This is a festive, happy, family-oriented time of the year when we all try to think about everything that we are grateful for. Some of us are fortunate to have the time and the resources to enjoy the best of the season. Gifts, special meals, travel, and most importantly – family time consumes the next few weeks. Those of us who fit this description should take the time to think about those who are not so fortunate. Whether finances, missing family members, geo-political issues, or environmental get in the way – these friends and neighbors find less to celebrate. There are also those who work during this time of the year so that others can enjoy the time with family: UPS, Postal, and FedEx drivers; retail store workers, military, police and fire, doctors, and nurses, and those who are part of the hospitality/restaurant/travel industries. It is demanding work, work that oftentimes is oblivious to holidays and tradition, and work that expects a positive outlook even if they will be unable to enjoy what others look forward to.
When you see that UPS or FedEx driver pull up to your driveway for the 15th time in the past month – walk out and say thanks, give him a tip, a tin of homemade cookies, a cup of coffee, or a bottle of wine and let them know how much you appreciate their work. When you see a doctor or nurse walking towards your local hospital for another 12-hour shift, stop and say: “thanks for taking care of all who are in need”, it costs you nothing and means a great deal. When a local cop or firefighter drives down the street – take a moment to wave and shout out: “thanks”! As you travel to other parts of the country for the season – probably a family visit – say thank you to the TSA worker for keeping us safe, shake the pilot’s hand, and smile while offering season’s greetings to the flight attendants. If you happen to pass a soldier in uniform – don’t simply smile and say “thanks for your service” – take a moment to ask where they are from, where stationed, and how much longer will they be serving. Wish them a safe and happy holiday and your hope that they will be home again soon. Smile at your restaurant server, thank them for what they do, be patient, tip well (these folks work at a lower rate of pay than most because they earn gratuities), send a note of thanks back to the kitchen (they rarely receive compliments), say Happy Holidays to that hotel front desk clerk, thank the housekeeper who cleans your room, and leave something for them when you check out. If you can afford it – pick a favorite charity over the holidays and donate – there are plenty of people in need. When stopping in your local coffee shop – pay a few cups forward for those who can’t afford it. There is no greater gift that you can offer than caring about others. Remember what your grandparents may have said: “Tis better to give than receive.”
I have such appreciation for those in the industry that I felt honored to be part of for five decades, for all the hard-working people who perform their duties to please others, to make their day, and to bring folks together. This time of year, I remember and think of all the cooks, chefs, servers, bartenders, managers, dishwashers, and vendors with whom I worked – they are the very best of what America stands for – hard work, service, caring, passionate folks who give of themselves while trying to make a living. Thank you! They will likely celebrate their traditional holiday a week or so after the traditional dates have come and gone, in the meantime they will be with their work family.
Whatever and however you celebrate – take the time to think of and offer what you can to those who are less fortunate.
All the best in 2024 – Harvest America Cues Blog
PLAN BETTER – TRAIN HARDER – BE KIND AND GRATEFUL,
OFFER A HELPING HAND – GIVE MORE THAN YOU RECEIVE.
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