2023 Happiness Challenges

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Jump Start January

January is the month of new beginnings so that you can be the best version of yourself for the whole year.

Don't focus on being the best, just focus on bringing your best in everything that you can do.
-Alan Stein Jr.

  • Do you focus on bringing your best, in all that you do?

  • What gets in the way of you bringing your best in everything that you do?

  • What habits can you build on today that will help you always focus on bringing your best?

Spark's News

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Each week to jump start January we’ll be adopting a new positive habit.

‍WEEK ONE | POSITVE NOTES
Each day, take 2 minutes to text, email or write a handwritten note to someone you know praising or thanking them. Keep the notes short - only 2-3 lines. Pick someone new each day.

‍WEEK TWO | PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Write down 3 things you are grateful for each day. Consider posting them in your office or sharing them with someone you know. If you’re doing this challenge together as a team, consider posting gratitudes on a board in your office or school.
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‍WEEK THREE | RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
Surprise someone by doing something nice for them. Pick one small meaningful act to do for a new person each day. Some examples: Surprise road workers with coffee and donuts, pay for someone’s toll behind you, run an errand for a friend, leave a Post-it note with a positive message on someone’s computer screen.

KEEP TRACK OF PROGRESS
‍The key is to do the Challenge for 21days. Try to do it every day, but if you miss a day, just pick right back up. Check off the days as you go. You can do it!

  • New Year’s Day
    ‍    Your office may be closed on January 1st, so schedule this event for the next business day. Decorate your space with year-specific party items (think hats, funny glasses, and more), and encourage attendees to set serious and silly resolutions.

  • National Popcorn Day
    ‍    This holiday is observed every year on January 19th, which happens to fall on Friday in 2018. End the week on a high note by renting a popcorn popper and doling out bags of crunchy kernels to your employees. Encourage them to get creative with different toppings, such as cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and more.

  • National Puzzle Day
    ‍    If your office tends towards the more sedate and thoughtful, mark your calendar for January 29th. Experienced event producers can help you plan a Mystery Puzzle Game your team will never forget. Host a more low-key celebration by placing jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and sudoku puzzles in the breakroom, or by offering silly prizes for such awards as “Fastest Puzzle Builder” or “Largest Puzzle Completed.” Don’t forget to recognize the winners again at your company’s annual awards party

Feel Good February

Feel Good February was created to encourage and inspire people to initiate conscious acts of kindness for their fellow family, friends, work colleagues and community members.

There has been extensive research to prove that ‘giving out good’ not only benefits the receiver but also increases the happiness of the giver.

There’s mental happiness and physical benefits for all involved. It is a win-win situation! In our fast-changing world, there seems to be a lot of negative news that we are exposed to. Feel Good February is here to bring a ray of brightness and light into the world and and it’s done by YOU increasing your levels of happiness. Join the movement!

No Act of Kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted
‍-Aesop

  • How does it impact your world when you give and receive kindness?

  • How does feeling appreciated motivate you to give that feeling to someone else?

  • What ways can you be intentional about making conscious acts of kindness a part of your daily practice?

  • Groundhog Day
    We could all use a little more Bill Murray in our lives. Play the movie on repeat in your breakroom and place a stuffed squirrel on the reception desk to really get in the spirit of this winter holiday.

  • Valentine’s Day
    ‍    Celebrate Valentine’s Day not as a holiday of romantic love but as an opportunity for employees to say thank you to those in the office who have helped them throughout the year. Encourage your staff to trade dollar-store Valentine’s Day cards, or pack your conference table with craft supplies and offer a prize for the most creative valentine’s.

  • Mardi Gras
    Held 47 days before Easter, this holiday is also known as Fat Tuesday and is marked in New Orleans as a pre-Lenten celebration of indulgence. Decorate your office in purple, yellow and green, play New Orleans jazz music on the office speakers and serve a king cake at lunch. Whoever finds the baby (traditionally hidden within the cake) wins a special prize.

