Community Resilience Shines as LA Wildfire Survivors Rebuild Holiday Traditions

Michael Holland and his wife, Anne Louise Bannon, lost their home in Altadena to the wildfires on January 8, 2025. They had an extensive collection of Christmas decorations that included heirlooms and ornaments collected over 27 years.

This holiday season, they are starting over, planning to get a small tree and some icicle lights for their apartment in Pasadena. Jodie Ludwin, who had just moved to Pacific Palisades in September 2024, also experienced the devastation from afar, returning to England with only a carry-on suitcase after the fires.

Despite their losses, the communities affected by the wildfires are beginning to find reasons to celebrate. The first rebuilt home in Pacific Palisades was completed in November 2025, marking a hopeful moment for the community.

Melissa Merritt, who lost her home in the Altadena fires, recalls her neighbor saving important items, including her children's stuffed animals. Merritt, who is also undergoing treatment for breast cancer, is focused on creating new memories this holiday season and has been searching for replacement ornaments for her family.

She and her children are set to fly to England for Christmas, celebrating their resilience and recovery together. These stories highlight the strength and resilience of the communities impacted by the wildfires, showcasing their determination to rebuild traditions and support one another during this challenging time.