Hate the holidays? 7 ways you can still show empathy

by Dec 22, 2022

Bah Humbug!”  seems appropriate if you hate the holidays

Not everyone enjoys the festive season. Many see this period as professional dead time not down time. Here are 7 things they can do

 

 

OK. We get it. You hate the holidays. But many think of the festive season as wonderful professional down time not dead time. A quiet interlude to catch up, go to some parties and take a few days vacation or even a staycation. They want to relax and spend time with their families and friends, kick back and enjoy the festivities.

If you hate the holidays, for you this period is normally a nightmare. The thought fills you with dread. You are very much in the Macawber camp of “Bah! Humbug”  You might have a different cultural background. Office parties are the worst.  The commercialism disappoints you. For you it is a period of endurance which seems never-ending. Every Christmas cookie, mince-pie, or bite of stollen is a small piece of agony. There is even a spot for the holiday hater in the Urban Dictionary.

 

hate the holidays

 

So what can the holiday hater do?

#1 Change your mindset

The festive season might not be your thing, but you can help people who could use support. This year you have to change your mindset. A colleague looking for cover, an additional pair of hands to meet a deadline, especially if they have caring or other responsibilities, or a client who needs a favour.

Be generous. You will feel great!  Pay it forward and walk in their shoes. See the points about empathy.

Read: Fire your Head of Woe to beat Negative Thinking

#2  Attend the online festivities

Yep! Go right out and do it! Thi year many companies are offering online particpation to meet the needs of remote workers. Identify those that will be strategically useful, because you don’t have to atted all. You also don’t have to accept all invitations. Log in graciously, take advantage of them, work the Zoom room and network. Show some empathy, and that you understand many people are struggling. Then leave early. You are at home so you don’t have to over indulge. While everyone is having one too many in their homes and crying into their eggnog, you can make useful professional contacts.

If it is an in person event show up for a while, be sociable and leave.

Read: Must know Mindful Eating Tips

#3 Connect

While the seasonal spirit passes you by, you can still use it as an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues past and present and wish them well for the upcoming year, whatever it might hold.

Everyone likes the New Year right?

#4 Show appreciation

Now is the time to look back on the year and show appreciation to friends and colleagues. It has been a pretty poor year for many people. A LinkedIn endorsement or recommendation, or even a note of thanks will show recognition. This is a year when morale is at an all time low.Mnetal health issues ar exploding.  Make a positive contribution so that everyone will feel good.

Read: Living a life of gratitude will result in success

 

hate the holidays

#5 Send good wishes

It’s a good time to send a greeting to your network. It can be professionally and seasonally neutral, but tap into the good will and bonhomie of the time when many people are looking to escape the never ending bad news cycle. Your message can even be hand written. Who knows, someone might reciprocate!

Read: Take note of the hand written note.

#6 Volunteer

Many organisations look for volunteers to support food shelters, cheer up the elderly or make hospital visits. Check out what is possible in your location.  his year volunteers are also being asked to support phone banks and phone trees to reach out to people who are isolated and away from their families. This could be your “calling.” (Sorry about that!)

Read: 5 reasons why job seekers should volunteer

#7 Arrange networking meetings for January

Be proactive. The holiday period quite often means that people are swamped with invitations and obligations and many are happy to defer to January. After the excesses of December it’s something to look forward to in the New Year.

This is a good time for positive forward thinking!

You might be holiday hater, but for those who love this time of the year it maybe be especially tough. Think of them.

 

 

If you want to take advantage of the holidays season for job search get in touch!

 

 

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