It’s the holiday season. Several years ago, I heard a comedian describe it roughly this way: “we take a day to celebrate what we’re thankful for. Then the next day we trample other people in a mad scramble to score a $5 toaster, in order to get us properly prepared to celebrate the brotherhood of man.”

And I think that encapsulates the dichotomy of this season.

In both our secular and religious traditions, the holidays set the cadence of the year. They’re not just arbitrary excuses to get together and celebrate, but rather occasions that bring to remembrance the high points of our cultures, the depths of our experiences, and the richness of our traditions.

In our ever-busier, socially distanced, always-online world, the holidays provide the periodic reminder that there’s something “out there.” There’s something outside of ourselves. There’s something that we share, and therefore something that connects us to others. But often the magic of that connection is buried by the busy-ness.

Here’s the thing though – that “connection” is what everybody is looking for. Yes, it’s more difficult. It gets easily buried in the busy-ness, which means that it needs to be un-buried. That takes a bit of work, a bit of time, and some intentionality. And that’s precisely what makes it valuable.

When we intentionally put in the work, when we take the time, we make a difference in others’ lives. To quote Ralph Smedley, “Let us share with others the benefits we have gained for ourselves.” My CGD year, I described it a little differently – “take your next step toward significance.” By investing in others, we continue to grow ourselves. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.

So this holiday season, as the chaos circles, let’s look for the constant. At the height of the hubbub, let’s see the human. And amid the maelstrom, let’s find the meaning.

This holiday season, and for the rest of the Toastmasters year, let’s continue taking our next steps toward significance.

It’s December! The weather is getting colder, the chance of snow keeps increasing, and in a couple weeks, I might have a chance to relax under a large, weighted blanket. I know some of you are expecting a warm fuzzy holiday message, or maybe an inspirational “Make smart goals for the new year!” missive, but no.

Finish 2024 first.

Make sure you’ve already done what you said you’d do. Check your Club Success Plan. Maybe check through your emails. Set aside some time to make sure all your pledges and all the requests are taken care of. Look through your Toastmasters materials. Can you find things? Do you need to organize your evaluations better? Maybe you’ve put off meeting with your mentor or protege…no time like the present! Do you still need to type in and email an evaluation or three?

Me? I’m going to catch up on some scheduling, get my computer ready for a load of work, and convert and upload some videos. That’ll cover a couple weeks of free time. But by January, that task is going to be off my back. It’s like a present to myself!

Finish 2024 first.

January is named after the Roman god Janus, who looks both forward and backward. It’s fun to plot and make plans, research and look forward to new, fun, shiny stuff, but sometimes, we must look back and make sure we didn’t miss something. Look through your business meeting notes (you have business meeting notes, yes?) Scan through your emails if you see unopened or unanswered mail. Even get the ball rolling by starting a conversation with a club member or someone you met at a TLI. By connecting, recognizing, and appreciating the past year, what you’ve done and what you just need to finish up, you’ll lighten your load for 2025.

And, 2025 is going to be FUN!

On a Monday in October, my wonderful Toastmasters friend asked for help with two problems she was having on the Free Toast Host (FTH) website for her club.

Challenge #1: she created a special kind of agenda that included a panel discussion, unintentionally deleted it, and did not know how to get it back. After trial and error, I found the solution. It is possible to ‘undelete’ an agenda because FTH saves deleted agendas for at least 30 days.

Challenge #2: how to apply the desired meeting agenda template to all future meetings. After more trial and error, we solved this problem. Later that night I texted “Thank you for asking me to help you solve the FTH puzzle. It challenged me to take what I know and teach it well.”

Reflecting on this adventure, I am thinking how we are approaching the halftime of the Toastmasters year and what we have accomplished as the District. Many of us have made progress in our club’s goals, whether it is having all seven officers trained during the summer, completing a level in Pathways, delivering an icebreaker, gaining new members, and perhaps something else. As the Club Growth Director, my goals are to introduce more people to Toastmasters while motivating people on my team to go beyond their comfort zones to try something new. Overcoming fear of cold calling and learning to listen to key decision makers before offering Toastmasters as a solution is the skill I am practicing.

As we approach the end of 2024, it is important to celebrate what we have accomplished and think about the next goal and steps we can take to reach it. Complete another Pathways level. Have all seven officers trained in the winter. Mentor and help a new member give the icebreaker speech. For my part, I am intent on chartering at least one club before the first quarter of 2025 ends. Along the way, I plan to give people every opportunity to contribute to that goal and become more confident.

When my friend reached out to me, I got to practice problem solving. I encourage you to seek opportunities to challenge yourselves. Reach out to me, and I will give you those opportunities. Keep your focus on progress; help those in your life achieve their goals and remember to celebrate the wins, no matter how small they are.

Holiday Greetings fellow District 35 Toastmasters,

As we approach the end of 2024, this time of year often brings moments of gratitude and reflection. Spending time with family, friends, and colleagues reminds me how thankful I am for the opportunities I’ve embraced—whether in my career, through music, or in my involvement with Toastmasters.

The holiday season is always a balancing act. I find myself managing year-end work processes, planning for the year ahead, and fulfilling family commitments, all while enjoying evenings filled with band and choral rehearsals, holiday concerts, and the camaraderie and learning I gain from fellow Toastmasters at club meetings. Each of these pursuits has brought joy and growth, enriching my life in countless ways.

Looking ahead, 2025 will mark my 10th year as a Toastmaster. When I first attended the organizational meeting of my home club NM Speaks!, I had no idea about the journey I was about to embark on or that I’d still be reflecting on it a decade later. Like many who join, I initially had specific goals, expecting to achieve them and move on. Instead, Toastmasters exceeded my expectations. It has offered opportunities for growth and connection I hadn’t anticipated. Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of a lesson my parents instilled in me: If you’re going to do something, be committed and do it right.

Personal development is all about taking that next step, even when it feels uncertain. Early in my Toastmasters journey, a mentor encouraged me to attend a speech contest. With no plans that evening, I decided to go. When the Area Director asked if I’d help as a timer, I hesitated but agreed. That small decision became a ‘next step’ on my journey.

Taking any first step, as an infant or as an adult, is a significant milestone often accompanied by uncertainty. Yet, with the encouragement of family, friends, and mentors, we find the courage to move forward. In Toastmasters, these steps might include visiting a club, giving your first speech, volunteering at a meeting or contest, or taking on a club officer role. Each step, no matter how small, builds momentum and leads to growth.

With further reflection, I’m reminded of the transformative power of all the steps we take in life, big and small. They’ve taught me to embrace opportunities and stay committed to growth.

As we close out this year and look toward 2025, I encourage you to take your next step, whatever it might be. Whether it’s a small step or a giant leap, each one brings you closer to achieving your goals and discovering new possibilities.

Here’s to a year of growth, gratitude, and new beginnings. Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful New Year!