It’s December 19th. I’m guessing you’re in some alternate reality where time has sped up and slowed down at the same time. Half of your friends and coworkers are already gone. You’re buying presents on Amazon between meetings (or maybe during your meetings). Grabbing dinner with people who are surprisingly in town. And generally looking forward to something - whether that's time away, or time right where you are.
Whether you’re still working full time or already checked out, this time of year is great for nurturing the people that matter most to you, without much effort.
Here are some ways you can nurture your connections over the holidays with more or less effort, depending on your mood.
Do a fireside chat with a family member. This time of year, you have an excuse to not think about your search or your job until the new year. So take advantage and really be with the people you cherish most. Maybe even ask them a question you wouldn’t otherwise ask them (“What's one thing you're really proud of from this last year?” “Do you have a secret dream you haven't told me about?" "When we grow old, can we live in a retirement home together and start a dance group?")
While you’re watching reruns of Friends before it comes off Netflix (just me?), go through your texts and send a happy holidays wish to everyone you’ve texted in the last few months. Maybe even go back a year or two. You can always start with a great Bitmoji or gif and then add a personalized twist for each person. It’s also a great way to quickly reconnect with people who otherwise may not be around in your day-to-day.
Send simple holiday cards. Whether you mass send cards of your kids via Shutterfly or handwrite a few vintage postcards, they’ll be warmly appreciated.
Send out some handmade gifts. Maybe you’ve refined a creative skill over the last year and have some time over the holidays to create some handmade gifts. The beauty of a handmade gift is that they don’t have to be expensive and can mean a lot to the person who receives it. People don’t often receive handmade gifts anymore so this can go a long way.
Make a shortlist of the top 5 people who really made a difference for you this year and tell them. Maybe someone made a connection that landed you a new gig. Or you had one memorable, eye opening conversation that really settled things for you. Whatever it is, write them a note / email or call them. Think for a minute about the impact they had on you. Then communicate that genuinely to them. People often don’t know how helpful they are and it’s always wonderful to hear.
Jump on Skype with your long distance friends. Maintaining friendships with those who live on the other side of the country, or even on the other side of the world, can be difficult a the best of times. So try making the time to have a quick catch up with your long distance friends on Skype this holiday. What better way to take a step back from the holiday madness than catching up with an old friend. Feel to make a “happy hour” call if that strikes your fancy.
Host a holiday open house with PJs allowed. A lot of people may be hanging around town and looking to lay low. Set up an open house at your place. You can light some candles, get some holiday-themed snacks, put on a good 80’s movie, pull out some games, or just offer your couch for anyone looking to read a book.
How do you nurture naturally during the holidays? Comment below and tell us!
In the meantime, have a wonderful rest of the year and start to 2020.
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