Eat some pie. Talk to a favorite cousin. Find a new direction. Eat more pie.

The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on what we might want to accomplish in the upcoming new year. There are so many opportunities out there just waiting for each of us. Half the battle is finding the right one. The other half is doing something about it.

If you need a change in life, use these occasions to find a new direction and don’t be afraid to enlist friends and family. Although they might drive you a bit crazy, they can also be a valuable source of advice and support. 

One holiday, when I was a kid, I remember watching two of my uncles sitting together on the porch. We had finished off the turkey hours earlier, but they continued to sit out there, side by side, until they called it a night. One uncle with a beer in his hand, the other with a cup of coffee. I'm not sure what they talked about, but there's no doubt that time was special to them.

I now find moments like that showing up in my life, typically brought on by events that have reunited me with significant people from my past. Yes, holiday gatherings can be hectic, but they often provide for conversations with loved ones that would not happen any other time of the year. If you find yourself in one of these situations, make the most of those small moments away from the rest of the world. Share what's happening in your life with someone who understands you in a way no one else can. Seek their advice while you're able. And, if you don’t need anything, perhaps be on the lookout for someone else this holiday season who could use a friendly ear and a little support.

With that in mind, I hope you eat more than you should and enjoy the time with the company you are keeping.

Do you have any suggestion on how to make the most of the holidays?

====================================================

Eddie Prentiss is the founder of Creageless- The Community for Creatives over 40and Brainco-The Minneapolis School of Advertising and Design. Currently he is an Executive Creative Director at Stratacomm in Washington D.C. His client experience includes Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Target, General Mills, PepsiCo and Subway. 

Eddie is a past recipient of the Minneapolis 40 under 40 award. Now that he is over 40, through his work with Creageless, he's an advocate for older members in creative industries who are transitioning careers, starting new businesses or struggling with ageism.