Breaking the holiday mould 🎄✨ Every year, as the holidays roll around, many of us find ourselves in the familiar routine: watching the parade or football, peeling potatoes, and baking pies. While these traditions can be comforting, they often come with surface-level conversations—weather, school grades, and other safe topics to avoid heated debates on politics or religion. But what if we could use this time to foster deeper connections? 🤔 Enter Better Conversations Week, first celebrated in 2022 thanks to Loren Ekroth of Conversation Matters. This initiative is aimed at improving the quality of interactions during the holiday season, providing a week-long opportunity to enhance our conversational skills. By planning ahead with thought-provoking questions and becoming better listeners, we can transform our holiday gatherings from habitual to meaningful. Imagine engaging with family and friends in ways that nourish your relationships and create lasting memories. To get started, try asking open-ended questions that invite more than a yes or no response. Show genuine interest in the answers and practice active listening. By investing a bit more effort, we can turn this festive season into a time of genuine connection and understanding. Let's embrace the spirit of Better Conversations Week and elevate our holiday experience. 🎉 #BetterConversations #HolidayConnections #FamilyTime
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✨ Ah, December. The month when the rain turns colder, the deadlines get shorter, and the to-do list starts multiplying like it’s been left alone with eggnog. Suddenly, everything has to be done before Christmas—reports to finish, projects to wrap up, and meetings that somehow can’t wait for January. To all this, the leisure stress adds up: how many Christmas parties, drinks, concerts, and get-togethers can one person handle? I can tell you—fewer than we’re actually invited to. Job events, school festivities, sports club gatherings—it’s a schedule only Santa with his magic sleigh could keep up with. 🎅 And yet, despite the chaos, there’s something about this time of year. Maybe it’s the Christmas lights that make even rushed work and half-baked plans look a little better. Maybe it’s the mulled wine, which, let’s be honest, is fair game by mid-afternoon these days. Either way, everything feels just a bit more doable under the warm glow of the season. 🎄 📆 With 10 days to go for most of us, let’s not forget that 2025 is already waiting just behind the festive season. Another 365 beautiful days, ready to be filled with new projects, challenges, and tasks. So here’s to surviving December—the deadlines, the parties, the endless to-dos. It’s all part of the glittery, messy magic of the season. If that’s not what the holidays are about, then what is? Cheers! 🎄🍷✨ #ilovetrains #welovetrains #TeamOTIV #WeAreOTIV #december #holidayvibes
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Day 23 of 31: A Cozy Christmas—Embracing All Voices at the Table As the glow of twinkling lights warms our homes, let’s reflect on what truly makes the holidays magical: connection. Christmas isn’t just about the food, the gifts, or even the music—it’s about the people who gather around the table. But how inclusive is your table? This season is a beautiful opportunity to create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. Whether it’s inviting a neighbor who’s far from home, honoring dietary preferences, or simply making room for different traditions and beliefs, we can all do something to make our gatherings more welcoming. Inclusivity starts with curiosity. Ask questions about others’ customs, listen to their stories, and embrace the rich perspectives they bring. A cozy Christmas Eve isn’t about perfection; it’s about making people feel safe, respected, and loved. As we light our candles and share meals, let’s remember: when we embrace all voices, we spark conversations that turn moments into memories and differences into strengths. Here’s to a Christmas where every voice finds its harmony at the table. #CNJAssociates #InclusiveHolidays #DiversityAndInclusion #WelcomingSpaces #SeasonOfTogetherness #BelongingMatters
