Mark Pope Shares Christmas Traditions and the Practice of Gratitude
Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection for many, and BYU men’s basketball coach Mark Pope is no exception. Known for his passionate coaching style and dynamic leadership, Pope is equally devoted to cherishing the holiday season with his family and cultivating gratitude, both on and off the court. This year, he opened up about his Christmas traditions and how the spirit of gratitude plays a central role in his life and work.
For Mark Pope, Christmas is all about family. With his wife, Lee Anne, and their four daughters, the Pope household transforms into a festive haven during the holidays. “Christmas is such a special time for us,” Pope shared in a recent interview. “It’s one of those rare moments in the year where we can all slow down and truly focus on each other.”
The family’s traditions are a blend of classic holiday activities and unique rituals that reflect their love for connection and fun. One cherished tradition is decorating the Christmas tree together while listening to holiday music. Pope humorously admitted that his daughters often outvote him on the tree’s color scheme and ornament placement, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Another favorite activity in the Pope household is baking. “We bake cookies for Santa every year,” Pope said, laughing. “And by ‘we,’ I mean my daughters do all the work while I taste-test everything.” The family also enjoys watching Christmas movies, with Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life being perennial favorites.
Beyond the festive traditions, Mark Pope uses the Christmas season as an opportunity to reflect on gratitude—a principle he believes is vital for personal growth and team success. “Gratitude is a game-changer,” Pope emphasized. “It shifts your perspective and helps you focus on the good, even in challenging times.”
He shared how he instills this value in his team at BYU. Before the holiday break, Pope encourages his players to reflect on what they’re grateful for, both within the program and in their personal lives. “Basketball teaches us so much about resilience and teamwork, but it’s gratitude that keeps us grounded,” he said.
Pope’s personal practice of gratitude often involves journaling. He writes down three things he’s thankful for every day, a habit he started years ago. “It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference,” he explained. “It keeps me focused on the positive, even when life gets hectic.”
As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pope’s Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in faith. Attending church services and reading the story of Christ’s birth are central to his family’s holiday observance. “Christmas is a time to remember what really matters,” Pope said. “For us, it’s about celebrating the Savior and His love for all of us.”
Service is another significant aspect of the Pope family’s Christmas traditions. Whether it’s delivering meals to those in need or participating in community events, they make a concerted effort to give back. “It’s one of the best ways to feel the true spirit of Christmas,” Pope remarked.
As the year comes to a close, Mark Pope is keenly aware of the blessings in his life—from his family and faith to his role as a coach. “I’m grateful for the chance to do what I love every day,” he said. “Coaching isn’t just a job for me; it’s a way to help young men grow into their best selves.”
This Christmas, Pope’s message to his team, his family, and the BYU community is one of gratitude and hope. “Take time to count your blessings,” he urged. “Whether it’s the people in your life, the opportunities you’ve been given, or even the challenges that make you stronger, there’s always something to be thankful for.”
With his warm approach to the holiday season and steadfast commitment to gratitude, Mark Pope sets an inspiring example both on and off the court. As he and his family gather to celebrate Christmas, they do so with hearts full of joy and gratitude, embodying the true spirit of the season.