For me, it’s a time to wind down and slow down.
A time to do some creative stuff, e.g., read the book on your bedside locker that you’ve been promising to read, or the book you will be given as a present.
I recently joined a book club and have read and enjoyed books I would never have considered, while making new acquaintances, hearing other people’s points of view, and being surprised by their observations.
The image above is the cover of one of my all-time favourite books. I would make a perfect holiday read or gift. It’s Peter Sheridan’s memoir of growing up with his brother Jim and the rest of his family. My memories of the book: Erecting the TV aerial and the sad story of conkers up the chimney.
Here is another suggestion:
Take a little more time for you, and exercise:
Nothing strenuous, this is a lovely time to take a walk in a park, up a low hill or on a beach, on your own, or with someone close to you. You will find it much easier to talk shoulder to shoulder. (This particularly applies to men.)
I used to feel envious of people sitting chatting over coffee, as I rushed about the city from one meeting to the next.
I have changed and now build in some white space in my day and visit a lovely building, be it a church, a library, or a gallery.
It’s not 15 to 30 minutes wasted, I believe it’s recharging, and in this time, your creativity will kick in, and the issue/problem nagging at you will offer up a solution.
You can make small changes that have big effects:
Please take time over the holiday break to meet old friends, while creating opportunities to meet people who, in time, may be added to your small group of old friends.
Very few people have dozens of good friends; we are more likely to regard acquaintances and good buddies as friends, but they’re not until you put the effort into creating opportunities to engage with these people in new situations or occasions.
I’m setting myself the goal over the break to re-engage with family and people I have not connected with recently.
Why don’t you do the same!
Thank you for reading my articles, and I look forward to your continued support in 2026.
By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie
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