We really should take the time to step back and reflect on what it is about the holidays that we want to gain. What values we want to share?

Season 1, Episode 10

To close my first season of this podcast, I wanted to focus on something beyond the boundaries of organization. The Christmas season–traditional celebrated through December and into early January–marks the end of the calendar year and provides opportunities for get-togethers and celebrations of all sorts. For years, the U.S. has seen a lot of commercialization creep into the period, which has generated a lot of controversy. As one who has spent a lot of time traveling around the world, I’ve had the opportunity to witness and partake in a number of Christmas-related activities elsewhere. In this episode, I relay particular experiences in Germany and Indonesia, where the season is celebrated a bit differently than in the U.S., and perhaps retains at least a little of the holiday spirit that sometimes feels lost in the long lines at the malls. I also include some emergent traditions in military organizations that I have served in that capture the same spirit.

For societies and organizations alike, it seems good to use the season as an opportunity to reflect and take stock in the closing year, in hopes that the next year we can do more to make our world and our organizations better.

I wish you a Happy Holiday season, whatever your faith. All the best!