Donna Portell of De Soto was the winner of the 2024 Family Holiday Album Contest.
Leader readers from Jefferson County, Eureka and Wildwood were asked to send in pictures of themselves and their family members and friends celebrating any of the winter holidays.
The Leader received 68 entries, and one photo was drawn at random to win $200.
Donna’s winning photo showed four generations of her family members gathered in pajamas for the traditional Christmas Eve brunch last year. Pictured were Donna and Geary Portell’s first great-granddaughter, Amelia, 2 months old, being held by her father, Iwan, with her mother Allison next to them. Standing next to them were Amelia’s grandfather, Andy Portell, and great-grandfather, Geary.
In the photo, Amelia was presented with her Christmas stocking which was made by her great-great-grandmother, Rita Portell, who died this summer.
Donna said it was a tradition for Rita to make a stocking for anyone who came into the family, including through marriage. She said it was very special.
“It’s their induction into the family,” Donna said. “She made over 150 of these. She had some stocked up. Her eyesight was getting bad.”
Donna submitted two other photos from that same Christmas Eve gathering. One was of her grandchildren, Adelaide and Eleanor King, with their baby brother, Henry. The other was a photo of Henry being held by his uncle, David Freund.
She said she has submitted photos in other photo contests, but this is the first time she won. She plans to donate her cash prize to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“We had been talking about doing that this year at Christmas,” Donna said.
Family Holiday Album 2024
Donna Portell of De Soto was the winner of the 2024 Family Holiday Album Contest.
Cynthia Duke of Eureka sent a picture of her grandson, Camden Duke of Coconut Creek, Fla.
Cynthia Duke of Eureka sent a picture of her grandson, Camden Duke of Coconut Creek, Fla.
Cynthia Duke of Eureka sent a picture of her grandson, Camden Duke of Coconut Creek, Fla.
Dana Cage of Festus sent a 2023 picture of her daughter, Adalynn Cage, then 9, dressed as the Elf on the Shelf. It’s Adalynn’s “most favorite Christmas tradition,” Dana said.
Dana Cage of Festus sent a childhood picture of her husband, Steven Cage, and his sister, Candice (Cage) Fix, at a church event.
Dana Cage of Festus sent a picture of herself at age 8. “I had been dreaming of this Barbie, and Santa delivered!” Dana said.
Cindy Foster of Arnold sent a picture of her great-niece, Addie, during last Christmas. “(She’s) holding up two fingers to announce she’s going to be the big sister of twins,” said Cindy.
Brittaney Heien of De Soto sent a picture of her sons, Hudson, then 1, and Ethan, then 11, and her nephew, Bowen, then 5.
Brittaney Heien of De Soto sent a picture of her sons, Hudson, then 2 months, and Ethan, then 10, and her nephew, Bowen, then 4.
Pamela Luetkemeyer of Arnold sent a picture taken by her father, Allen Chappell, of herself and her siblings on Christmas of 1953. Pictured is Rana Miley of Spokane, Wash.; Jim Chappell, formerly of De Soto; Pamela and Karen Miller of De Soto.
Rosemary Graham and her daughter, Donna White, both from Hillsboro, sent in pictures of Rosemary’s great-grandchildren with coats her family donated to Sandy Baptist Church. The family sent a donation of 25 coats, plus gloves, scarves and other warm clothing, on what would have been Rosemary’s and her late husband’s, Roland George Graham, 60th anniversary. “George didn’t really like to shop, but after the winter holidays when coats went on sale, he would always watch for children’s coats for the great-grandkids so they always had nice warm coats the next year,” Rosemary said. “After he passed away, my daughter Donna and I decided to carry on the tradition, so we took the money we won from the (2023 Leader Holiday Album contest) to shop and purchase coats in George’s honor. My sons also contributed, so it is a family happening.”
