December arrives with a flurry of activity from holiday shopping, decorating, travel plans, and endless to-do lists. For me, this year feels especially full. As I’m preparing for my son’s return from college, I want everything to be just right. I’m planning his favorite meals and transforming his room back to what it was before he left (we all know what happens to those rooms when kids go off to school!)
My daughter will also be home, spending more time with us than usual day to day. I’m already planning the puzzle we’ll do together and thinking about the movies we’ll watch. These simple moments are what make the season feel special.
Adding to the joy, my brother and nephews moved to Florida this year, so our home will be even fuller. That means our Italian traditions will feel more meaningful, especially since these young men are already requesting the dishes they remember from holidays past.
Professionally, December is a season of strategy. We’ve already had several days of planning for the year ahead, all while pushing to achieve the goals we set for this year. It’s a balancing act, trying to create space for both family and future vision.
The season can feel overwhelming, even daunting, as we juggle personal commitments and year-end responsibilities. It’s easy to get swept up in the noise. Yet, I’m reminded that the beauty of this time isn’t in perfection; it’s in presence.
Beneath the chaos, December carries quiet wisdom.
As the year comes to a close, I’m also reminded that December signals an ending. An ending to a year filled with successes, challenges, and growth. But endings do not close the door; they open new possibilities. They mark transitions and create space for reflection and renewal. In this final month, I feel compelled to pause, honor the journey, and embrace the grace of closure while looking forward to what’s ahead.
Finding Stillness in the Rush
In the midst of the hustle, I am reminded of the true reason for the season: the birth of Christ. For me, Christmas is not just about traditions or gifts; it’s about the gift of grace and hope that entered the world through the Christ child. That truth brings peace to the chaos and centers my heart on what matters most. From that place of peace, I look for opportunities to give. Supporting organizations that help those most in need and finding ways to brighten the season for my own employees.
This perspective reframes the season for me as a leader, mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Family can bring its own relationship challenges, but it’s a blessing. And I’m reminded that the greatest gifts aren’t material; they’re the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the mission that drives us forward. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and grateful for every milestone, and I look forward with faith and courage to the opportunities and challenges that await us.
Looking Ahead with Intention
As the calendar turns, I’m not drawn to resolutions but to intention. Resolutions often fade because they rarely form lasting habits. Intention, however, is deliberate.
Intention just so happened to be my word for 2025. As I step into 2026, I’m asking myself: Have I been intentional with my life, my time, my work, my habits, my energy, my words, and my actions?
The truth is, there are areas where I’ve missed the mark. And although the Italian Catholic in me struggles with guilt, I need to recognize those moments are not about guilt, they are about growth. They frame how I move forward, reminding me that intention requires awareness and adjustment.
New Year is an opportunity to ask deeper questions:
- What impact do I want to make?
- What strengths can I amplify?
- How can I honor the calling placed on my life and work?
For me, this is about aligning purpose with action and living out my faith in the way I lead, serve, and show up for others.
Turning Reflection into Action
This season isn’t just personal; it’s also organizational. At ReEmployAbility, December is a time to listen to our clients, our employees, and the injured workers who participate in our program. The insights from our client and employee engagement surveys, along with the feedback from injured workers, serve as catalysts for the initiatives that will shape the year ahead. These conversations help us see clearly what matters most to those we serve and to those who make our mission possible.
Last week, our leadership team dedicated two full days to reflect on what worked, where we grew, and the challenges that strengthened us over the past year. We celebrated successes, examined obstacles, and charted a course for the future. This included selecting our next “Word of the Year,” a guiding theme that will inspire and align us throughout 2026.
In 2025, our company’s “Word of the Year” was Connect, and it successfully drove improvement in key areas. We saw measurable results in every aspect of human connection within our business – connection with customers, employees, injured workers, and with each other. It’s proof that intentional focus can and will create meaningful change.
I’m excited to reveal our new word in January!
The Invitation December Offers
So, amid chaos, December whispers an invitation:
- Pause. Step back from the rush.
- Reflect. Honor what has passed.
- Reset. Make space for what’s next.
Because every ending is a beginning in disguise. And the horizon ahead? It’s glowing with possibility.
