Monday Campaigns. This Monday: Make December a Month of Gratitude and Connection

December 2, 2024 / Get Well

As the year winds down, December offers a unique opportunity to reflect, connect, and express gratitude. At the NOVA Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW), we encourage you to consider how simple acts of appreciation can enhance your emotional and social wellbeing. We invite you to start December strong by preparing acts of appreciation before the winter break begins.

Gratitude isn’t just a seasonal tradition—it’s a wellness practice that benefits both the giver and the receiver. By showing thanks, we foster stronger connections, create a positive work culture, and end the year on a high note. With the NOVA December holiday closure approaching, there’s no better time than now to plan ahead and make the most of this meaningful season.

Mark your calendar for December’s gratitude Opportunities

  • December is Write A Friend Month.
    Kick off the month by strengthening connections. Write a note to a colleague, mentor, or friend sharing how they’ve inspired you.

    • Prompt: “What’s one way their support made your job easier or more enjoyable this year?”
  • December 4 is Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day.
    Highlight the amazing contributions of your team or an individual colleague through NOVAfy or Teams Praise. Celebrate accomplishments that have made a difference in your workplace. Whether it’s their creativity, leadership, or behind-the-scenes support, let them know their efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

    • Your Feedback is Valuable: OEWW wants to hear from you! We’ve created a short survey to gather your feedback on NOVAfy. Tell us what you think and help us “up our recognition game” and continue to enhance the NOVA employee recognition experience.
  • December  15–21 is Tell Someone They’re Doing a Good Job Week. Is this really a recognized observance? Yep… informal, but it’s real!
    Although many may not be on campus much during this week, you can prepare in advance! Write and deliver your notes of encouragement now. Use NOVAfy or Teams Praise to share a quick message celebrating someone’s contributions. Simple words like, “I see your hard work, and I appreciate you,” can go a long way.
  • December  26 is Thank You Note Day. Are you for real? This is not a real observance. Yes, it is!
    Why not get a head start? Take a moment now to prepare thoughtful thank-you notes for those who’ve made an impact this year. Whether handwritten, emailed, or a quick video message, these gestures will mean the world.

Why gratitude matters for wellness
When we practice gratitude, we experience a range of benefits:

By making gratitude part of your routine, you contribute to a culture of kindness and connection that uplifts everyone at NOVA.

This Monday’s Tip
Start your week with a Gratitude Action:

  1. Send a NOVAfy or Teams Praise message to a colleague who has inspired or supported you.
  2. Reflect on three things you’re grateful for this year—big or small.
  3. Begin drafting your December “job well done,” “thank-yous” and letters to friends. A little planning now ensures meaningful gestures later.

This Monday, let’s embrace the spirit of giving—not just gifts, but also words of appreciation that have the power to brighten someone’s day. Together, we can make December a month of meaningful connections.

A diverse group of people in a modern office setting exchanging thank-you notes, smiles, and small gifts. The environment is bright and inclusive, featuring simple decor like potted plants and contemporary furnishings. A laptop and smartphone display virtual messages of appreciation, emphasizing both traditional and digital expressions of gratitude. The text "Thank You" is clearly visible, symbolizing appreciation and connection. There is a logo for The Monday Campaigns. Additional text is “This Monday’s Tip: Start your week with a Gratitude Action” and December- A Month of Meaningful Connections.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu