As December unfolds, our screens and social feeds overflow with heartwarming messages about gratitude, cherishing moments, and appreciating loved ones. While these sentiments ring true, they also raise an important question: Why limit these beautiful practices to just one season?

The most meaningful gift we can give ourselves and others isn't wrapped in shiny paper or tied with a bow. It's the commitment to practicing gratitude and showing appreciation every single day of the year ahead.   Not to be a scrooge, I really dislike the focus on material things.  Appreciation, gratitude, making memories is that is in my heart.

Small Acts, Lasting Impact

Think about the last time someone's unexpected kindness brightened your day. Perhaps it was a handwritten note of appreciation from a colleague, a team member who noticed your extra effort on a project, or a family member who simply took the time to really listen. These moments don't require grand gestures or perfect timing – they just need authenticity and intention.

I share with my clients the benefits of a gratitude journal. The benefits are huge.

Making Gratitude a Daily Practice

As we look toward 2025, let's challenge ourselves to weave gratitude into the fabric of our daily lives:

For Your Team:

• Start each meeting by acknowledging a team member's recent contribution

• Send personalized notes of appreciation for specific achievements

• Create space for peer recognition in regular team gatherings

For Your Family:

• Institute device-free dinner conversations to truly connect

• Leave surprise notes of encouragement in unexpected places

• Document and share "ordinary" moments that bring joy

For Your Professional Network:

• Reach out to mentors who've shaped your journey

• Celebrate colleagues' milestones, both big and small

• Share specific feedback about how someone's work has impacted you

The Leadership Connection

True leadership isn't just about driving results – it's about nurturing the human connections that make those results possible. When leaders consistently demonstrate gratitude and appreciation, they create cultures where people feel valued, seen, and motivated to bring their best selves to work every day.

Your 2025 Gratitude Journey

As you plan for the year ahead, consider these questions:

• What daily practices can you implement to show appreciation to those around you?

• How can you make space in your calendar for meaningful connections?

• What simple acts of kindness could become regular habits?

• Can you create a gratitude journal for a person? Write out why you are grateful for them? Imagine the impact!

The Power of Consistency

While grand holiday gestures are beautiful, it's the small, consistent acts of kindness throughout the year that truly transform relationships and build lasting memories. A quick text checking in on someone's day, a coffee delivered to a teammate who's having a rough week, or simply pausing to express genuine appreciation – these moments compound over time to create deep, meaningful connections.

Starting Today

Don't wait for January 1st or next December to begin. Start today with one small act of appreciation. Send that email you've been meaning to write. Make that phone call you've been putting off. Express the gratitude you've been feeling but haven't voiced. My partner for small gifts is Mailbox Power - a powerful tool to help you share your gratitude!

Because the truth is, the best time to show someone you care isn't during the holidays – it's every single day. Let's make 2025 the year we transform seasonal gratitude into a year-round celebration of the relationships that make our lives rich with meaning.

What will your daily practice of gratitude look like in the year ahead?

Share in the comments.

If you have a leadership or story of gratitude I wold love to have you tell the story on the podcast, Unstoppable Leadership Spotlight. Thank you for reading.