An article for business professionals - December 13, 2006 Written by Jan Bolick Traditions There are all kinds of traditions at all times of year. Whether it’s the tradition of having pizza in the living room on the night everyone returns from spending separate weekends. Or Tuesday lunches with the boys. Or Wednesday date nights without the kids. Or annual shopping trips for sisters. Traditions can be powerful. Reassuring. Grounding. Bonding. The holidays are especially full of traditions. Sometimes they need to change. A childhood friend of mine had a wonderful nurturing mother. In preparation for Christmas, she worked hard to get the house cleaned and decorated to perfection. She spent hours making nine different kinds of cookies, coconut cake with freshly grated coconut and an unbelievable fruit cake. All family recipes - beautiful and delicious. When it was time for all to enjoy her fine work, she was exhausted, depressed and crabby. She yelled at the kids, complained of a migraine and went to her room to sleep. Such good intentions. All wasted. The kids wished for years that she would skip all that work so they could just enjoy spending time with her. A few years ago I thought about this and asked my son 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." Ever since then, we try to keep it simple during the holidays. We make cookies - 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! Who cares?! We are very thankful for the time together, the yummy cookies --- and our broom. It's so easy to get swept up in the traditions of others, that I've made it a tradition to re-visit these holiday memories and to share the story with others - as a reminder and a hope that each of us will give ourselves permission to choose to fill the holidays with all the things that are most important to us and our loved ones. But not too full. That reminds me of another holiday story and a tradition that had to change. During my years managing a publishing company called University Directories, tradition called for a surprise visit from Santa. I’m not sure if anyone knew this, but it wasn’t really Santa who came to our parties. Since it was such a busy time for him, Santa delegated this to my date for the party. I must not have made expectations clear with my date for the 1985 party, because when it came time for him to don the suit, he refused, saying he "wasn’t in the mood." With everyone waiting downstairs for Santa and his gifts to arrive, there was only one way to handle this party emergency and that was for me to take on Santa’s assignment. It didn’t take long for party participants to realize there was a substitute. Was it the loose fitting suit? Or perhaps it was the high heels that gave it away. The suited substitute explained that Santa was very busy at The North Pole and had sent his sister, Janta, in her first public appearance. Never to rely on my dates again, Santa gave the assignment to Janta for the rest of my years at University Directories and even now, sends her for various surprise appearances in the Triangle area. You might see her around. The extra large suit is a big clue. And - a good reminder to leave plenty of room for the people and things you love. Happy Holidays! from Jan & Janta copyright 2006 by Business Class Inc. To change your address or unsubscribe, click below on "manage your subscription". Business Class Inc PO Box 2037    Chapel Hill, NC 27515    www.businessclassinc.com

Blanket Orange County New & gently used blankets are needed to keep our neighbors warm. There is a collection box in the lobby of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. Or send cash donations to: Blanket Orange County c/o Business Class, Inc PO Box 2037 Chapel Hill, NC 27515 Just $5 will buy a blanket to keep someone warm! For many --- the best present we can give is our presence. "The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Chinese Proverb Recent articles: Little Hops The Dimming Fire Keep Me Hopping Coming soon: "Hopping or Hoping?" Business Class, Inc delivers programs, services and products to support business professionals in their pursuit of doing better business. Do business better. Do it with class. And why not - have a blast! Business Class™ Inc PO Box 2037 Chapel Hill, NC 27515