From decorating the office to giving back, here is how we celebrate the holidays.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Meet Our Doctors

Why the Holiday Season Means So Much to Us

How We Bring Holiday Cheer Into the Office

Our Thanksgiving Potluck Tradition

Festive Office Decorations That Make Patients Smile

Holiday Treats That Are Safe for Braces

How We Celebrate Our Amazing Team

Giving Back to the Community

Holiday Photo Tips for Braces and Aligners

Why Choose Ortho South

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The holiday season is one of our favorite times of the year in Pelham and Calera. The warm colors, the family gatherings, the smell of good food, and the spirit of gratitude fill our office with joy. At Ortho South, the holidays are about more than celebrations. They are about people, relationships, appreciation, and moments that make our community feel like family.

Led by Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed, our team loves using this season to spread kindness, smile a little bigger, and create memories with our team and patients. From decorating the office together to sharing our annual Thanksgiving potluck, our favorite traditions remind us of the meaningfulness of serving families across Alabama. As Alabama's Most Experienced Aligner Provider, we love helping our patients feel confident during every season, especially one as warm and colorful as fall.

This blog shares the holiday traditions we look forward to each year, along with the special ways our team brings festive joy into the office.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Brandon Boggan and Dr. Zehra Syed

At Ortho South, our doctors lead with kindness, experience, and genuine care for the community. Dr. Boggan has helped shape our friendly culture and loves building a practice where both patients and team members feel valued. Dr. Syed brings compassion, clinical precision, and a smile that instantly puts people at ease.

Together, they make Ortho South a place where patients feel supported, encouraged, and appreciated throughout their orthodontic journey. That same spirit carries into every holiday tradition we celebrate together.

Why the Holiday Season Means So Much to Us

At Ortho South, the holiday season is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect with the people who make our work meaningful. Each year brings new stories, new smiles, and new reasons to be grateful.

Here is why this time of year means so much to us:

• It gives us space to appreciate our incredible team
• We get to celebrate our patients and their families
• The changing season brings warmth and joy into the office
• We love decorating, cooking, and celebrating together
• It is a time to slow down and notice the blessings around us
  
  

These moments remind us why we love what we do.

How We Bring Holiday Cheer Into the Office

The moment fall arrives, our team jumps right into celebration mode. We bring in seasonal decorations, add pops of color, and create small moments of fun throughout the office.

Here is what holiday cheer looks like at Ortho South.

Warm Seasonal Decor

We decorate with pumpkins, leaves, warm colors, twinkling lights, and cheerful signage, creating a cozy atmosphere in our office.

Festive Music

A little seasonal music always lifts the mood and makes visits feel even more fun.

Photo Walls and Smile Spots

We set up seasonal backdrops so patients can take photos after appointments.

Patient Treat Days

We offer small braces-safe treats or themed giveaways to brighten patient visits.

Themed Days

Our team loves matching T-shirts, fun scrubs, and seasonal colors throughout the fall.

These touches help make every visit a little more joyful.

Our Thanksgiving Potluck Tradition

One of our most cherished traditions is our annual Ortho South Thanksgiving Potluck. Our team brings their favorite family dishes, office classics, and homemade recipes. It is a time for laughter, stories, and appreciation for the people we get to work alongside every day.

Some of our favorite dishes that return each year include:

• Tricia’s Famous Brownies
• Dr. Boggan’s Honey Baked Ham
• Allison’s Marvelous Mashed Potatoes
• Shanen’s Sausage Balls 
• Cyntha’s Signature Sweet Potato Casserole
• Kim’s Comforting Butternut Squah Soup
• Yuri’s Macaroni and Cheese Masterpiece
• Iris’s Dreamy Creamy Desserts
• Jessica’s Homemade Banana Pudding
• Nataly’s Slow-Cooked Turkey 
• Tisa’s Holiday Honey Rolls
• Megan’s Cozy Green Bean Casserole 
• Crystal’s Caramel Cream Pie
• Abby’s Autumn Apple Bake

We always make sure braces-friendly dishes are included so everyone on the team can enjoy the meal comfortably. The potluck brings us together in a way that feels like family. It is one of the highlights of our entire year.

Festive Office Decorations That Make Patients Smile

Patients often tell us that walking into our office during the holidays feels like stepping into a warm, cheerful space. We love creating that feeling. Here are some of our favorite decorative touches.

