Ways to say 'Thank you' to those who are working on holidays

Quint StuderThere are many ways to show our gratitude.For example, we can say thank you to those who serve us in restaurants, stores, hospitals and other places.We can pause long enough to be a kind and patient customer rather than being hurried and stressed as many tend to be this time of year.We can call up friends and family members who must work and tell them how much we love and appreciate them. Or we can send a handwritten letter (I find these are cherished for years).We can be flexible with our own holiday celebrations so that friends and family who must work on Christmas or New Year's Eve can join us. (Who cares what the calendar says?)We can make time to celebrate the season on a day that works for the loved one.

Invite them out for a nice meal or treat them to a cup of coffee.We can ask a loved one who has to work how we might help make their lives easier. For example, we could offer to run an errand for them or bring them a plate from a family dinner they must miss.The holidays are about showing others that we love and value them. There are endless ways to do this.

Be creative and tailor your efforts to what you know will resonate with the person. Mostly, be sincere. The time, effort, and thought you put in are the most meaningful gifts of all.Quint Studer is the founder of the Studer Community Institute and a successful business leader, speaker and author.

He is also the entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of West Florida, executive-in-residence at George Washington University and a lecturer at Cornell University. He is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller "The Busy Leader's Handbook: How to Lead People and Places That Thrive" and his latest book is "The Calling: Why Healthcare Is So Special."Have a question?Are you facing a small business or workplace challenge? Quint Studer can help. Email your questions to EMAIL, and it could be the topic for one of Studer's upcoming columns.