Letters to Santo Claus

As the self-appointed moderator of workplace Holiday Cheer, I received a lot of correspondence this year from several furtive fans. I thought I would share some of them, along with my responses.

To Whom It May Concern:

Potter here! It’s Christmas time, and you know what that means. Time for another scam to make more money and take over more businesses. This time, I won’t let any George Bailey’s get in my way. If you know of any opportunities, please send them my way. There’s a nice commission in it for you, but don’t expect me to pay as I have plenty of ways around any bogus agreement we might strike.

Signed,

Henry F. Potter

Dear Mr. Potter:

I’m sorry but the folks in my community aren’t interested in doing business with you. We still very much believe that character matters in business. I know it’s pretty old fashioned but I’m kinda surprised you never believed in those values. I know it got you pretty far in your career and in your bank account, but I gotta wonder how far it got you in life.Are you able to sleep at night and look at yourself in the mirror during the day? Hope so. In any case, try to have a Merry Christmas. Maybe take a break from the grift and swindling for the Holidays?

Best,

The Practical Prof (TPP)

• • •

Hey, Santo Claus,

Bet no one’s ever called you that before!Are you as rolly-polly and old as the real Santa? Just kidding! But, that’s what the adult Scut would have said if someone hadn’t made me accountable when I was a bully. Ralphie did and it made a difference — a big difference. I can only imagine how hard I would have made life at work for anyone I felt threatened by. Now, I deal with my insecurities head-on. Instead of projecting them on others, I talk about them. I continue to take on new opportunities to learn and grow in my job as a police officer. I think it makes me a better cop, one people don’t have to be afraid of. Unless, of course, they’re doing something wrong! So, don’t do anything wrong, and have a great Holiday Season!

Signed,

Scut Farkus

Scut,

So nice to hear from you!And, I’m so glad life turned out so well for you. You’re right, though, when bullies in the school yard aren’t held accountable, they become bullies in the board room or the government.And, that’s a terrible thing for everyone involved. Everyone has some level of insecurity; it’s great that you found a way to manage yours. It’s wonderful that you’re among the police officers that communities respect and appreciate! Thanks for reaching out, and have a Happy Hanukkah!

Best,

Santo Claus

• • •

Dear The Practical Prof,

After putting it off for years, I started talk therapy. Thanks to our EAP, the past six months have been very eye-opening to say the least! Getting in touch with my inner child helps me understand why I’ve been so green with envy. Without getting too personal, let’s just say there were a lot of unresolved “feels” around growing up as an “only” I realize now that my two moms did their very best. Having no one my age to talk to, I kept everything inside. Not anymore! I’m talking to my partner (yes, married and happy) and friends. I’ve promised the people I work with will be more optimistic and positive. They’re going to see a friendlier manager who wants to earn their trust when we get back to work in January! It’s really going to be the ‘most wonderful time” of my year! Same for you!

Signed,

Ethan (formerly known as The Grinch)

Dear Ethan,

I like that a lot better than your other name. Good for you!As an “only” myself, I totally understand. It’s amazing isn’t it? I mean the objectivity and non-judgmental perspective alone is worth it. I look forward to hearing about how things go when you’re back at work. I know your team will be excited to work with and get to know the real you. Happy Christmas!

Best,

TPP

• • •

Dear TPP,

What a life I’ve had. It didn’t start out great, but it sure is ending well. I never imagined that growing up with trauma and abuse as a child would affect my life as an adult. I shut out everyone and everything because it was too painful to be vulnerable. I knew I was being mean to Cratchit, I knew he feared me; but, I didn’t know how to be any other way. Can you imagine that, being afraid of your boss? That’s no way to live, let alone work. If it weren’t for those dreams, I shudder to think. I learned so much from that experience. I never would have thought that an old curmudgeon like me would ever get a second chance. It’s what Christmas means to me! Have yourself a merry little Christmas, young lad!

Signed,

Eb Scrooge

Dear Eb,

You deserved a second chance. Everyone does. It’s never too late to stand up, speak up, go in a different direction, make a change. That’s the beauty of being human. We have unlimited capacity and opportunity to become our potential. And, from that Christmas dinner you ultimately had with Bob and his family, I can see you found yours!

PS I’m far from a “young lad,” but thanks!!

Next Column:

New Year, New Series… Stay tuned!

Dr. Santo D. Marabella, The Practical Prof, is a professor emeritus of management at Moravian University and hosts the podcast “Office Hours with The Practical Prof … and Friends.” His latest book, “The Lessons of Caring” is written to inspire and support caregivers (available in paperback and eBook). Website: ThePracticalProf.com; Twitter: @PracticalProf; Facebook: ThePracticalProf.H