'Twas the week before Christmas...

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the land, comms teams were stressing about what they had planned.

All-Hands agendas were being prepared, end of year emails both drafted and shared.

Calendar countdowns to ramp up the fun, festive e-cards to send to someone.

Lemsips and Strepsils on desks did abound, as seasonal flu made its annual round.

We coughed through our Teams calls, sneezed through our chats, wrapped up at home in our thermals and hats.

When all of a sudden, our Outlooks went ‘ping!' So loudly that up from our chairs we did spring.

I rushed to my screen like a young Usain Bolt, logged into my laptop and saw with a jolt, a rogue Christmas email, but what could it mean?

Even worse, not reviewed, or signed-off, or seen.

Looking around at each horrified face, we feared that our team now faced certain disgrace.

Who could have sent the rogue festive missive? Should we be worried, or simply dismissive?

When what to our world-weary eyes should appear, but a heartfelt and wonderful message of cheer.

In large bright red CAPS, the email it read...

“It's a huge thanks from me for your hard work this year. And I’ve brought you some gifts that I hope bring you cheer."

By Jove we all cried, and we stopped feeling awful. It was sent from our boss, how wonderfully thoughtful.

And with that a flurry of glitter descended, showering our desks - a sight that was splendid.

When the sparkles had landed, we all craned our necks, for those who wore glasses, we put on our specs.

To find gifts wrapped in paper - for one and for all. A thank you for twelve months of hard work and toil.

Champagne and chocolates, gift cards and swag, a set of red Santa hats, popped in a bag.

Bubbles and candles, baubles and wine - everything festive to have a great time.

All wrapped in a whopping gold banner so bright, saying;

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

#storytelling #culture #communication #employeeengagement #christmas #writing #thankyou #recognition #appreciation #team #happychristmas

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Louisa Houghton is a storyteller and employee engagement specialist. She's also many other things, including bee keeper, guitar player and German Shepherd despairer (if that wasn't a thing, it is now). Louisa is all about keeping it real, dispensing with the fluff and having some fun. She is a firm believer in the extraordinary everywhere. Magic can always be found if you look for it.

Contact Louisa:

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