Meaningful March

Meaningful March is a reminder of the importance of finding purpose in our lives. Without meaning, we may feel directionless and unfulfilled. But by identifying our values and passions, we can create a sense of purpose that drives us towards happiness and success. Whether it's through volunteering, pursuing a meaningful career, or simply spending time with loved ones, finding meaning in our daily lives can bring a sense of joy and fulfillment that lasts far beyond just one month. So let's embrace Meaningful March as an opportunity to reflect on our goals and values, and commit to living a life filled with purpose and meaning.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away
‍- Pablo Picasso

  • What does the concept of "meaningful" mean to you?

  • What impact does a sense of meaning have on your overall happiness and well-being?

  • How can you help others find meaning in their own lives?

Spark's News

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Activity Ideas‍

  • Setting personal and professional goals for the month.
  • Creating a gratitude journal and writing in it daily.
  • Volunteering at a local charity or community event.
  • Taking on a new hobby or skill that promotes personal growth.
  • Having deep conversations with friends or family about life and happiness.
  • Reading books or attending workshops that inspire personal development.
  • Spending time in nature and appreciating the beauty around you.
  • Practicing mindfulness and meditation to increase self-awareness and clarity.
  • Participating in a social media challenge that promotes positivity and self-reflection.
  • Donating to a cause that aligns with your personal values and beliefs.

  • Pi Day
    On March 14th, break out the pie. A play on the digit “pi,” which begins at 3.14, this holiday is a great opportunity to put your office’s baking skills to the test. Have kitchen-savvy staff members bake their best recipes and let the entire office vote on the winning entry.

  • St. Patrick’s Day
    Deck the office in green and play Irish music throughout the office. If you’re feeling extra involved, hide bags of gold coins throughout the office and send employees on a scavenger hunt set up by “leprechauns.” We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether or not to bring in the green beer…

  • World Happiness Day
    March 20, 2023. The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on 20 March. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012. The International Day of Happiness aims to make people around the world realize the importance of happiness within their lives. Host a series of happiness events around the work-place.

  • World Frog Day
    March 20, 2023. The International Day of Happiness also happens to be world frog day. Contact us at ITLN to purchase some frog swag for your offices or perhaps get the team some orange frog happiness tees

  • First Day of Spring
    Especially if you live in a seasonal climate with harsh winters, make the first day of spring a major occasion. Leave a small green plant or potted flower on every employee’s desk to take home, and serve flower-shaped cookies (or other symbolic spring foods) in the breakroom. Go all out by bringing in event pros to host a day of activities that offer as many thrills as all your childhood field days and recesses combined.

Active April

Active April is all about embracing physical activity as a means to promote happiness and well-being. We all know that exercise is good for us, but the benefits extend far beyond just the physical. Research has shown that being active can improve our mood, reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-confidence, and even enhance our cognitive abilities. In fact, studies have found that regular exercise can be just as effective as medication in treating depression.

Being active doesn't have to mean running marathons or spending hours in the gym. It can be as simple as going for a walk, riding a bike, dancing around your living room, or playing with your kids or pets. The key is to find something that you enjoy and can make a regular part of your routine.

Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.
‍- Carol Welch

During Active April, we want to encourage everyone to take a step towards a healthier and happier lifestyle by incorporating more physical activity into their daily lives. To help you get started, here are three questions to consider:

  • How can you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine?

  • What types of physical activity bring you joy and how can you do more of them?

  • Who can you invite to join you in being active this month and how can you support each other?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Take a daily walk outside in nature for 15 minutes.
  • Try a new fitness class, like yoga or dance.
  • Join a local sports team or league.
  • Take up a new hobby that involves physical activity, such as rock climbing or cycling.
  • Play a game of pick-up basketball or soccer with friends.
  • Go for a hike in a nearby park or nature reserve.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible.
  • Go swimming or do water aerobics at your local pool.
  • Attend a group fitness class, like Zumba or spin.
  • Play with your pets or children outside, such as throwing a frisbee or kicking a soccer ball.

  • April Fool’s Day
    Consider your office culture carefully before making this an official company celebration. If you think it’ll suit your staff, offer prizes for the best appropriate in-office pranks. Just be clear – no destruction of property or personal injuries allowed!

  • National Walking Day
    On April 5th, lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement! Celebrate National Walking Day by organizing a group walk with your coworkers or friends, and enjoy the health benefits of this low-impact exercise.

  • World Health Day
    April 7, 2023. World Health Day is celebrated every year on the founding day of the World Health Organization. This day highlights the importance of global health and well-being. Organize a health fair or wellness workshop at your workplace to promote healthy habits and lifestyles.

