It’s that time of the year again where we all begin to look forward to a much deserved break after what has been yet another challenging year. Long lists of personal and family actions are fighting their way onto our to‐do lists as we all start to work on the minutia of preparation for the holiday break. Key amongst these actions usually include gifts to be bought and cards to be sent, all in the hope that we can give some pleasure and make a much needed connection to a loved one or friend. In this short article I explore some conversations that you may want to consider preparing, which will mean much more than a hastily scribbled card or well-meaning gift ever will.
The Partner Conversation – Imagine Santa has shouted ‘Time Out!’ You stop the hustle and bustle long enough to calm down and reflect together on the highs and lows of the past year. Focus on what made you smile together and what the last year has taught you. Share how the year has ‘felt’ for you and make some promises about what you can do for each other to make next year better still. Look at all the things that stop you spending more quality time together and work out ways to remove some of these hurdles so next year can be the best yet. Imagine repeating the conversation this time next year, what are you reflecting back on with pleasure; what challenges have you overcome and what are you looking forward to next year? Make time for this life enhancing conversation as this is the relationship you treasure the most, yet it is the one that gets sacrificed first!
The Children Conversation – No matter what their age kids require attention. It is the fuel that feeds their growth. Being ‘present’ for them is the best present you can give them. Ask questions that expose their enthusiasms and pique their curiosity, listen carefully and join in their games. If they are teenagers try and get past their gruff exterior and their monosyllabic conversations to the child that is still within. They will say they hate you trying, but remember they like it really, so persevere. As George Bernard Shaw famously said “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.”
The Parents and In Laws Conversation – The trick with this conversation is to remember they still care and what they really, really want is to be able to show off to all their friends what you have been up to this year. They will also be worried, as this is what parents do best, so give them some time to re‐assure them that you are doing OK and share with them your hopes and aspirations for the coming year. The wise old heads may not be in tune with current day thinking and may have a tenuous grasp on the challenges we face in this internet enabled hyper‐speed age, but just remember they have made most of the mistakes we are still making, so listen up and you might just learn a thing or two.
The Siblings Conversation – A brother and / or sister is a friend provided by nature so make the most of them. Try and set aside sibling rivalry and share your perspectives on the challenges and opportunities you face and you may well be surprised to learn how much you have in common. The bond formed between you is there for a reason; your job is to work out what this bond is for.
The Friends Conversation – Beyond the polite and festive chatter is a deeper, more meaningful space that, should you choose to enter it, can shift your perspective of yourself and enable you to build a better understanding of how you 
appear to the rest of the world. Your friends often see you in a unique light, one that is devoid of your long history and is much more reflective of your most recent behaviour. A really good friend will point out your unseen strengths and all too often seen weaknesses so long as you return the favour for them. I find this conversation is best to have after a few drinks, but it should be avoided after a few too many! Finally, probably the most important conversation of all….
The Mirror Conversation – Just look at yourself! What is going on with you? Where are all the hopes, dreams and aspirations and how can you re‐connect with your higher purpose? Remember you u are the CEO of your own life. Where are you on the journey through life and has the last year been a year of progress or distraction. Now is the time to write down your aspirations for next year and put them somewhere that will nag away at you when the treadmill of life starts once again in early January. Finally, this is Christmas, so sit back, settle down and recharge. This is the time to be merry and be thankful. Try not to squander the opportunity created by the seasonal goodwill on mind numbing TV shows and all too stressful parties and events. Use this Christmas to invest in conversations that really matter and enter the New Year with a real spring in your step.
Happy Christmas!