December 4, 2007

May not be reprinted without the consent of Sue Miller

Contact: Sue@suemillerpresentations.com

WORKPLACE WISDOM NEWSLETTER

CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS

Right about now, each year, frenetic sights and sounds are everywhere!

"The kids' #1 item on their wish list can't be found anywhere!"

"We need more lights!."

"I may have to work on Christmas Eve."

"Gasoline prices just increased for our trip home!"

"Have I bought ENOUGH for everyone on my list?"

"Will what we give appear "fair and even" on Christmas morning?"

STOP!

I sense that, if we're not careful, the real joy and delight will be taken completely out

of Christmas. Special ornaments for the tree, lavish lighting in the neighborhood, and

mounding gifts under the tree are thrilling. "Christmas is FINALLY here," says the child

with beautiful, wide-eyed wonder. I have children, too. In fact, I was once a child,

myself! In every way, I still want the season to hold the fantasy of my childhood. The

beautiful Christmas song, "Toyland", resounds in my head with these sobering words,

"Toyland, toyland...Dear Little Girl-and- Boy-Land: Once you've crossed its

borders, you can never return again."

Did you ever find pure joy in witnessing the simple wonders that resonate with a child?

What fantasy? What imaginary pleasures live in their little minds? And then, right before

our eyes, they pass through that stage of wonderment. And, too soon, childhood is

gone.

IMAGINE gifts that would bring back that same child-like thrill again.

Now, as adults, think of giving THESE gifts as you look for joy and wonderment:

1. Write a love letter to someone who needs love and hope. Plenty do.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally.

3. Write a letter to the President. Tell him you're praying for him and his family.

4. Spend time with the children. Have fun. Tell them the Christmas Story.

5. Think of someone who has hurt you in the past. Forgive him or her.

6. Give every person you meet a warm smile. Some people are hurting deeply.

7. Be extra pleasant to weary retail workers. Be cheerful, even if they're tired and

cranky.

8. Support a mission, a missionary, or a charity that makes a difference in lives.

9. Buy food, gifts, or a tree for someone who won't have them this year.

10. Don't do things in secret; let people know you know the real meaning of season.

December 4, 2007

May not be reprinted without the consent of Sue Miller

Contact: Sue@suemillerpresentations.com

WATCH THE WONDERS OF CHRISTMAS UNFOLD!

Feel like a child again. Find real joy!

Yes, of course, there will be your tree, your lights, your gifts.

But, please, consider that gifts come in

MANY DIFFERENT PACKAGES OF LOVE.

WARNING!

These 10 gifts ARE EXPENSIVE!

Honestly, you will spend "TIME" that you do not have.

You'll have to GIVE UP time elsewhere to give these gifts.

With your eyes wide open,

let me encourage you to BE COURAGEOUS...

GIVE GIFTS THAT CHANGE LIVES.

and in return....

…watch your purest childhood joys return.

As 2007 comes to an end....I want to thank YOU for:

1. the contribution you are making

2. the relationships you are building

3. the positive difference you are making

Merry Christmas!