  • Earth Day
    Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd. Pair this holiday with an Arbor Day outing on April 28th, and volunteer as a team at an environmental charity. It’s a great way to give back while building office camaraderie.

  • World Penguin Day
    Take your World Penguin Day (celebrated on April 25th) celebrations as silly or as extreme as you like. Encourage team members to dress in all black and white, give a prize for the best penguin waddle, or – if you’re feeling generous – symbolically adopt an Emperor Penguin through the World Wildlife Foundation to be your new office mascot.

Mindful May

It is Mindful May, where we focus on embracing conscious acts of kindness and mindfulness in our daily lives. This month, let's dedicate ourselves to being present, aware, and considerate of the world around us. By practicing mindfulness and kindness, we can create a positive impact on ourselves, our loved ones, and even strangers. Let's make this May a month of compassion and self-improvement.

We hope this inspires you to embrace mindfulness and kindness throughout the month. Remember, even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.

Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.
‍- Henry James

  • In what ways can I practice mindfulness and kindness in my daily life? How can I incorporate them into my routine?

  • How can being more mindful and kind affect my relationships and overall well-being?

  • What are some situations where it might be challenging to be mindful and kind? How can I approach these moments with compassion?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Start a daily meditation practice to improve your mindfulness and self-awareness.
  • Write a kind note or message to someone you appreciate and let them know how much they mean to you.
  • Volunteer at a local organization to give back to your community.
  • Make a conscious effort to give compliments to people around you.
  • Practice active listening when talking to friends, family, or colleagues.
  • Perform a random act of kindness each week.
  • Create a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for every day.
  • Reduce your environmental footprint by adopting more eco-friendly habits.
  • Set aside time each day to unplug from technology and focus on being present in the moment.
  • Educate yourself about different cultures and perspectives to promote understanding and empathy.

  • International Workers' Day
    May 1st
    A day to honor the contributions of workers worldwide and advocate for fair labor practices.
    Organize a team-building activity to promote collaboration and appreciation among colleagues.

  • Star Wars Day
    May 4th
    Celebrate the iconic sci-fi franchise with the famous catchphrase, "May the 4th be with you!"
    Host a Star Wars-themed lunch break with trivia and a costume contest for employees to participate in.

  • Cinco de Mayo
    May 5th
    Commemorate Mexico's victory at the Battle of Puebla by enjoying Mexican culture, food, and traditions.
    Set up a potluck lunch with Mexican dishes and share interesting facts about Mexican culture and history.

  • International Nurses Day
    May 12th
    Show your appreciation for the hard work and dedication of nurses everywhere.
    Invite a local nurse to speak about their experiences and the importance of self-care in the workplace.

  • Mother's Day
    ‍May 14th
    Celebrate and honor the amazing mothers and mother figures in your life.
    Create a "Wall of Gratitude" in the office where employees can write notes of appreciation for their mothers or mother figures.
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  • International Day for Biological Diversity
    May 22nd
    Recognize the importance of conserving the world's diverse ecosystems and species.
    Host a lunch-and-learn session about the importance of biodiversity and how the office can be more eco-friendly.

  • Memorial Day
    ‍May 29th
    Honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
    Set up a "Memory Wall" for employees to share stories and photos of loved ones who served in the military.

Jiggish June

This month is all about being aware of our bodies and using them to their fullest potential. Just like our minds, our bodies require nurturing and attention. Too often, we get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to move, stretch, or even take a deep breath. This June, we're going to change that.
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Remember, the goal of Jiggish June is not to become an athlete overnight, but rather to be more mindful of the movements we make each day. Happy moving!

In movement there is life. In change there is power.
‍- Alan Cohen

  • How often do you consciously decide to move your body each day? What activities do you usually engage in?

  • What physical activities make you feel the most joyful and alive? Why do you think that is?

  • How does your body feel before, during, and after physical activity? Do you notice any changes in your mood or energy levels?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Try a new sport or physical activity that you've never tried before.
  • Set a goal to achieve a certain number of steps each day.
  • Have a dance party in your living room - either solo or with family/friends.
  • Join a local fitness group or class.
  • Take breaks during your workday to stand, stretch or walk around.
  • Go for a walk or jog in a nearby park.
  • Try yoga or pilates, focusing on the connection between movement and breath.
  • Plant a garden or help out in a community garden.
  • Have a water balloon fight on a hot day.
  • Spend time each day playing with a pet if you have one, or volunteer at a local animal shelter.

  • National Go Barefoot Day
    June 1st
    Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sensation of the earth beneath your feet. Being barefoot can help you feel grounded and connected to the natural world.
    Kick off your shoes and spend the day working barefoot. Feel the sensation of the ground beneath your feet while at your standing desk, or flex your toes during a meeting. Being barefoot can help you feel grounded and connected, even in a bustling office.

  • Global Running Day
    June 7th
    Lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement (or the trail) for Global Running Day! Remember, it's not about the speed, it's about the motion.
    Lace up your running shoes and use your lunch break to go for a jog around the office building or nearby park. If that's not feasible, organize a quick relay race in a nearby open space with your colleagues. Remember, it's not about the speed, it's about the motion!

  • International Day of Yoga
    June 21st
    Celebrate by trying out a new yoga pose, or attending a local yoga class. If you're new to yoga, this is a great day to start!
    Arrange for an office-wide yoga session. If space allows, this could be done in a conference room or common area. If space is tight, there are many simple yoga stretches and postures that can be done right at your desk!

  • Great Outdoors Month
    All month long!
    This month-long event encourages everyone to explore the great outdoors. Go for a hike, swim in a lake, or have a picnic in a local park.
    Encourage your colleagues to take their lunch breaks outside, weather permitting. Maybe even organize a few "walking meetings" in nearby outdoor spaces. If you have office plants, spend a bit of time tending to them or consider starting an office herb garden in a sunny window.

Jubilant July

July, the heart of summer, is a time for warmth, light, and joy. This month, our focus is on jubilance - a quality of being extremely joyful and celebrating life in all its vibrancy. Let's focus on spreading as much happiness as possible, to ourselves and those around us. It's time to enjoy the sun, make memories, and revel in the joy of being alive.
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Let's make this July one filled with joy and jubilation. Spread the happiness and watch it come back to you in wonderful ways.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
-Mahatma Gandhi

  • What small things bring you the most joy, and how can you incorporate them more into your daily life?

  • Can you recall a time when you felt truly jubilant? What elements of that moment can you recreate now?

  • How can you bring joy to others around you this month, and how might that in turn enhance your own happiness?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Create a "Happiness Jar" where you note down happy moments and read them at the end of the month.
  • Organize a small gathering with your loved ones to celebrate the joy of being together.
  • Start a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things that made you happy.
  • Perform a random act of kindness every week.
  • Take a day off just to do things you love.
  • Share a happy memory or photo on social media.
  • Spend a day in nature - hiking, picnicking, or just laying in the park.
  • Learn a new, fun skill - like dancing, painting, or playing a musical instrument.
  • Make someone else's day by giving them a compliment.
  • Plan a 'Jubilant July' party at the end of the month, celebrating all the happiness shared and experienced.

  • Independence Day
    ‍July 4th
    A grand celebration of freedom and the spirit of America. Enjoy parades, fireworks, barbecues, and spread the happiness!
    Organize an office potluck where everyone brings a dish from a different culture represented in America. Encourage employees to share stories about their heritage.

  • World Chocolate Day
    ‍July 7th
    The sweetest day of the year! Indulge in your favorite chocolatey treat and share some with your loved ones.
    Set up a chocolate tasting station in the break room with different types of chocolates for everyone to sample and enjoy.

  • National Ice Cream Day
    ‍July 16th
    Enjoy a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream flavor and keep the summer heat at bay!
    Host an ice cream social! Bring in various flavors of ice cream and toppings and encourage employees to take a break and enjoy this sweet treat together.

  • International Day of Friendship
    July 30th
    ‍    Celebrate the bond of friendship. Send a heartfelt message to your friends or spend the day reminiscing about happy times.
    Host a 'Getting to Know You' session where team members share fun facts about themselves. Encourage employees to send appreciative emails or messages to their colleagues to strengthen bonds.

Amplify Awareness August

This month is all about cultivating presence, being in the moment, and extending our awareness towards those around us. Being mindful is not just about focusing on our internal state, but also about recognizing and understanding our surroundings. Let's take the time to be present, to truly listen, and to understand others.
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Remember, the journey to awareness and mindfulness is a continuous process. Enjoy the journey, amplify your awareness, and make the most of this beautiful month of August.

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.
‍-Thích Nhất Hạnh

  • When do you find yourself most in the present? How can you cultivate more of these moments?

  • What does being aware of others mean to you? How does it change your perspective?

  • Can you recall a time when someone was truly present with you? How did that make you feel?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Start a journal to track your moments of awareness each day.
  • Try a new mindfulness practice such as yoga or meditation.
  • Take a quiet walk in nature and notice all the sights, sounds, and smells around you.
  • Set aside 10 minutes each day to sit quietly and just breathe.
  • Practice active listening with a friend or family member.
  • Make a conscious effort to reduce distractions during conversations.
  • Dedicate a day to disconnect from digital devices.
  • Spend time each day reflecting on what you're grateful for.
  • Try to learn something new about someone you interact with regularly.
  • Attend a local community event and engage with those around you.

  • International Friendship Day
    August 4th
    A day to celebrate the bond of friendship, and a reminder to be mindful and appreciative of the friends we have.
    Celebrate the bond of friendship by having a team lunch or arranging a virtual hangout. This day is a reminder to be mindful and appreciative of our workmates.

  • Book Lovers Day
    August 9th
    Lose yourself in a good book and truly immerse yourself in the world of words.
    Organize an office book exchange or start a lunchtime book club. Diving into a good book encourages us to truly immerse ourselves in a different world and can help improve focus and mindfulness.

  • World Humanitarian Day
    August 19th
    Recognize the work of humanitarians worldwide, an excellent day to reflect on how we can extend our awareness and empathy towards others.
    Recognize the work of humanitarians worldwide by sharing inspiring stories or organizing a charity fundraiser in your office. This day is a perfect time to reflect on how we can extend our awareness and empathy towards others, even in our work environment.

  • National Dog Day
    August 26th
    Spend quality time with your furry friend, or volunteer at a local shelter. Animals have a lot to teach us about being present!
    If the office allows, create a "bring your dog to work" day. If not, you could share photos of your pets or organize a virtual "meet the pets" event. Spending quality time with animals or even just observing them can teach us a lot about being present in the moment.

Sociable September

As the leaves start to change and the cool breeze of fall begins, September invites us to reconnect with those we've lost touch with. As we inch closer to the end of the year, it's a beautiful time to reminisce, celebrate old memories, and create new ones. This month, let's focus on reaching out to old friends, nurturing our existing relationships, and celebrating the people who add color to our lives.
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May Sociable September bring warmth to your heart and remind you of the beauty of human connection. Spread love, joy, and positivity.

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
‍-Anais Nin

  • Who is one friend or family member I've lost touch with, and what fond memory do I share with them?

  • How do my relationships impact my overall well-being and happiness?

  • What qualities do I cherish most in a friend and how can I cultivate them in myself?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Send a handwritten letter to an old friend.
  • Organize a virtual reunion for friends or family.
  • Create a scrapbook or digital photo album celebrating your friendships.
  • Write a gratitude list, mentioning all the friends who've made a difference in your life.
  • Visit a place that holds a special memory with a friend or group of friends.
  • Start a book club or movie night with your friends.
  • Host a potluck dinner where every friend brings a dish that represents a memory.
  • Learn a new hobby or skill with a friend.
  • Volunteer together with a group of friends at a local charity or organization.
  • Set up a monthly catch-up date with someone you'd like to get to know better.

  • Labor Day
    September 4th
    A day to honor and celebrate workers and their immense contributions. Maybe give a shoutout to friends who've achieved milestones in their careers!
    ‍Organize a small office ceremony or luncheon to recognize and celebrate everyone's contributions. Each member can share one accomplishment they're proud of from the year.

  • International Literacy Day
    September 8th
    Celebrate the importance of literacy. A good day to share a book with a friend!
    ‍Host a mini book exchange or create a shared bookshelf in the office where employees can bring in their favorite books to share.

  • Grandparents Day
    September 10th
    Cherish the elderly in your life, sharing stories and making memories.
    ‍    Set up a "story booth" where employees can share or record their favorite stories or lessons learned from their grandparents. It can be a great way for team members to get to know one another on a deeper level.

  • World Gratitude Day
    September 21st
    A day to reflect on what we're thankful for. Perhaps send a message of gratitude to a friend or family member.
    Set up a "Gratitude Wall" where employees can pin notes of gratitude, thanking coworkers or expressing what they're grateful for.

Optimistic October

October, a month of vibrant colors and cooler weather, serves as a reminder of the beautiful changes life offers. As the leaves gracefully fall, let us embrace the power of positivity and optimism in our lives. This month, we focus on keeping happiness at the forefront of our minds, finding silver linings in every cloud, and spreading joy wherever we tread.

Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.
‍-Mary Lou Retton

  • What are three things that made you smile today?

  • How can you turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth or learning?

  • In moments of doubt, what thought or memory can you draw upon to uplift your spirits?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Start a gratitude journal and jot down three things you're thankful for every day.
  • Send a handwritten letter to a friend or family member, expressing your appreciation.
  • Spend an afternoon doing a fall-themed craft or DIY project that brings joy to your space.
  • Organize a positivity-themed movie night with classics that leave you feeling upbeat.
  • Take a nature walk, focusing on the beauty around you, and collecting colorful leaves.
  • Surprise a neighbor with a random act of kindness.
  • Volunteer at a local shelter or community event, spreading optimism through action.
  • Create a playlist of uplifting songs and share it with friends.
  • Host a virtual or in-person 'Optimistic October' storytelling night, where everyone shares an uplifting story.
  • Find a new book on positivity or personal growth and commit to reading it this month.

  • World Smile Day
    ‍October 1st
    A day dedicated to smiles and acts of kindness. Brighten someone's day!
    ‍Organize a "Compliment Exchange" where each colleague writes a positive note for another, and everyone gets to read theirs aloud.

  • Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
    ‍October 9th
    A day to recognize discovery and the diverse cultures that make up our history.
    ‍Host a "Cultural Potluck" where team members bring in dishes from their heritage or a culture they admire.

  • World Mental Health Day
    ‍October 10th
    A reminder of the importance of mental well-being and spreading positivity.
    ‍    Schedule a "Wellness Break" with calming activities like guided meditation, or bring in a guest speaker for a mental health workshop. members to get to know one another on a deeper level.

  • Halloween
    October 31st
    Embrace the magic of imagination and the joy of costumes. A day for fun, candy, and community.
    Have a "Costume Desk-oration" competition. Team members can decorate their desks in Halloween themes, and prizes can be awarded for creativity!

Neighborly November

As the leaves continue to fall and the air turns brisk, we warmly welcome you to Neighborly November! This month, we are placing a spotlight on the power of community, kindness, and the simple joys that come from connecting with those around us. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and find ways to share our gratitude and happiness with our neighbors. Whether they live next door or are part of our wider community, let’s make an effort to spread joy, create lasting bonds, and show our appreciation for the people in our lives.
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Let’s make Neighborly November a month to remember, filled with kindness, connection, and gratitude. Share your stories and experiences with us, and let’s inspire each other to make our communities stronger and happier!

Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.
‍‍-Frank A. Clark

  • What is one thing you are grateful for about your community or neighborhood?

  • How can you show kindness to a neighbor you haven’t connected with before?

  • Reflect on a time when a neighbor’s act of kindness made a difference in your life. How did it make you feel, and how can you pay it forward this month?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Bake and Share: Whip up a batch of cookies or a loaf of bread and share it with a neighbor.
  • Neighborly Notes: Leave kind and encouraging notes in your neighbors' mailboxes.
  • Lend a Hand: Offer to help a neighbor with yard work or other chores.
  • Host a Potluck: Organize a neighborhood potluck dinner to encourage community bonding.
  • Book Swap: Set up a mini book swap station at the end of your driveway.
  • Share a Skill: Offer to teach a neighbor a new skill, whether it's knitting, baking, or playing an instrument.
  • Game Night: Host a neighborhood game night, either in-person or virtually.
  • Pet Parade: Organize a fun neighborhood pet parade.
  • Gratitude Jar: Start a gratitude jar and invite neighbors to add notes of things they are thankful for.
  • Support Local: Organize a group to visit and support a local business or restaurant in your community.

  • All Saints' Day
    November 1st
    A day to honor and remember the saints, known and unknown.
    Encourage employees to share stories of people they admire for their virtues or contributions to the community, fostering a sense of inspiration and respect in the workplace.

  • Veterans Day
    November 11th
    A day to honor and thank all who have served in the military.
    Host a card-making session during lunch where employees can create thank you cards to send to a local veterans hospital or organization.

  • Thanksgiving Day
    November 23rd
    A day for feasting and giving thanks.
    Organize a potluck lunch where employees can bring in a dish to share, and take a moment to go around the table sharing one thing they are grateful for.

  • Black Friday
    November 24th
    The biggest shopping day of the year.
    Host a “Kindness Challenge,” encouraging employees to perform random acts of kindness throughout the day, whether it’s leaving a kind note on a coworker’s desk or bringing in treats for the team.

  • Small Business Saturday
    November 25th
    A day to support local small businesses.
    ‍Collaborate with a local small business for a pop-up shop or lunch event in the office, allowing employees to shop or enjoy local cuisine.

  • Cyber Monday
    November 27th
    The online counterpart to Black Friday.
    Set up a “Deal Sharing Board” where employees can post and share the best online deals they find, turning it into a fun and collaborative event.

Do Good December

This month is all about spreading kindness and joy through conscious acts of generosity and compassion. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in our own worlds, but a small act of kindness can make a world of difference. Let’s end the year on a high note by making an effort to do good in our communities and in the lives of those around us.
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Do Good December is all about spreading positivity and kindness. Whether it’s through small gestures or larger acts of generosity, every bit counts. Let’s make this month a time to remember and end the year on a note of compassion and goodwill. Happy December, everyone!

Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.
‍‍-Scott Adams

  • What are some small acts of kindness that have made a big impact in your life?

  • How can you make doing good a daily practice, even in the smallest ways?

  • Who in your life could use an extra dose of kindness this month, and how can you provide it?

Activity Ideas‍

  • Leave a positive note on a stranger’s car.
  • Pay for the person’s coffee in line behind you.
  • Donate clothes or toys to a local shelter.
  • Write a thank-you card to someone who has positively impacted your life.
  • Offer to help an elderly neighbor with their grocery shopping.
  • Bake cookies and deliver them to a local fire or police station.
  • Create care packages for the homeless and distribute them.
  • Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen.
  • Call a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
  • Leave a generous tip for a service worker.

  • Hanukkah
    December 7th - December 15th
    This Jewish festival lasts for eight nights and days, celebrating the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the Holy Temple. It’s marked by the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts.
    If you have colleagues who celebrate Hanukkah, you could organize a small menorah lighting ceremony in the office and offer traditional Hanukkah treats like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts).

  • Christmas Eve
    December 24th
    The anticipation of Christmas Day fills the air, and everyone is in high spirits. It’s a time for last-minute preparations and looking forward to the joy of the holiday.
    Allow employees to leave a few hours early if possible, as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for their hard work throughout the year.

  • Christmas Day
    December 25th
    A festive celebration filled with joy, presents, and quality time with loved ones. Even though Christmas Day might be spent with family, we can bring the Christmas cheer into the office!
    Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange where each person draws a name and buys a small, thoughtful gift for that colleague. Set a budget to keep things fair and fun. You could also decorate the office with holiday decorations to add to the festive atmosphere.

  • Boxing Day
    December 26th
    Traditionally a day to give to the less fortunate, Boxing Day is a time for charity and kindness.
    ‍Organize a donation drive in the office, collecting items for a local charity, shelter, or food bank.

  • Kwanzaa
    December 26th - January 1st
    A week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
    ‍Celebrate with a potluck where everyone brings in a dish to share, preferably something that represents their heritage or a traditional African dish.

  • New Year's Eve
    December 31st
    The perfect time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the good times, and welcome the year ahead with open arms. Let’s bid adieu to this year and ring in the new year with positivity!
    ‍Host a lunchtime or late afternoon gathering with sparkling cider and snacks. Encourage team members to share their favorite moments from the year or their goals for the upcoming year.