are encouraged to come and have their picture taken with him. Frames can be bought at the company's cost. They also have a drawing to win big stuffed animals.
Kinkos also indulges their employees in a party including the normal party stuff: food and games. Some of the other events they have done in the past include laser tag, rollerskating and going to Johnny B's.
'It changes every year,' Brad, manager at Kinkos said.
At Carefree Travel they have take a break from the craziness of travel during the seasons to participate in Sub-for-Santa.
Zion's Bank has had the tradition of inviting a local elementary school to come after hours to decorate their trees and sing Christmas carols. For every ornament put on the tree they are paid around $.35 and that donation goes to their school. There is no particular way they choose the school, they just pick a different one each year, Shauna, a representative from Zion's Bank said.
The Red Cross is always saving lives with their blood supply, a year round gift to many. This holiday season they will be having a special open house to welcome their new executive director to the community.
Gold's Gym is going to put down the weights and have a employee party themselves. Included in the party will be a white elephant gift exchange, Allison, representative from Gold's Gym said. They also enjoy decorating the gym.