As we close out the year, it can be easy to get so busy we forget to celebrate the people who helped us get here. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned after 15+ years of training leaders around the world, it’s this:
The holidays aren’t just a season of celebration — they’re a season of reflection.
A natural moment to pause, look around, and intentionally show people that we value them for who they are, what they contribute, and what it takes to do their jobs each day.
This year, I want to share a simple holiday activity that teams in healthcare, schools, and businesses around the world have used to nurture a culture of appreciation — even when they can’t all be in the same room at the same time.
In the video below, I walk step-by-step through one of my favorite end-of-year traditions:
👉 The Holiday Stocking Appreciation Activity
I created this activity years ago while working with large 24/7 healthcare organizations — places where staff were on different shifts, working around the clock, and it wasn’t always possible to stop operations for one big holiday event.
But people still needed to feel appreciated.
And so the stocking activity was born.
Here’s how it works (straight from the video):
- Download the two-page template — one holiday stocking + six simple thank-you cards.
- Fold the stocking, staple it along the side, and write the name of each person on your team.
- Hang them up in a central place — a bulletin board, a hallway, or inside each department.
- Place the thank-you cards throughout your workplace and invite employees, managers, even patients or customers to write messages.
- Before the break, take down each stocking, add a personal note if you’d like, and hand them out so people can read what others shared.
What I love about this activity is that it doesn’t require a huge event, a big budget, or complicated planning.
It simply creates a moment where people feel seen, heard, valued, and recognized — all through small, meaningful interactions.
And if you’re not sure what to say in your thank-you notes, check out my HBR article on how to write a meaningful thank-you note. I share ideas and scripts to help you get started.
Looking for a Meaningful Gift This Year?
If you want to give your leaders, colleagues, or clients something practical — something that actually supports them in building better relationships at work — my book makes a great holiday gift:
75+ Team-Building Activities for Remote Teams
It’s packed with simple, human activities that improve connection, communication, and appreciation whether in-person or remote.
Gift it to a leader who could use a little inspiration heading into 2026.
Planning Next Year’s Events? I’m Now Booking
If you’re looking for support in the new year — whether it’s a keynote, leadership workshop, or a program to help nurture culture appreciation in your organization — I’m now booking for this upcoming year. Reach out to me here.
Want more practical ways to recognize, engage, and grow your people?
Sign up for The Nudge below or use the contact form to get in touch.
