Seasons Greeting to all! The Communications Committee kindly invited me to share a few thoughts as we approach the holiday season. For some, it is a slow season, while for others, it is just as busy as the non-holiday season. Whatever category you fall into, here are a few holiday dos and don'ts for legal professionals who want to stay merry and bright this season, while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. 

Here are some “Dos” if you wish:

• Do get into the festive spirit. You can do this by decorating your office with tasteful holiday cheer - think elegant wreaths, twinkling lights, and a petite tree, garland and more. We’d love to see your decorations, so take pictures and post them in the AAERT Discussion Group on Facebook!
• Do attend the office holiday party and mingle merrily with colleagues. 
• Do share your festivities this whole month. A bit of cheer in our profession can go a long way! Do have some drinks if you like, though this also goes to the Don’ts section!
• Do dance if the chance arises; show us your moves! 
• Do give thoughtful gifts to valued clients and co-workers but keep it minimal to avoid any impropriety. A nice bottle of wine or gourmet goodies or a potted plant always brings joy! 
• Do send personalized holiday cards and ecards to your professional network to express your warm wishes and gratitude. 
• Do take some well-deserved time off to relax and recharge with family and friends. 
• Do give back by volunteering your time or making charitable donations, which is truly what the holidays are all about. 
• Do dress in your holiday best for parties and events. We are professionals; keep that ugly sweater and that beautiful maxi dress tasteful and professional. 

Here are some important “Don’ts” to be cognizant of: 

• Don’t go overboard with ugly Christmas sweaters or racy red minidresses. 
• Don't overindulge in the spiked eggnog; you can get "crunk" at home. 
• Don’t get too loose on the dance floor; we want to see your moves but don’t need to take you away in an ambulance for getting too "jiggy" with it and harming yourself. 
• Don’t give expensive gifts to look like bribery or something other than a kind thought. It’s also important to remember that some firms do not accept anything other than a nice card. 
• Don't completely disconnect from urgent client needs, unless you have someone in place as your backup. This is a year-round industry! 
• Don't discuss politics at holiday gatherings unless you want some heated dinner debate! 
• Don’t exclude anyone. Keep in mind not everyone celebrates certain holidays, so unless you know someone’s preference, keep it generic with something like “Happy Holidays.” This is specifically important with clients. 
• Don't blow your yearly budget on extravagant gifts or lavish parties - moderation is key.

Hope you enjoyed and Happy Holidays! Soak up the magic of the season, count your blessings, and head into the new year feeling merry and motivated. To all our legal professionals, may 2025 bring you all ultimate peace, blessings, happiness and prosperity! 

- Shaylah Kiser, CDR, CER

Kiser’s Legal Support Solutions

Editor's Note: Welcome to Members' Corner, a series of blog posts dedicated to amplifying the voices of our professional community. In each installment, we invite one of our AAERT members to share their unique insights, experiences, and perspectives on both industry-specific topics and broader themes that inspire thought and connection. Our goal is simple: to create a space for engagement and reflection that enriches us all. By exploring the diverse viewpoints within our membership, we aim to broaden our horizons, challenge our assumptions, and spark new ideas that make us not only better professionals but also more thoughtful collaborators and individuals.

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