String Lights

Warm white lights add instant coziness.

Pumpkin Displays

We use real pumpkins, painted pumpkins, and fun themed pumpkins decorated by the team.

Chalkboard Signs

Seasonal quotes, smile messages, and encouragement notes for patients.

Holiday Tree or Garland

We decorate with ribbons, leaves, or holiday ornaments, depending on the month.

Patient Thankfulness Wall

Patients write what they are thankful for on paper leaves that we display throughout the season.

Creating a space that feels uplifting is one of our favorite parts of the holiday experience.

Holiday Treats That Are Safe for Braces

The season comes with delicious foods and sweet treats, but not everything is braces-friendly. Here are some of the seasonal snacks we recommend for comfort and safety.

Soft Pumpkin Pie

A holiday classic that is gentle on brackets.

Warm Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

A cozy fall breakfast option.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Velvety and braces friendly.

Soft Dinner Rolls

Perfect for Thanksgiving meals.

Yogurt Parfaits

Topped with soft fruit instead of crunchy granola.

Soft Spice Cakes

Without nuts for easier chewing.

Creamy Soups

Great for chilly days when teeth feel sensitive.

We help our patients enjoy the season while keeping their smiles safe.

How We Celebrate Our Amazing Team

At Ortho South, our team is the heart of everything we do. We love showing appreciation during the holiday season.

Team Appreciation Lunches

We host meals to celebrate milestones and the hard work of our team.

Holiday Gifts

We love surprising our team with small gifts as a thank you for everything they do.

Fun Themed Days

Matching outfits, warm drinks, and cozy sweaters bring energy to the office.

Notes of Appreciation

We write cards to remind our team how valued and appreciated they are.

The holidays give us a special chance to celebrate these incredible people who make our practice what it is.

Giving Back to the Community

Gratitude moves us toward generosity. Each year, we look for ways to give back to the local community that has supported Ortho South for decades. Some of our favorite ways to give back include:

Food Drives

Collecting items for local food banks.

Serving Local Charities

Helping organizations that support families in need.

Holiday Outreach

Participating in seasonal giving programs to help brighten the holidays for others.

Supporting Schools

We love contributing to local schools, team events, and student activities.

Giving back is one of the most meaningful parts of our holiday season.

Holiday Photo Tips for Braces and Aligners

Holiday photos are everywhere this time of year. Here is how to keep your smile looking great.

Moisturize Your Lips

Dry weather can make smiles look tight, so a little lip balm helps.

Smile Naturally

Relax your shoulders and let your smile feel easy and warm.

Remove Aligners if You Prefer

You can briefly remove your aligners for photos.

Use Angles That Feel Comfortable

A slight head tilt or turning toward the light can make your smile shine.

Own Your Smile

Braces or not, confidence is what makes you look great.

Holiday photos are about memories, not perfection.

Why Choose Ortho South

Ortho South has been helping Alabama families smile for years. Patients choose us because we offer:

• Braces and Invisalign® for every age
• A friendly, welcoming team environment
• Comfortable and modern office spaces
• The expertise of Dr. Boggan and Dr. Syed
• Advanced treatment technology for precision and comfort
• A supportive culture that feels like family
• A commitment to patient care during every season

We are proud to serve the Pelham and Calera communities with kindness, skill, and heart.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for connection, gratitude, celebration, and joy. At Ortho South, we treasure every moment we get to share with our patients and our team. Whether we are decorating the office, sharing a Thanksgiving potluck, giving back to our community, or simply celebrating another year of smiles, this season reminds us why we love what we do.

From the Ortho South family to yours, we wish you a warm, meaningful, and joyful holiday season. Smile On.

📸 Holiday Cheer Challenge: Share your festive photos or favorite seasonal moments using #OrthoSouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are holiday treats safe with braces?

Many are, especially soft pies, mashed potatoes, and smooth desserts. Just avoid sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods.

Can I eat turkey safely with braces?

Yes, as long as you cut it into small pieces and avoid eating meat directly from the bone.

Can I drink hot chocolate with aligners in?

No. Remove aligners before drinking anything hot. It is best to drink only water with aligners in.

What holiday foods should I avoid?

Hard candies, nuts, caramel, crunchy snacks, and anything that requires forceful chewing.

How does Ortho South celebrate the holidays?

We decorate the office, host team potlucks, share small gifts, give back to the community, and spread smiles all season long. Come get your Smile On with us!