The week before Christmas can feel…full. People are wrapping up projects, juggling celebrations, and trying to squeeze in one more meeting before vacation. That’s exactly why a few simple gratitude moments can go a long way right now.

Gratitude doesn’t have to be big or formal. In busy seasons, it actually works best in small, intentional doses. Try one or two of these with your team over the next few days.

 

Start Meetings with “One Good Thing”

Open your team meetings by asking everyone to share one good thing — from work or life.

• “Our customer finally signed the contract.”
• “My daughter comes home from college this week.”
• “I’m taking time off next week!”

It takes 3–5 minutes and instantly shifts the energy from stressed to connected.

Holiday Gratitude Wall (Virtual or In-Person)

Create a place where people can post thank-yous and shout-outs to coworkers. This might be a Teams channel, a whiteboard in the breakroom, or even a shared slide. Encourage people to be specific:

“Thank you, Marcus, for covering support tickets while I was out — you made my week.”

When gratitude is visible, more people join in.

“Wins & Thanks” Year-End Edition

Sometime this week, gather the team and ask two simple questions:

• What are we proud of from this year?
• Who helped make it happen?

This is a beautiful way to close out the year and remind people that their contributions were noticed.

Make It Personal

This is the perfect week to send short, personalized appreciation messages. Not generic “thanks for all you do,” but specific notes like:

• “Your follow-through made this project happen.”
• “You’ve been a steady, positive presence for the team.”

Aim for 1–2 notes a day this week. People remember how you made them feel in December.

Keep It Inclusive

Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Use language like “holiday season,” “year-end,” or “winter break,” and offer options so no one feels pressured to participate in a certain way. Inclusion is a form of appreciation.

A Thought to Close the Year

Gratitude is how we tell people, “I saw you. You mattered here.”
That’s a powerful message to send before everyone logs off for a well-deserved break.