Monday, December 10, 2007

A Time to Give


As the holidays approach, it’s been getting festive here at our office. We recently took part in the tenth annual Festival of Trees, a local event that included a silent auction of decorated Christmas trees. Proceeds from the auction went toward the Hope House, which provides shelter for homeless women and children in the area.

Our office decorated a tree according to the theme “A Storybook Christmas.” Being a publishing company, it seemed only right to promote the wonderful books written about the holiday season. Our little tree was filled with familiar ornaments—Rudolph, Frosty and the Nutcracker, for example—and the referenced books were nestled among the branches. It turned out to be a fun way to get ready for the holidays, in addition to a great way to give back to the community.

We’re also preparing for our annual Secret Santa gift exchange next week. I’m not sure if it’s like this in other offices, but there’s always a group here that will analyze each detail of every present, from when and how it is delivered to the type of packaging used, to try and guess the Secret Santa of every individual in the office. It’s amazing how the holidays can bring out the competitive side of people!

How does your office celebrate the holidays? Do you decorate and exchange gifts? Do you give back to the community? Do you get together for a special meal? Please share your stories by sending me an email or commenting here. (Our social committee will appreciate any ideas you can send their way!)

Also be sure to let the staff of USGNN know if you are planning to close for the holidays. An announcement will be run on the daily newsletter next week—yes, next week is already the week before Christmas!—to let your customers and colleagues know when your office will be closed. You can reach the survey HERE to respond.

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