UPMC Altoona held its annual tree-lighting ceremony this week, featuring festive music from the piano and carols sung by students from Arrows Christian Academy. The event evoked nostalgia for employees Tory Becker and Juanita Venegas, who reflected on their childhood Christmas memories. Becker reminisced about family gatherings filled with joy but also sadness, as she now navigates cherished traditions without her loved ones. Venegas, who moved to Altoona from Newark, N.J., shared similar sentiments, noting the loss of family members and the complexities of adult relationships. Despite these feelings, both women found solace in the holiday spirit present at the ceremony, describing it as “adorable” and “cute.”