A Leader’s Guide to Incorporate the Spirit of Christmas
Mireille Bergraaf (Leadership Coach)
I coach and train CEOs and managers to become more empathetic leaders, enabling them to enhance team engagement & performance | Master Certified Coach (MCC)
As a leader, the holiday season often becomes another deadline.
Wrapping up projects, closing deals, budgeting for the year ahead. It’s easy to get swept up in the rush of December.
Yet, amidst this whirlwind, Christmas quietly offers something deeper. An invitation to reconnect with intention—a moment to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters.
Call it the spirit of Christmas, presence, purpose, or gratitude. This time of year, is about meaning.
Today’s newsletter is about honouring the essence of Christmas.
It’s an opportunity to pause the noise, listen to what truly matters, and lead with greater intention—so you can give your best self to those around you.
The Spirit of Christmas in Leadership
In leadership, we often measure success in outcomes: KPIs hit, growth achieved, goals accomplished.
But Christmas reminds us of a different kind of success—one rooted in connection, kindness, and being present.
Leaders who embrace this intention become more than task-drivers; they inspire teams to operate with heart, purpose, and shared meaning.
The most impactful leaders balance two worlds.
? High performance and meaningful presence
? Tangible results and emotional connection
? Business purpose and human values
They bring their whole selves to leadership—not just their strategies but also their empathy, care, and authenticity.
This balance isn’t seasonal—but the Christmas season gently amplifies its importance.
So, how can you, as leaders, embrace this season’s deeper meaning and bring it into the way you lead every day?
4 Simple Steps to Embrace The Christmas Spirit
The Christmas Spirit reminds us that, at our core, leadership is about serving others and leading from the heart.
Here are 4 simple strategies that can help you embrace the Christmas Spirit and enhance your leadership.
1. Reclaim Presence
Block out 30 minutes to intentionally disconnect from the to-do lists and distractions.
Picture this. You’re sitting with a colleague, a team member, or a loved one. Phones are down, your gaze is steady, and you’re fully there—listening not just with your ears, but with your heart. You notice their words, their tone, their unspoken emotions. In that moment, they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Ask yourself.
Presence is a gift that transforms relationships and builds trust. Start small—show up fully for one conversation today and watch the ripple effect it creates.
?
2. Reflect on Your Leadership Gratitude
Create a list of the people and moments that shaped your leadership this year. Write a handwritten note or send a voice message to express your genuine gratitude.
Why? Gratitude fosters deeper connection—it reminds your team they’re not just contributors; they’re valued.
Ask yourself.
3. Prioritize Purposeful Giving
Giving doesn’t always mean material gifts.
Offer your time, attention, and encouragement to those who need it most. For your team, this might mean listening to their challenges or creating space for rest.
Ask yourself.
4. Align with Your Leadership Values
Take a quiet moment to reconnect with your core leadership values. Are your actions aligned with the leader you aspire to be?
How can you carry the spirit of kindness, generosity, and purpose into the new year?
Ask yourself.
Transforming Leadership Through Christmas Intention
When you lead with kindness, presence and purpose, the impact is profound.
You model what it means to balance drive with heart—and your leadership becomes a force for connection and renewal.
This Christmas, pause to remember. The greatest gift you can offer is yourself – your presence, your care, your attention.
By leaning into the intention of Christmas, you not only refuel your leadership spirit but also cultivate something extraordinary: a team that thrives not just in numbers but in meaning, connection, and purpose.
So, I’ll Leave You With This
What shifts can you make today to lead with the spirit of Christmas?
Pause. Reflect. Choose intention. Because the greatest gift you can offer is yourself—your care, your presence, and your light.
This season, let your leadership reflect the magic of Christmas: grounded in intention, rich with connection, and filled with light.
I wish you a Christmas filled with intention, joy, and quiet renewal. ??
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Are looking for ways to grow even more as an Empathetic Leader?
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Book a call with me to further discuss how we can elevate your leadership!
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About Mireille Bergraaf
Mireille Bergraaf MCC ESIA is an internationally accredited ICF Master Coach (MCC) with over 10+ years of experience in coaching, leadership, and spirituality. She specializes in empowering leaders to cultivate empathy and compassion through coaching skills.
Mireille is the founder of Dutch Leadership Development (DLD), a leadership development company that works at the intersection of spirituality and business and focuses on cultivating coaching cultures within organization.
Mireille advocates for integrating spirituality in businesses to promote empathy, compassion, kindness, and integrity in teamwork.
She guides companies to cultivate coaching cultures within their organizations.
Coaching cultures promote trust, open communication, welcoming challenges for growth, embracing diversity, team engagement, supporting creativity, and thinking beyond individual interests to contribute positively to the world.
Co-Founder Of Fitnastic Health & Online Marketing Consultant | I Help Creators Launch Products and Maximize Profits | Online Business Strategist | Digital Marketing Consultant | Product Launch Expert
2 个月This is a powerful reminder of the true spirit of Christmas. It's a valuable message for leaders and individuals alike.
Author and Certified Professional Coach | Overcoming Sales Objections
2 个月Love this. I agree all of these principles help overcome holiday blues and becoming present with presents
I Empower Burned Out Executive Healthcare Women Caregivers over 40 to Reclaim Resilience with Hypnotherapy, & Self-Care Practices | Certified Hypnotherapist - 19 Years | Caregiver - 8 years. | Founder of Spirit Vitamins
2 个月Hi Mireille Bergraaf (Leadership Coach) As someone who coaches caregivers, I see how important that "whole lot of grace" truly is, especially during the holidays. ?? Your reminder about real connections over Instagram perfection is exactly what I need to hear. Here's to embracing those belly laughs and meaningful moments that make the season truly magical! ?What's your favorite way to create those meaningful holiday connections? I'd love to share some fresh ideas with my caregiver community!
Senior Data Engineer | I help people land their first data analytics jobs | Data Mentor | Highly Passionate about Data Analytics
2 个月Such a refreshing perspective Mireille Bergraaf (Leadership Coach) It's easy to get lost in the hustle, but truly embracing the spirit of Christmas—focusing on meaning, purpose, and presence—can not only recharge our hearts but also elevate our leadership. I'm excited to read your newsletter and explore how we can swap stress for purpose this season! ???
Managing Director at SOEKTSA Foundation
2 个月Useful tips