Chet Pizzullo, 57, of Wildwood sent a picture from his family’s 2023 Christmas party photo booth. “Every year we do a different theme,” Chet said. “Last year, we did patriotic Christmas. As a bonus, the winner of our annual ‘pass the gift’ game, my nephew Steve, had to put on a wig to look like Bob Ross and narrate the painting of a Christmas scene.” Pictured is Chet and his wife, Cathy Pizzullo; his daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Ryan Hanneken of St. Peters; his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Gabi Pizzullo of Brentwood; his mother, Marilyn Amos of Wildwood; his nephews, Steve McIlvaine of Pacific, Cameron McIlvaine of Ballwin and Cody McIlvaine of Manchester; his nephew’s wife, Paige McIlvaine of Manchester; his brother and sister-in-law, Zack and Stacey Pizzullo of Wildwood; and his cousin, Kim Ferguson-Farrell of Levittown, Pa.
Chet Pizzullo, 57, of Wildwood sent a picture from his family’s 2023 Christmas party photo booth. “Every year we do a different theme,” Chet said. “Last year, we did patriotic Christmas. As a bonus, the winner of our annual ‘pass the gift’ game, my nephew Steve, had to put on a wig to look like Bob Ross and narrate the painting of a Christmas scene.” Pictured is Chet and his wife, Cathy Pizzullo; his daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Ryan Hanneken of St. Peters; his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Gabi Pizzullo of Brentwood; his mother and her husband, Marilyn and Barry Amos of Wildwood; his nephews and his nephew’s wife, Steve McIlvaine of Pacific, Cameron McIlvaine of Ballwin and Cody and Paige McIlvaine of Manchester; his brother and sister-in-law, Zack and Stacey Pizzullo of Wildwood; and his cousin, Kim Ferguson-Farrell of Levittown, Pa.
Chet Pizzullo, 57, of Wildwood sent a picture of himself and his wife, Cathy Pizzullo, at his family’s 2023 Christmas party photo booth. “Every year we do a different theme,” Chet said. “Last year, we did patriotic Christmas. As a bonus, the winner of our annual ‘pass the gift’ game, my nephew Steve, had to put on a wig to look like Bob Ross and narrate the painting of a Christmas scene.”
Heather and Nick Bahr of Arnold sent a picture of their sons, Blake and Drew, visiting Santa on Blake’s 10th birthday last month.
Kay Houghtaling of Fenton sent a picture she took of her granddaughter, Audrey Devine, 2, at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow event. “(Audrey) checks out Santa from his sleigh...she's not sure about him!” Kay said. “It was a lot of fun and our first holiday event of the year!”
Susan Kelly of High Ridge sent a picture taken by her son, Jonathan, of herself and Bob Kelly. “Our last Christmas together,” Susan said.
Jennifer Klein of Hillsboro took this picture of her children, Jude and Tripp Klein, while putting up Christmas decorations in October. “We just couldn't wait any longer!” Jennifer said.
Darla Rieger of Imperial took this picture of her grandson, Houston Rieger, 6, dressed as Kevin from the “Home Alone” movies.
Darla Rieger of Imperial took this picture of her granddaughter, Arabella Rieger, 4, dressed as the Elf on the Shelf.
Darla Rieger of Imperial took this picture of her grandson, Liam Rieger, 6, helping make Christmas cookies.
Rex Rieger of Imperial took this picture of Houston, Christian and Rex Rieger Jr. during Christmas in New York.
Rex Rieger of Imperial sent this picture, taken by Anjelica and Christian Rieger of Imperial, of Aspyn Rieger, 1.
Rex Rieger of Imperial sent this picture of Houston Rieger, 5, next to Louie at a St. Louis Blues hockey game.
Jessica Basler of Barnhart took this picture last year of her daughter, Georgia Rose Basler. “This last Christmas was so special because it was the first Christmas that our daughter, who is 8 years old and on the autism spectrum, actually participated in the holiday and opened gifts for the first time,” Jessica said. “This picture will forever be special to our family.”
Roxie Lane of De Soto took this picture last month of her great-granddaughter, Huntley Harman, 6 months, of Park Hills.
Roxie Lane of De Soto took this picture last month of her great-granddaughter, Huntley Harman, 6 months, of Park Hills.
Roxie Lane of De Soto took this picture last month of her great-granddaughter, Huntley Harman, 6 months, of Park Hills.
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent a picture taken last December during her family’s annual cookie baking tradition. Pictured in front is Pat’s great-niece, Hadley of Troy, with Pat’s granddaughters, from left, Savannah Swain of Festus, Lucy Sebaugh of House Springs and Taylor Swain of Festus.
