Little Things Mean A Lot...

This picture is from our Printing and Graphics Department. Every year during the month of December, this department sends print orders to schools, departments, and even outside agencies wrapped in winter-themed paper. That's right...a work order delivered in gift wrap! It doesn't change the work order, the product, or even the time this department sends on packing up orders for delivery (brown wrapping paper is the usual covering). However, what does change is the purpose and intent of the season--a season to bring a little joy or thoughtfulness to someone else. I just loved this effort from our Printing and Graphics team...it is a little thing that can make a difference in someone else's day. 

LITTLE THINGS IN TEACHING: I heard about a teacher who provides a "little something" each day the week before winter break to give her students things to do over the break. Whether it be a craft to complete, a puzzle to solve, or a way to write a note of thanks to a friend, she provides kids resources and ideas to give them things to do over break OR things to do for others over break. 

LITTLE THINGS IN LEADING: I have seen leaders bringing cookies and cocoa to their staff members, notes of gratitude, and providing a little fun at a staff meeting to show appreciation.

LITTLE THINGS IN VOLUNTEERING: There is an elementary volunteer who teaches kiddos how to knit. We have another volunteer who reads every day with students at the middle school level. And yet another volunteer who checks the concession stand stock items to assure that crowds have their favorites available.

This season can bring great joy, but it can also bring stress and unexpected challenges. It is the little things that can make the biggest difference in someone's life...in a moment when they need an act of kindness and perhaps didn't even realize it.  I hope that you can celebrate little things that make a difference this season...and maybe even consider little things you can do for others in the weeks ahead: holding a door open, saying good morning, or even writing a note to a person who has done a little thing that made a difference for you--let them know that you noticed!

So, to the little things that mean a lot...I sincerely wish you the very best this season and in the New Year. Happy Holidays!