Mentoring Made Merry!
Lately, as I’ve been ticking ‘To Do’ tasks off my holiday lists, I can’t help but think about all the people who have mentored me over the years.
I’m not talking about the big influences in my life, but rather the small moments of sharing that taught me simple or more rewarding ways to navigate the holidays.
You know what I mean. Somewhere along the way, a relative, friend, colleague or neighbor shared something that made you feel more confident about participating in the holiday happenings that surround religious observances.
For example, who put you at ease about hostessing a meal or going to your first office party? Who showed you how to decorate a room or a plate of cookies? Who taught you how to plan the children’s program at your school or place of worship? Or how much fun and how cost-effective it is to create your own holiday cards and gifts? ( Certainly budgeting for extra holiday expenses is a skill we all need to keep sharp.) Who showed you how rewarding it is to bring cheer to seniors or those in the hospital? And, how to opt out of holiday invitations with grace and kindness?
These are life and career skills, even if they are served up with eggnog and beautiful music. Most of us learned them and lots of other skills from adults who took the time to share what they’ve learned from holidays past.
Why not share what you’ve learned and believe in? This all might be second nature to you, but for a young person, the unknown and unfamiliar can be daunting and not very joyful.
This is the season of giving after all and one of the greatest gifts you can give is yoursELF– as a merry holiday mentor!
