Good Deeds

Once again, the Christmas season tends to bring out the better and yes sometimes even the worst in people. This time of year there are so many campaigns and efforts for charitable causes that are worthy of your generosity. Again, we shouldn't need a reminder such as the holidays to extend our kindness to those less fortunate, but I too seem to get caught up in the day to day throughout the year that I don't focus on these kind deeds. This year at my office Christmas party we were asked to donate goods for an organization that provides various services for women in need. I felt so blessed (and warm inside) to be able to share and give to this organization.

So next time you see a salvation army kettle, a food drive, a toy drive, take a moment to be thankful for what you have and do what you can to help others. It will make someone's day and probably yours as well. Also, with the Christmas spirit in full swing you may be more motivated to engage in random acts of kindness. Sometimes it can be as simple as complimenting how wonderful someone looks today, holding the door open for the people behind you, paying for the order of the person behind you in the Tim Horton's drive thru (how truly Canadian!).

Take some time today (and throughout the year) to do something nice for someone else, it is amazing how it can make you feel!

Holiday Cheer

Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! It is also the season where we are compelled to reflect and express our appreciation to others. While we shouldn't need occasions to remind us to be grateful for those around us, we all take the people we care about for granted at times and then can't help but get caught up in the spirit of the season with the warm fuzzies. So as you write your Christmas cards and prepare to make the Yuletide gay, allow me to take this opportunity share a small nugget of wisdom: say what you mean and mean what you say!

Take this time to tell the people who matter to you, what they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. With that said, you can also spare me the gag inducing scripted b.s. that is often spewed out of "protocol" and "obligation". You can't treat people like they are second rate and then at the end of the year put on a dog and pony show to illustrate your "gratitude". It is condescending and patronizing. My suggestion: just be real, raise your glass, wish everyone a Happy Holiday or god forbid a Merry Christmas and get on with it.

Also, remember to make time for the people who matter. While the end of the year is often a hectic time, it is prudent to share in joy and laughter with those who are near and dear to us.

Merry Christmas!