The Eyes of a Child
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer

Do the holidays have you stressed out yet? Are you running ragged trying to get everything wrapped up before year end? Struggling to find that perfect gift for someone special? Having trouble finding all the decorations? Well, it’s no wonder you are stressed out, and maybe I just stressed you out by reminding you about everything you still need to do. The key to making this the most wonderful time of the year is to become more childlike. Not childish, childlike.

I was recently reminded of this as I was reading my new book, 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol. In the opening pages of the timeless classic A Christmas Carol, we find Bob Cratchit asking old Ebenezer if he might have Christmas day off. Scrooge barks a response to him, accusing him of using the holiday to pick his pocket by not working and wanting to get paid. Adding insult to injury, Bob is criticized for placing a small piece of coal in the stove, so instead warms his hands over a flickering candle.

As Bob leaves the office to head home, he meets up with his crippled son Tim, takes a moment to slide on the snow with some young boys, and soon arrives at home. After dinner, Bob and his family play a Christmas Eve game of blindman’s bluff. Bob left the negativity and criticism in the dark, cold accounting firm of Scrooge and Marley. This allowed Bob to see the world through the eyes of a child. Free from sarcasm, bitterness, and greed.

Do you remember what this season was like when you were younger? What was your favorite part of the holiday season? Did you have a favorite Christmas movie or Holiday Special? Did you have a favorite memory? As you drive home from work or shopping, take a second to look at the beautiful lights. Spend an extra minute smelling the balsam, pines, and firs. Slow down and offer a heartfelt greeting to a stranger you meet in the store. Listen to some Christmas music and make an effort to see the world through the eyes of a child. It is the most wonderful time of the year. Don’t let it pass without enjoying it.

If you would like to hear more, please join Marisa Norcross and me for Episode 183 of The Next Page podcast as we share some of our favorite memories and why seeing through the eyes of a child can have an amazing impact on your life.

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