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| Photo courtesy of stockimages via Freedigitalphotos.net |
“Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy” –
Edwin Osgood Grover
Happy holidays my friend,
Christmas is just days away and I hope that you have joy
in your heart, you remember what Christmas is really all about, and that you
are ready to share yourself with others this season. My hope is that a part of
you still remembers the magic of this season and that you carry it with you until
the next time we meet. I ask that you let your inner child come out this week
and that you allow your eyes to sparkle, your actions empower others, and you
give the best present of all – yourself.
It’s not always easy being Santa Claus. My spirit lives
to give others hope and to help spread cheer and love. I glow from the love of
children, yet my heart hurts when they stop believing. I represent a special
magic to some, yet I am commercialized by too many. All I ever really wanted is
what I want from you this season – give of yourself. Giving means different
things to many people. It can be time, money, sharing your unique gifts,
charity, empowerment, or love. Giving is meant to be personalized and unique.
I am more than just a symbol or character this season. I ache
to bring meaning to others and to lift them up. I can’t do it alone and I need
your help this coming year. Preparing for the holidays is a year long process
in my business. Unfortunately, my team needs assistance with carrying the
spirit of the holiday all year. We need you. I ask that in my absence, you be a
leader for the season all year. Impact those around you and be “Santa” after
next week….
At this point you may be wondering what I’ve been
drinking in my milk or mixing in with my cookies. My friend let me demonstrate
what I mean by sharing my own holiday leadership advice. Then I ask that you be Santa in my absence.
·
Keep a twinkle in your eye. Remain genuine and
show an interest in others. Let your eyes show them that they are the most important
person in the room when you are engaging.
·
Be jolly. Laugh and have fun. Make fun wherever
you go and encourage others to join in. Laughter builds relationships and relieves
stress.
·
Look out for the little people. My elves are my
business. They are the foundation of my success and both the drivers and glue
in our teams. Treat everyone equally and remember that your most important people
aren’t your management team – it’s the people behind them!
·
Create magic when you enter a room. There are
some people in the world that walk into a room and make everyone feel special
and worthy. They remember names and families. They know the work and contributions
of their people. Be that person. Bring magic into every interaction that you
have.
·
Christmas is my favorite day of the year AND every
day is Christmas for me. Bring this spirit with you every day. Bring joy to
your work and if you don’t find that every day is Christmas – find your purpose
elsewhere.
·
Decorate for the season. “Decorate” your people
with praise, kindness, and thanks every day. Catch them doing things right and
spread the word.
·
Believe. Genuinely believe in others and they
will astound you with their efforts. We all ache to perform and make a
difference. Give people the chance.
·
Hope. Hope is one of my favorite gifts during
the holidays. When times are tough or things look bleak, give hope. Be a leader
that inspires people and instills hope. Show them what can be and how important
that they are to change.
·
Be yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I
was ridiculed by others because of my bright red suit and snow white beard.
Guess what? It’s who I am and what I represent. I don’t care what others think
of me or that I’m being judged. I’m comfortable with myself and know there is
so much more below the surface. Be confident in yourself. Be authentic and
real. Know that you are special and it’s the inside that counts.
My friend, I could go on and on about how you can be “Santa”
all year long. I’m not saying that I’m perfect or haven’t made mistakes. I have
had centuries of experience, failings, and made unpopular life choices. I have
learned what works my friend and encourage you to look deep inside yourself, learn
from failure, and keep the spirit going next year.
May the joy of the holiday season inspire you to be the
joy in the life of others. My hope is that kindness, love, and an interest in
those around you encourages you to empower and bring gifts to those that you
serve.
Joy and happiness,
Santa