At PD Instore, the holiday party has always been more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of the company’s heart. What began as a cozy, family-focused gathering decades ago has grown into a tradition that continues to bring us together in meaningful, memorable ways.

When April Jackson first joined PD 31 years ago, the holiday party was an intimate affair held right upstairs at Tempo. “The pressmen would bring out banquet tables from the mezzanine, and we’d all gather for burgers, hot dogs, and Christmas cookies,” she recalls. “There were carolers in old-fashioned costumes, and after lunch, the kids would line up on the stairs to wait for Santa to ring his bell and hand out gifts.”

For many, those early years were defined by the joy of watching the children’s faces light up. Steph Gandrud, with PD for 29 years, remembers that same magic: “The kids would line up on the stairway, so excited—or terrified—to see Santa. The gifts were always the most popular toys of the year, and Jack Bernie had that familiar glimmer in his eye when the kids received their presents.”

As PD grew, so did the celebrations. The party moved from the shop floor to larger venues, evolving from a children’s gathering into an evening where employees could unwind, reconnect, and celebrate another year of teamwork and creativity. “I love the new venue,” April says. “It’s relaxed and fun—last year’s horse-drawn sleigh was such a great touch!”

The details may have changed—the space, the menu, the music—but the spirit remains unchanged. As Steph puts it, “It’s nice to step outside of work and just enjoy the relationships we’ve built over the years.”

Because at our core, the heart of PD has always been about showing up—for each other.