Holy cow. Hanukah’s over, and it’s already Christmas Eve! I don’t know about you, but I’m struggling to wrap my head around just how fast this year has flown by!
That said, there’s also a certain sense of relief that also comes with a looming year end – all the work commitments and holiday gatherings, decorating, shopping and gift wrapping are likely finished by today!
All that’s left is the enjoyment. Spending time with loved ones. Watching movies and meeting friends for lunches. Slowing down a bit (hopefully!). And definitely disconnecting from technology for a few days of relaxation.
Give Back with the Gift of Giving
And while it’s always a thrill to get a gift, personally I enjoy giving gifts just as much—if not more—than receiving.
The anticipation when special people are unwrapping something I’ve purchased or made just for them. And the surprise and excitement when they realize what it is.
I’m not sure about you but I’m never that creative when it comes to gift wrapping. I’m partial to reusable gift bags and coloured tissue paper.
And it turns out the act of giving is—literally—the gift that keeps on giving! Giving to others actually changes our brain chemistry. In a good way!
Older people who give tend to have better health overall and being generous can help reduce high blood pressure.
The Smallest Act Can Have a Big Impact
And we’re not talking endowment-level gifting here! Even the smallest act of generosity has a positive impact on your mental and physical health.
At Spodek &Co., many of our staff give throughout the year, via charitable donations, mentoring, or through volunteer work. And since the holidays can be tough for some people, for the third year in a row, we’ve once again donated to The Shoebox Project.
We shop for and fill up boxes with toiletries, cosmetics, warm socks and other goodies so that holidays will be a bit more joyful for women going through rough times. According to the founders, “every Shoebox helps a woman experiencing homelessness remember that she is loved and valuable.”
Another small but potentially impactful way we gave back this December was by promoting and supporting women in business! A small gesture, but highlighting these innovative business owners, and sharing through social media, sure made us feel good!
Make Giving A Year-Round Thing!
But giving back doesn’t have to be segregated to the holiday season. Let’s make it a year-round thing!
As business owners, adopting a corporate culture of giving and finding ways to support employees in their efforts to help others, is a darn good place to start 2019, wouldn’t you agree?
Everyone here at Spodek and Co. wishes you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. How are you celebrating this year? Staying in town or going south? Working throughout or taking a break? I would love to hear all about it in the comments!