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The festive season is here, and for many, it’s a time of joy and celebration. But for others, it can be a challenging period. Financial pressures, sensory overwhelm, or simply cultural differences mean that not everyone finds Christmas "the most wonderful time of the year." When supporting colleagues and customers through these challenges, small acts of kindness can make a world of difference. Respecting someone’s choice to skip celebrations, creating quiet spaces for those overwhelmed by the season, or simply showing understanding can really help to foster goodwill. The attached PDF includes some useful, practical tips for making this season as inclusive and supportive as it can be. Please share this with anyone you think will find it useful, and together we can promote acceptance, support and goodwill to everyone this festive period. #Vulnerability #VulnerabilityMatters #Goodwill #Christmas #Festive
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🎄 Alternative Christmas As the festive season approaches, it can be a magical time for some but overwhelming for others. 💭 In his latest blog, Wes Wilkes shares insights on navigating the holidays when it feels more stressful than joyful. From breaking traditions to creating your own meaningful celebrations, this is about doing it your way. ✨ Read the blog with the link in the comments #IronMarketWealth #AlternativeChristmas #HolidayWellness
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🎄 Twas the First Week of December… 🎄 ...and all through the office, not a keyboard was silent, not even a mouse. But let’s be real: with festive excitement in the air, staying focused on closing deals and finalising projects isn’t exactly easy, is it? 🎅✨ I glanced at my diary this morning and—POW 💥—a realisation hit me: the next two weeks are an absolute whirlwind. Deadlines, finalising 2024 strategies, tying up loose ends, and yes, juggling those outside-of-work festivities that seem to multiply overnight! 🗓️🎁 Here’s the reality: December doesn’t mean we can coast to the finish line. Sure, Christmas cookies and Secret Santa exchanges are great, but the deals we close now and the projects we finish strong are what set us up for a stellar start to 2025. 🎯 So, if you’re feeling that pull between Christmas cheer and end-of-year crunch, know you’re not alone! My plan? ✅ Take a deep breath. ✅ Tackle the big tasks first (even if I’d rather decorate a tree 🎄). ✅ Keep the festive energy alive (peppermint mocha anyone? ☕). ✅ And remember: the more organised we are now, the more relaxed January feels. Here’s to crushing those deadlines and still making time for a Hot Chocolate (or three)! Who’s with me? #DecemberMadness #BusinessDevelopment #FinishStrong #ChristmasVsDeadlines #FinalPush2023
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✨Want to have better conversations at your holiday gatherings with your family & friends? Start with this simple tip: 👉🏽 Be intentional with your answer to: “How are you?” Go beyond the typical responses like “I’m fine!” or “I’ve been so busy!” and think about what you could say before the party starts. Watch this quick video to hear my examples! 🎄✨ The holidays are a chance to truly connect with the people who matter most so let’s be intentional about making these moments count. 💛 How will you make the most of your holiday moments? Let me know below! 👇 And I wish you all a joyful and restful holiday season!! ☺️ #conversationtips #networkingtips #publicspeakingcoach
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Christmas.....already?!! Yes, absolutely!! It's just around the corner, so the question is......Are You Christmas Ready? You should be enjoying a mince pie and your favourite festive tipple over Christmas—not stressing about your business! It’s time to switch off (at least for the big day!) Here’s how to keep your business running smoothly while you relax: 1. Share Your Christmas Opening Hours – Let your clients know when you’re open or taking a well-earned break. 2. Schedule Festive Social Posts – Stay in your customers’ feeds while you’re watching Elf for the 10th time! 3. Send a Thank-You Email – Say thanks to your amazing clients for their support this year. A little gratitude goes a long way! 4. Write a Festive Blog – Recap the year, share your 2025 plans, or just spread some festive fun! 5. Post Seasonal Greetings – A simple “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” keeps you top of mind. So, are you Christmas ready, or do you need a little festive magic from us? 🎅 #ChristmasReady #FestiveBusinessTips #HolidayMarketing #DigitalChristmas #MerryMarketing #StressFreeHolidays #FestiveFocus #BusinessGoals2025 #ChristmasStrategy #SocialMediaMagic #StayVisible #ClientLove #SeasonalSuccess #HappyHolidays2024 #DigitalEdgeDoesChristmas
