As the year winds down, I’ve been spending more time reflecting than usual (shocking, I know). Part of that came from celebrating Christmas early with extended family and watching the holidays unfold through the eyes of kids as they grow and change…when the shine begins to wear off just a tiny bit.
Over the weekend, I was surrounded by my three nephews, ages 8 months, 5, and 10, along with my 11-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son. They were busy, loud, curious, and completely present (pun intended). It was a powerful reminder of how differently this season is experienced depending on where we are in life.
For my nephews, everything felt new. Opening gifts was exciting. Games were discoveries. The smallest moments carried outsized joy. There was curiosity, wonder, and a kind of presence adults often rush past without noticing.
For my kids, who are a little older, the excitement showed up differently. They loved being able to predict the traditions. Bingo. Gift-opening order. Grandpa and Grandma in their ugly Christmas sweaters. Their joy came from familiarity, memory, and knowing what comes next.
It made me think about how each season of life shapes what we notice and what we carry. In childhood, the world feels wide open. In adulthood, especially during the holidays, life can feel fuller…responsibilities, deadlines, expectations, and all the behind-the-scenes work that makes moments possible. If you coordinated, planned, cleaned, or carried the invisible load this season, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
And still, life can feel richer if we slow down long enough to notice what’s right in front of us.
Leadership
Workplaces are shaped by these same season-of-life dynamics.
Newer team members often see things with fresh eyes. They question processes, notice friction, and bring curiosity that long-tenured employees may no longer register. Meanwhile, those who have been around longer carry history, context, and pattern recognition that only comes with time.
Neither perspective is better. Both are necessary.
Strong leaders know how to make space for each. They welcome curiosity without dismissing experience, and they honor experience without letting it harden into “this is just how we do things.”
Paying attention to how perspective shifts with time and tenure—much like watching my kids experience the holidays—helps teams stay engaged, adaptive, and resilient. If you find yourself short on time, patience, or energy with your team this season, my hope is that you pause long enough to honor both the new and the seasoned voices around you.
Sometimes people simply want you to ask, “What’s been your experience with this?” or “What should we keep an eye out for as we move forward?”
We all want to feel seen and heard. That may be one of the simplest and most meaningful gifts a leader can give.
Life
And just like at work, life works much the same way.
As kids, the shine is easy to see. Everything feels new and full of possibility. Over time, responsibilities grow. Logistics multiply. The magic can feel muted under the weight of getting things done and making things happen for others.
I wish I could wave a wand and wish away the stress of the season. But as the Grinch learned, sometimes it only takes one small moment…one pause, one shift in perspective…for the heart to grow a size or two.
My hope for you is not a stress-free season, but a meaningful one. That you find at least one moment to notice the magic you might otherwise rush past. Maybe it’s the coffee you drink by the gallon, the faces around you as gifts are opened, or even the pile of dishes in the sink that means your people were fed and together. I hope you savor at least a small piece of it…because time, after all, is a thief.
Gratitude for You
That family time and reflection naturally led me to gratitude.
As this year comes to a close, I am deeply thankful for the people in my orbit—clients, partners, colleagues, friends, and readers who trust me with conversations about leadership, culture, and impact. You absolutely matter to this work.
Taking the leap to build a speaking and leadership business was one of the scariest things I have ever done. It has also been one of the most meaningful. None of it happens alone, and I never take lightly the time, trust, and belief others share with me. Time and knowledge are two of the rarest currencies we have, and I am grateful every time someone chooses to invest either.
Looking ahead, I know 2026 will bring new projects, fresh opportunities, and its fair share of chaos. I also know it will bring moments of connection, growth, and possibility. My hope for you is that the year ahead is bright for you, your family, and all the people you pour into.
In your work, your relationships, and the many roles you play, you already create a powerful ripple effect in the world. Thank you for being part of mine.
Here’s to noticing the season we’re in and finding meaning right where we are.
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Happy Holidays,
Lisa