Celebration with purpose.

Every December, Pivot sets aside one day—not to slow down, but to come together. Our annual holiday party isn’t just a celebration of the season; it reflects the culture we build all year. If culture is what people do when no one’s watching, this day—full of generosity, reflection, creativity, and connection—showed exactly who we are.

The celebration doubled as our final all-agency meeting of 2025. It gave us space to recognize the work and wins behind us, and set our intentions for the year ahead. And, as always, we closed with one of our favorite rituals: honoring our Superlative Stars. These aren’t just playful moments; they highlight the teammates who consistently live our values and inspire everyone around them. Recognition keeps our culture thriving.

We move into the part of the day that grounds us most: by showing up for our community. This year we packed bagged lunches for The Chicago Help Initiative. It’s hands-on work and done together, reminding us that our impact reaches beyond our office walls into the broader community we’re part of.

Then came the long-awaited tradition: our Secret Santa gift exchange. At Pivot, gift wrapping is an art form, often as clever or heartfelt as the gift itself. Many wrap based on the recipient, others based on the personality of the gift, which leads to reveals that often become legend.

The events of the day revealed the principles that continue to shape how we work, connect, and grow together:

Lead with meaning.

Community service grounds us in our purpose as humans. It keeps us connected to the world around us and reminds us that impact is part of our identity.

Make reflection a ritual.

Looking back and ahead keeps us aligned. Celebrating our teammates reinforces the positive recognition throughout our organization.

Creativity lives at the forefront.

Secret Santa may be playful, but it sparks the creativity, care, and generosity that strengthen our team and the way we collaborate.

Celebrate the long game.

Culture is never complete. It grows through traditions, shared moments, and experiences that evolve over time. A day that blends service, reflection, appreciation, and celebration captures who we are now and helps shape who we’ll become.

This was a celebration with purpose, reflecting the heart of our culture and the energy we take into the year ahead.