Hazel Riedel of Arnold sent a picture taken last month of her daughter, Raelynn.
Hazel Riedel of Arnold took this picture of her friend Jaylin’s daughter, Ava.
Hazel Riedel of Arnold took this family portrait of her friends last year. Pictured are Maggie, Davidlee and Gianna.
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent a picture taken in December 2016 of her granddaughters, from left, Taylor Swain, 6, of Festus, Savannah Swain, 5, of Festus and Lucy Sebaugh, 4, of House Springs.
Pat Sebaugh of Hillsboro sent a picture taken last December of herself and her husband, Jim Sebaugh, with seven of their eight grandchildren and their great-grandchildren. Pictured are, back row, from left, Dylan Underwood, Savannah Swain, Lucy Sebaugh, Taylor Swain and Jaiden Braddix; and front row, from left, Taylor Underwood, Pat, who is holding Braylen Underwood, Jim and David Underwood.
Pamela Dennis of Dittmer took this picture on Christmas last year of her daughter, Jazmyn, and their cat, Snuggles. Pamela said the moment was special because the family welcomed its first kitten for the holidays.
Pamela Dennis of Dittmer took this picture on Christmas Eve last year of her daughters, Daisy and Jazmyn. “It’s so joyous seeing my daughters so happy for Christmas the next morning.”
Pamela Dennis of Dittmer took this picture in December last year of her daughters, Daisy and Jazmyn. “(It was special to see) the excitement on my daughters’ faces, having a great time in the snow, jumping on the trampoline.”
Janet Fitzgerald of Barnhart sent a picture from New Year’s Eve of her husband, Kevin Fitzgerald, left, and his friends, Ben Wade, center, and Paul Hirtz.
Tina Masengill of Wildwood took this picture nine years ago of her daughter, Lola Masengill of Wildwood, and two of her nephews, Will and Taybryn Geiler of Eureka. “We were roasting marshmallows in the fireplace and watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Tina said.
Donna Portell of De Soto took this picture on Christmas Eve last year of her and Geary Portell’s granddaughters, Adelaide and Eleanor King, with their new baby brother, Henry, son of Bethany and Matt King.
Donna Portell of De Soto took this picture on Christmas Eve last year of her and Geary Portell’s new grandson, Henry, son of Bethany and Matt King, being held by his uncle, David Freund. “Seems that all the festivities have worn him (Henry) out, and Uncle David has the magic touch,” Donna said.
Dale Spalt of Arnold sent a picture taken in December 2020 by Pat Spalt. “Our grandson, Chase McDowell, 9 at the time, was eagerly headed to the nearest hill to do some serious tubing in the snow,” Dale said.
Carol Drury of House Springs sent a picture taken by her daughter, Pamela Dennis, last month. “My grandkids help decorate my Christmas tree,” Carol said. Pictured is Carol along with her grandchildren, Roland of Robertsville and Jazmyn and Daisy from Dittmer.
Carol Drury of House Springs sent a picture taken last month by her daughter, Pamela Dennis, of Carol’s cat, Lucky. “This is my cat’s first Christmas, and she was being silly climbing the Christmas tree.”
Carol Drury of House Springs sent a picture taken in 2010 in St. Louis of Carol’s grandchildren, Jesse, Holly and Lily of Barnhart, meeting Santa around Christmastime.
Ginny Leitner of Festus sent a picture from this year of her great-grandson, Mateo Stout, 2, of Festus, who she says is “ready for the holidays.”
Ginny Leitner of Festus sent a picture from last Christmas of herself with her grandsons, Keegan Brown, 6, left, and Bode Brown, 4, of St. Louis.
Rita Lovelace sent this picture of her great-grandson, Luka Lovelace, 2. “Grandma asked him to pose for a Christmas picture, and this is what she got!” Rita said.
Rita Lovelace sent this picture of her great-grandson, Franklin Winingar, 1. “He already loves Santa,” Rita said.
Shirley Smith of Hillsboro sent this Christmas 1968 photo of her and Lee Smith’s children, Mark, Sherry, Fanny and Michele.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent this picture taken in 2002 in Jefferson County. “George and I would get up early on Christmas morning and drive to our daughter and son-in-law’s house so we could wake the kids up to see what Santa brought them,” Rosemary said. Pictured are Nick and April White.
