Heart & Grit Spotlight: Grit Grinder vs. Chill Champ – Which Holiday Player Are You?

The holidays bring out different play styles, just like basketball. Some of us run a full-court press, powering through every detail. Others slow the tempo, keeping things calm and stress-free. Today, we’re talking about two very different holiday MVPs: the Grit Grinder and the Chill Champ. Both bring something special to the season, and honestly, we could all learn a little from each.

My favorite memory about holiday hustle is that now my sister and I have gotten older, we do not wake up at 5 or 6 a.m. to open presents like we did when we were younger. Now we always try to sleep in as much as possible. The downside of that is we want to move slow in the morning, and it just seems like time disappears because every year now for about six years we end up rushing around to clean up and get ready in time to make it to our grandma’s house for her special homemade cinnamon rolls and quiche.

Grit Grinder: The Hustle Player

If you’re a Grit Grinder, you’re the one diving for loose balls and making sure the holiday game plan runs perfectly. You’ve got lists, timelines, and a strategy for everything—shopping, cooking, decorating. Your hustle is unmatched, and you make sure the team (aka your family) gets the win.

No doubt about it, my core memory of Christmas is seeing all the work my mom did and the time she put in to let my sister and me have amazing Thanksgivings and Christmases. She did not get a lot of time off work, but she always got us way more than what we needed. She coordinates every family breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. No matter what, she always has magic, but around the holidays her magic and love for us would shine so bright 24/7. I was always amazed at how much one person could do. She never showed signs of tiredness or being annoyed. She just kept going and still to this day continues to make the holidays such a special time.

Mason’s Advice for Grit Grinders

Your hustle is legendary. You’re the one running a full-court press through the holiday season. You’ve got lists, timelines, and a strategy for everything, and that’s impressive. But here’s the thing: even the hardest-working players need a breather. The holidays aren’t just about execution—they’re about connection.

Take a timeout. Put the clipboard down for a minute and soak in the moment. The best plays aren’t always the ones you plan. They’re the spontaneous laughs, the unexpected conversations, and the memories you can’t schedule.

Chill Champ: The Calm Point Guard

If you’re a Chill Champ, you’re the one slowing down the pace and keeping everyone cool under pressure. Stress? Not in your playbook. You know the holidays are about enjoying the moment, and you make sure the team doesn’t rush the shot clock.

My favorite relaxing memory is being able to sit at home and watch Harry Potter with my mom and sister. We are not all three together a lot anymore because my sister lives out of state and I am typically traveling for basketball. Around the holidays my sister usually has time to come back home for a week or two. During the holidays we are trying to see as much family as possible because we do not always get to see them either. But we both always know once we get back to the house we are getting in our favorite spots on the couch and starting our movie marathon with some snacks and hot chocolate.

Mason’s Advice for Chill Champs

Your zen is unmatched. You’re the player who slows down the tempo and keeps the team cool under pressure. Stress doesn’t stand a chance against you, and honestly, that’s a gift during the holidays. But here’s the flip side: don’t let your chill turn into a full-on bench warm-up. A little hustle can make the season even sweeter.

Get in the game for the moments that matter. Help with the decorations, join the gift exchange, or start a family tradition. You don’t need to run a fast break, but taking a few shots will make the holiday highlight reel even better.

Why We Need Both

The truth is, every great team needs a balance of grit and calm. Hustle wins games, but composure closes them out. Whether you’re grinding through the holiday hustle or keeping things chill, you’re playing an important role in making the season special.

*First Farmers Bank & Trust will be giving away prize packs to a random winner from eligible entries. The drawing will be December 22, 2025, at 4:00 pm EST. First Farmers Bank & Trust employees and family members are exempt from this contest. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Purchase of FFBT products and services will not increase your chances of winning.