Holiday Joy

Since I don't celebrate Christmas, I give small gifts through the month that are not tied to a holiday (no ornaments or holiday mugs). I also learned from my father that the holiday/year end season for those of us in finance can be more stressful to take time out of work whether for a lunch or other event. I prefer to treat everyone to a department lunch after year end. All the family hoopla has died down, the bills are arriving, and you're looking at Memorial Day as your next paid holiday. The smiles and thanks I get when there is a treat during a non-holiday time period are also acknowledged with thanking me for waiting to do something when their outside obligations are gone.

I also try to personalize the gifts during December, even though none of them alone are very big - and paid for by myself personally. I had an employee taking bartending classes and I got her a drink book and some bar supplies. The father of a young family with special needs got gift cards to a local family restaurant near their physical therapy office. The personal touch, without getting too personal, goes a long way.

Thanks Sara, love this!

As a team, we worked to make our boss' office as over-the-top holiday decorated. Think ugly sweater meets The Office.

We have Santa, reindeer, Frosty and the snowman from Frozen. We have garland, glitter, and twinkling lights. We have hot chocolate, Werthers, and a game that if you win, you get a marshmallow on the end of a candy cane, to dip in chocolate.

The inside looks like an Andy Williams Christmas special and the outside looks like a gingerbread house.

Did we win the office decor contest? I don't know, yet. But, we had a great time and built team spirit.

Party at my home, hosted by my wife and me, which we pay for personally. All Team Members and their Guest(s) are invited. Selected folks, and their Guests, from other departments and Vendors (think Auditors, Lawyers, Bankers, etc.) who have helped us during the year. Car Service provided if anyone has too much Party Cheer. Only one Rule: NO TALK about work! Its a Party.