For this holiday season, here is an article I wrote for a good friend Larry Olmstead, for his newsletter, Edgeline. 

In many cultures around the world, this time of year is when we show our love and appreciation to those who touch our lives, including our parents, family, friends, neighbors, clients, customers, staff, suppliers, vendors, colleagues, associates, and the list goes on. While there are infinite ways to show appreciation, here are eight ideas to consider:

  
  1. Holiday Cards: This is the most popular way we share our greetings during the holiday season, yet many people send a pre-printed signature card without writing at least a little personal note. No one likes receiving generic cards. Write a small note.

  2. Personal Notes: A personal, handwritten note truly shows your love, whether you write it on a holiday greeting card or any piece of paper. The point is that you took the time to write. A personal note is especially valuable if your company discourages gift giving. A note can say volumes, all by itself.

  3. Gifts and gift cards: Take time to choose a gift you know the person will like. Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase it under stress. Instead, buy gifts throughout the year, whenever you see something you think a particular person will appreciate. For gift cards, find out which store the person likes best, and buy your card there. NOTE:  Be careful when purchasing gift cards this December 2008.  See http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/storeclosings.asp for information on store closings

  4. Meals and special events: One of my favorite ways to show appreciation is to invite someone to my home or out to a restaurant for a meal. I also enjoy inviting people to be my guest at special events.It’s a great way to spend time together and support an event. The key is sharing time together.

  5. Days off:  Some companies give their staff the entire week between Christmas and the New Year off. Others give employees their birthday off. Have fun making up a surprise day off for your company.

  6. Money: In the Asian culture this is perhaps the most popular way of giving gifts. We give gifts in red envelopes for all occasions. In the western culture, year-end and holiday bonuses are more typical.
          
  7. Trips: Based on achieving company goals each year, one company I know treats the entire staff to a one-week, all expenses paid trip to Hawaii. Although definitely extravagant, perhaps other trips can be something to consider.

  8. Telephone calls and personal visits:  We all love receiving telephone calls from friends with whom we haven’t connected in a while. Reconnect with loved ones, especially the elderly, who may be living alone or in a rest home.

Most of all don’t wait for the holiday season to do any of the above. Set your own plan of action to show appreciation and gratitude throughout the year. 

BONUS:  Share a friendly smile:  Please take a moment to view this 16-minute video (I know it’s long, but extremely worth it) to learn what you can do for yourself and others now and always:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

Enjoy… and Happy Practicing!

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