Working, shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, partying…it’s enough to make a person sick. And tired and stressed and maybe even a bit Scrooge-like. Terrible for the morale and productivity of any person, any leader, any team. This week’s quote stems from a story that has contributed to the prevention and reversal of much Scrooge-like behavior over the years. Because of that, it has become a tradition to share it far and wide. 
For full appreciation, be sure to read: “Traditions“. Here’s an exerpt:
from “Traditions“* by Jan Bolick When Ryan was 6 years old, I asked him what was most important to him during the holidays. His response: “It really doesn’t matter much Mommy. As long as I get to stay home and make cookies with you.” Wow. There were half dozen or so other projects and events that I had planned to squeeze in between school and work and family events. All for him and with him. But he didn’t give a hoot about any of those things. So I dropped them all and we just stayed home and made cookies together. Not nine different kinds. Or even fancy kinds. Just sugar cookies — with lots of icing.
And sprinkles. Not just on the cookies — but all over the kitchen! Yes – there were sprinkles everywhere! How wonderful to have that time together, the yummy cookies — and the broom. It became a tradition. And because it’s so easy to get swept up into the traditions of others, it also became an annual tradition to re-visit these stories and to share them with others, as a reminder to each of us to fill the holidays with things that are important to us and our loved ones. But not too full. As you can imagine, over time, Ryan’s desire to stay home and make cookies with me faded. But the messages from those memories is still perfectly clear. Let go. Plan less. Do less. Make a mess. Laugh. And leave space to just enjoy.
None of that is easy to do but… …would you like to join me? C’mon. Let there be sprinkles everywhere!
* Link to “Traditions“