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🎄❓Ever wondered why the holiday season feels so magical? Could it be that it's not just about the presents, but being present? 🤔 As Christmas lights twinkle and holiday melodies fill the air, there's an enchanting reminder to pause and truly listen. In our bustling world, how often do we truly give the gift of presence? This season, let's unwrap the importance of being fully there for the people around us. 🌟 Story time: Last year, during our festive family dinner, instead of fretting over the perfect turkey or worrying about my endless to-do list, I chose to focus entirely on the laughter and stories shared around the table. It was in those small moments of connection that I found the true spirit of the holidays. 🎁🎤 This morning I'm setting the intention of being present with my family over the next two days enjoying them to the fullest and making them feel unconditionally loved. ❤️ When you make the choice to listen actively, you create a space where others feel valued and understood. It’s the simplest yet most profound gift you can offer. 🎁💬 So, here's my challenge for you: As you gather with loved ones, try putting away your phone and tuning into the voices and hearts around you. What unexpected joys might you discover? ✨ How will you be more present this season? Share your thoughts in the comments! ✨ #TisTheSeason #BePresent #HolidayConnections #ListenWithLove #ChristmasMagic
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🎄✨ 'Tis the Season for Thoughtful Conversations! ✨🎄 As we gather around the table this Christmas, it’s the perfect opportunity to infuse a bit of awareness into our festive cheer! 🍽️💬 While the food is being served and the seasonal melodies fill the air, why not take this chance to discuss some important topics that might be on the periphery? After all, what better time to enlighten our family members, relatives or friends than when they’re in good spirits (and perhaps distracted by delicious meals)? 🥧😄 Here are a few light-hearted tips to ensure your conversations are engaging without veering into arguments: 1. Start with the Light Stuff: Kick things off with interesting facts or positive news related to the issues you care about. Who knew that 2024 saw a rise in eco-friendly Christmas traditions? 🎄♻️ 2. Ask Questions, Don’t Preach: Rather than diving into a lecture, consider asking open-ended questions. “What are your thoughts on…?” can spark a friendly dialogue without any drama! 🤔✨ 3. Share Personal Stories: Relate these topics to your own experiences. Everyone loves a good story, especially if it involves a heartwarming moment or a quirky mishap! 🐱❤️ 4. Keep It Light-hearted: A touch of humour goes a long way. Try sharing a joke or a funny anecdote to keep things jovial. “Did you hear about the tree that wouldn’t stop talking? It just kept branching out into new topics!” 🌳😆 5. Know When to Change the Subject: If the discussion starts to heat up, feel free to switch gears to a safer topic—like Uncle Bob’s famous Christmas pudding. It’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser! 🍲✨ 6. Remember, the aim is to plant seeds of awareness while preserving the holiday spirit! Let’s make this Christmas not just about gifts but about meaningful connections and a dash of humour. And you? What’s the main topic close to your heart that you’d love to bring up during the meal? Happy Holidays from all of us at YES NOW! 🎉❤️ #ChristmasConversations #FestiveSpirit #ThoughtfulTalks #FamilyTime #Awareness #Humour #ConsciousLiving #EcoFriendlyChristmas #HappyHolidays
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🎄 Journaling Your Way Through the Festive Season 🎄 The holidays are a time of joy, connection—and sometimes, stress. Journaling is a powerful tool to help you reflect, process emotions, and set intentions for the season. Our blog, 3 Steps to Journaling with Impact, guides you through creating meaningful entries that foster clarity and emotional well-being. 🌟 This festive season, take a few moments to journal about: ✨ What you’re grateful for this year ✨ Your hopes for the new year ✨ How to navigate holiday challenges with calm and balance Ready to start your journaling journey? Read more here: https://bit.ly/3ubjTvZ #FestiveWellness #JournalingTips #MentalHealthMatters #StormsEdgeTherapy
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1moNow i don't expect anyone to come to my house and help with my Christmas baking. However fostering better relationships through better conversations with our customers is key at Redline. It is the foundation of what we do here. If you are fed up with recruiters phoning to ask if you have any jobs and would prefer talking about you business objectives, challenges ahead and and we can help you meet these head on, then why not reach out?