--- title: "The Case for a Human Holiday Season: Getting Back to Basics" description: Today I discuss my longing for Christmases past, and why going “back to basics” this time of year – in life and at work – could be your greatest gift! image: https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/shutterstock_172662389.jpg --- [![Donnelly-Group_Logo](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/Donnelly-Group_Logo.png "Donnelly-Group_Logo")](https://www.donnellyeffect.com) [(410) 212-4471](tel:4102124471) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/donnelly-effect/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/donnellyeffect) - About - [About Us](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us) - [What We Do](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-what-we-do) - [Who We Serve](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-who-we-serve) - [Our Executive Team](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-executive-team) - [Our Story](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-our-story) - Training - [Signature Service Programs](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs) - [Kickstart](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-kickstart) - [Impact](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-impact) - [Ignite](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-ignite) - [Training Types](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types) - [Executive Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-executive-leadership-development-workshops) - [Managers & Supervisors](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-manager-supervisor-training-workshops) - [Front-Line Employees](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-front-line-employee-development-training) - [Training Topics](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-topics) - [Customer Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/customer-service-training) - [Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/leadership-training) - [People Management](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/people-management-training) - [Service Culture](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/service-culture-training) - [Talent Selection & Hiring](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/talent-selection-hiring-training) - [Employee Onboarding](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/employee-onboarding-training) - [Training Delivery Methods](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-delivery-methods) - [Keynote Speaking](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/keynote-speaking) - Resources - [SPARKS! Blog](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog) - [Our Book: Unlock the Magic](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/unlock-the-magic) - [Book a Consultation](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/contact-us-donnelly-effect) #### SPARKS! Blog ### Subscribe to SPARKS! Blog ![SPARKS Blog Image-1](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/SPARKS%20Blog%20Image-1.jpg "SPARKS Blog Image-1") # SPARKS! Blog Get inspiration and ideas delivered right to your inbox! ##### Every year around this time, the industry starts coming up with ways to make this season “the most profitable time of year.” In times of uncertainty – like we’re arguably experiencing now, when spending is down and costs are high – the industry says that to reengage customers, we must invest in brand, marketing, and design. Or, to become *the* most renowned destination venue, we should debut a more innovative product. Hire more people. Tell a better story. The list goes on… Yes, these customer experience strategies work, when implemented at the right time and place. Heck, some of my most impactful trainings are built around [the benefits of storytelling](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/the-power-of-storytelling-in-customer-service). But what if this year, we take a step back? Before diving into some big, complicated, cross-departmental effort to be the best *anything,* maybe we thought a little bit smaller? **As more organizations veer toward sweeping pivots to win loyalty, I think it’s time we return to the basics instead**: the small, yet meaningful touches that make the biggest impact on the customer experience. ![shutterstock_172662389](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_172662389.jpg?width=3508&height=2514&name=shutterstock_172662389.jpg)   ### