Cheers!

In German Christmas is often referred to as the "holiday of love", i.e. the time we spend with our loved ones whom we give gifts to. Even though I literally only exchange gifts with a handful of people these days (for which fact I am indeed thankful) it is definitely the time of year when I am at my most sentimental and generous and think of less privileged others more than usual. Charitable organisations know this and in the month of December I probably found letters encouraging me to donate money in my postbox every day. Last week, I gave a tiny box of Lindt chocolates with "Thank You" on the cover to my favourite "barista" at our office canteen. She is a young Slovak girl who, unlike the other staff, is not only friendly and quick, but who also remembers the orders of her regulars, one of which I am. I really appreciate the fact that she knows what type of coffee I want and just gives me a nod to ask if it will be the usual. When I got my coffee I handed her the symbolic thank you and she beamed from one ear to the other, clearly pleased by my gesture. Small things like a compliment or friendly smile can contribute to make someone's day, provided they are sincere and not come across like copy/paste smalltalk.