Rosemary Graham of Hillsboro sent this picture taken in 1994 of her grandson, Nick White, at her and George Graham’s house, helping decorate a Christmas tree.
Alexa Selsor of De Soto is seen painting the face of Dawn Weaver in this picture taken some time around 1987 at the St. Rose of Lima Christmas Bazaar. “Of all the children’s faces I painted, and there were many, this picture was chosen for the paper,” Alexa said. “This little girl became my daughter-in-law. I had never met her. She and our son, Ryan, have been married 20 years.”
John Leitner of Festus took this picture of his grandson, Mateo Stout, 2, of Festus, helping decorate for the holidays with Mateo’s father, Matt Stout.
John Leitner of Festus took this picture of his daughter, Mallory (Leitner) Stout, 24, of Festus, “enjoying her new Christmas coat.”
Richard and Linda Lown sent a picture taken November 2023 of their grandson, August Feick of Festus, on the Polar Express Train for his seventh birthday. In the background is August’s father, James Feick, and the picture was taken by August’s mother, Briana Feick.
Brent Persoon of Eureka took this picture of his family’s cat, Baby Doll, “helping” decorate the house for Christmas this year. “She inspected the tree, and especially the boxes, for structural integrity,” Brent said.
Brent Persoon of Eureka took this picture of his family’s cat, Baby Doll, “helping” decorate the house for Christmas this year. “She inspected the tree, and especially the boxes, for structural integrity,” Brent said.
Brent Persoon of Eureka took this picture of his family’s cat, Baby Doll, “helping” decorate the house for Christmas this year. “She inspected the tree, and especially the boxes, for structural integrity,” Brent said.
Stacy Moore of Fenton is seen arm-wrestling her daughter, Hailey Moore, 12, in this picture taken by her husband, T.J. Moore, at her in-law’s house at Goose Creek Lake last year.
Stacy Moore of Fenton and her family caught a candid moment while posing for a group photo last December at Stacy’s in-law’s house at Goose Creek Lake last year. Pictured, back row, from left, are Stacey; her son, Shane Moore, 14; her father-in-law, Terry Moore; her mother-in-law, Kim Moore; and her sister-in-law, Jenny Moore. In the front row, from left, are Stacey’s daughter, Hailey Moore, 12, her husband, T.J. Moore; and her brother-in-law, Tory Moore.
Stacy Moore of Fenton and her family pose for a group photo last December at Stacy’s in-law’s house at Goose Creek Lake last year. “Trying to balance the Christmas trees on our heads for a family photo took several takes! But we finally got it!” Stacy said. Pictured, back row, from left, are Stacey; her son, Shane Moore, 14; her father-in-law, Terry Moore; her mother-in-law, Kim Moore; and her sister-in-law, Jenny Moore. In the front row, from left, are Stacey’s daughter, Hailey Moore, 12, her husband, T.J. Moore; and her brother-in-law, Tory Moore.
Bonnie Baisch of House Springs took this family photo in 2012 at Thanksgiving. Pictured in the top row are her grandsons, Bryton and Graham Berkbuegler and Garrett Whittle, all from Lake Ozark; in the second row are her granddaughters, Mia, Olivia and Annie Whittle of Lake Ozark; in the third row is her granddaughter, Claire Whittle of Lake Ozark, her daughter and son-in-law, Natalie and Jason Whittle of Lake Ozark, and her son-in-law and daughter, Brett and Mycalene Berkbuegler of Wildwood.
Bonnie Baisch of House Springs sent this picture of her grandsons, Bryton Berkbuegler, 5, and Graham Berkbuegler, 3. “These two grandsons, whom we watched one day a week, always delighted in decorating the ‘small’ tree with memorable ornaments,” Bonnie said. “Boys being boys.”
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this picture in 2003 of her grandson, Jack Spisak, then 1, at her house during Christmas. “He didn’t seem to know what to do,” Claudia said.
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this picture in 2004 of her grandson, Jack Spisak, then 1, at her house during Christmas. “He was exhausted from all the gift opening,” Claudia said.
Claudia Foran of House Springs took this picture in 2006 of her grandson, Kyle Spisak, then 9, at her house during Christmas. “He really liked that gift!” Claudia said.