With the Holiday Season upon us many people try to juggle more things at once than during any other time: professional responsibilities need to be concluded by the end of the year including those dreadful online compliance courses; endless hours at the computer searching online stores for Christmas gifts; shopping trips to crowded malls to pick up just one more thing; writing greeting cards and attending holiday parties; and so much more. By the time it is Christmas we are exhausted and so ready to crawl into bed.
But we all have a choice.
We could give only one gift at Christmas and send another gift in the middle of the year just to surprise the other person. We could write greeting cards not because we feel obligated but because we picture the smile on the face of the recipient. Or we pick up the phone and call aunt Annie or uncle Bill to catch up with them. Deep down in our hearts we know that they will be delighted about the 15 minutes we devote to them.
And those Christmas parties? My husband and I have decided to invite his team members and their families to our house for a Sunday afternoon to celebrate the successful ending of a year. Yes, it does mean more work for me but I’m looking forward to seeing them again and treating them to German baked goods and Gluehwein (hot red wine with cinnamon and oranges). Why do I care about my husband’s team members? Because my dear hubby comes home from work so many times praising their work ethics, their diligence and their reliability. He is happy. We all know how much tension at work can affect our life way beyond the office. By hosting them at our house instead of going out to a fancy restaurant we want to express our sincere gratitude not only to the team members but also to their families.
Tonight make yourself a cup of hot chocolate (or pour a glass of wine) and sit down with your to-do list. Maybe you can bring back the kindness and joy of this season. After all, this is what Christmas is supposed to be about anyway.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Christine
