In the months leading up to Christmas, children all over the world take time to write letters to Santa.  Some ask for specific toys for themselves, some ask for something for someone else, and some write just to let Santa know they believe.

Once Santa receives a letter, he checks the Naughty and Nice list.  You know what follows. Something I talk about a lot: consequences. The naughty and nice list is one of the first lessons we learn in the consequences of bad behaviour.

I propose that every person should have their own Naughty or Nice list, that applies throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

Here are some of the standards I suggest yours might entail:

Naughty List:

1. Taking others for granted.
2. Dominating conversations and talk just about yourself and these things that are of interest to you.
3. Acting like you are the expert, always.
4. Forgetting to say please and thank you.
5. When you do something nice for someone, telling everyone you know about it.
6. Keeping others waiting. Never showing up on time.
7. Not following through on your word.
8. Putting yourself before others.
9. Always answering your cphone when you are in conversation with others.
10. Parking in permit-only stalls because “you’re only going to be a minute.”

Nice List:

1. Appreciating what you have; the life you know could be gone in but a moment.
2. Celebrating the achievements and successes of others. Feeling envious robs you of enjoyment and hampers healthy relationships.
3. Taking time to smile and show some kindness towards another human being. It seems trite, but making someone else’s day will give you an even larger boost.
4. Willingly sharing your knowledge – you will reap rewards far more reaching than if you keep it to yourself.
5. Sharing that which you can, even if it is just a smile.
6. Staying connected with the people who matter to you. Healthy relationships are the secret sauce to a happy and fulfilled life.
7. Giving more than you take.
8. Accepting people as they are.
9. Seeking opportunities to praise others.
10. Empathizing. Pause and take a moment to view a situation from someone else’s perspective.

As 2019 is but a few days away, my wish for you is that this time next year as you review your lists, you see yourself having both feet planted solidly on the Nice List.

Merry Christmas.

Till we read again.