Ironically, as I was typing this, I left the "r" out of Christmas and Firefox didn't know if I mean Christmas or masochist. Truth be told, some years I wonder.
The holidays are a lot of work, but they can be a lot of fun. The wonderful thing about the holidays is that they are what you make of them
Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday because what it stands for. As I look back on the years of my life (forgive me, I'm about to turn 30 and I'm feeling suddenly nostalgic), I know that during even the most challenging of years there was much for which to be thankful.
New Years Eve is #2 on my list. To me, it represents a fresh start... new goals, new attitudes, new challenges... I even like the colder weather that usually comes hand-in-hand with January 1. I find it energizing and inspiring. This year I'm looking forward to taking my first New Year's Eve off since I joined the workforce when I was a teenager. (I am, of course, leaving out those child labor years that came with having parents that owned their own business... even they didn't work on New Year's Eve.)
As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself hoping everyone gives the holidays their best effort. It has been a rough year for many people, both as individuals and as businesses. Now, more than any time in my life, I hope that we look honestly at all we do have, the friends, family, and associates that accompany us through our lives, our strength of will and work ethic, and our ability to overcome all that life throws at us.
So, throw a fun get-together with family, friends, and co-workers, adopt a family in need, go see a show, spend time with your family - okay, to deal with some of my family I need an open bar, but it's usually worth it in the end - and in general thank those around you for all they do; whether they lend you a hand at the office or just make you laugh when you really need it.
Whatever you do, don't do less. Don't believe what they tell you... less isn't more. Less is less:
Less – adjective, a compar. of little with least as superl.
| 1. | smaller in size, amount, degree, etc.; not so large, great, or much. |
| 2. | lower in consideration, rank, or importance |
For businesses (since that's normally what's on my brain), the best example I can give is the company holiday party. Nothing else comes close when it comes to improving company morale, camaraderie, and productivity than the office holiday party. I watch the news and I see companies getting picked on left and right for showing any sign of success, but imagine how that looks to their employees. In a world where employees wonder what's going to happen next, how their business will weather the storm and if their job and therefore their family are secure, showing them that everything is just fine is a MAJOR morale booster.
I'm not saying you have to hire Complete Music to DJ it (though you should, we're totally awesome), and I'm not saying you have to throw it at The Ritz (if you can, though, more power to you... that place is amazing) but do SOMETHING this year. A day off with pay, a fruit basket, a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club... on their own, these are cop-outs, short cuts, and lazy leadership.
From the CEO to the janitor, everyone in your business stresses in a bad economy. It takes a toll on everyone both at the work and at home and forces everyone to work harder and pull together.
For the managers and owners out there, SHOW them that you appreciate their hard work, prove to them that things are going to be okay, and lead them into a successful new year. There are so many obstacles to running a business that every year you stay open is reason to celebrate. (Trust me, I know what it takes to run CM&V... and we make a living throw parties, for cryin' out loud!)
For the employees and spouses, go collect your thank you. Enjoy yourselves; you've earned it.
Oh, and happy Chrismahanukkwanzika to all, and to all a prosperous New Year!!!!
- In case you didn't get my Jelly of the Month Club reference, take a look! It's inappropriate and contains profanity, so send the children (or your boss) out of the room. It is quite funny, though. :-)
- ALSO!!! If you're looking for a fun and unique, my friends over at the Clarion Brass are putting on a FANTASTIC Christmas concert at the beautiful Sheldon Concert Hall December 8th and 9th. Check it out! http://clarionbrass.org/events/
