WILL YOU SURVIVE THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY? According to the John Tesh Radio show, 618,000 employees are fired annually as a result of messing up at the company holiday party. Yikes, that is a scary number! Use this party as an opportunity to get to know others better and to give coworkers and management the opportunity to get to know you and your strengths better. A few tips: Don’ts: - Avoid the boss bashing (no matter how good it may make you feel). Actually, avoid ALL bashing. Don’t get into the gossip trap. If someone is blasting anyone and you can’t just politely slither away, just be silent. If you feel you must respond simply say, Really, I didn’t know you felt that way. Never nod your head or agree. - Don’t be too thirsty! Just because it’s free, this is not the time to indulge in alcohol. Think conservatively. You might want to choose a soda. If you have alcohol, sip it and make it last as long as you can. Alcohol tends to loosen lips and build regrets. Remember this night is more about your future than it is anything else. DO: - Dress appropriately – Guys, shine your shoes and iron your shirt. Gals, remember a dash of chic goes along way. Let classic predominate. - Be prepared. Review the names of people who will be there and a little bit about them. What was her husband’s name? Where did they move from? - Take your funny bone with you. Whether it’s a few appropriate jokes, one liners or a great story, using appropriate humor will bridge even the most awkward moments. - Acknowledge everyone. Never ignore anyone. Focus on making others feel comfortable. Be quick to introduce yourself to others and to introduce them to your friends. - Always shake hands and say thank you to the host(s) before you leave. We do not live in a world of reality. We live in a world of perceptions, And as you are seen, so shall you be. TALLY OF THE ANGELS In our town, one of our local fundraisers is called the Tally of the Angels. For a monetary contribution, you give the name of someone whom you want to recognize or honor and thank for making a difference in your life. Their name is then placed on a little white angel and hung on their tree. The receiver is notified that they have been added to the Tally of Angels tree and are invited to a Tally of Angels ceremony and refreshments. It’s a touching and heart filled event. On this earthly journey, it seems we all can use a little angelic help at one time or another. Whose angel are you? Many of us would immediately think of our own family members. In the broader sense, this holiday season is there someone you know who needs an extra hug? Someone who needs extra words of encouragement? Or, maybe you know of someone who would give anything just to hear their phone ring and have someone to talk with. Some think we are humans put on earth to experience,
if we choose, what it’s like to be spiritual.
Others believe we are spiritual beings placed on this earth
to experience being human. Hm-m-m. Whatever, you believe, one truth prevails. Being an angel to someone is a good thing. NO WONDER SANTA IS SO JOLLY I’ve figured out why Santa is so jolly. Think of it, he has Mrs. Santa tending to him hand and foot; he has as endless number of devoted elves scurrying to complete every task given, to my knowledge he has been given no budget cuts, HMO’s to deal with , or tax increases. On top of that, he has a slew of trained, magical reindeers helping him accomplish his missions. Given that same scenario, imagine how much more we would be able to just sit back, relax and enjoy our holidays! Since most of us are the Mr & Mrs. Santa and we have no elves and no magical, reindeers in our garage, we may want to look at some other ways to help us keep a jolly HO! HO! HO! in our Christmas. Some tips to help us on our way: - Prioritize - Everything does not have to be done. What are the things you must do? Do them first. Some things may need to be let go—Oh well!
- Make a Schedule - What are you going to accomplish today?
- Add some Christmas music - To cheer your day – even if just for ten minutes.
- What is important to your spirit? For me it used to be Christmas music, pfeffermuesse cookies and eggnog while I trim the tree. (Then I joined Weight Watchers and this year it was just Christmas music and trimming the tree. Oh well! It was just as much fun.)
5. Set up a Christmas wrapping station. I organize tables in the basement for this and keep them there through Christmas. Since the family all comes to my house, it makes a great hide-a-way for someone to do their last minute touches – without creating a mess. 6. Attend a Christmas festivity with a friend. 7. Sit in front of the tree and let the magical twinkling lights ignite your spirit. 8. Ask other family members for help. Assign them jobs. 9. When Christmas comes and you realize you forgot something—Oh well! After all, it’s all about sharing, caring, loving, and just being together for one very important Birthday celebration! Occasionally, just a simple Oh well! may be all that is needed to brighten your day. | 
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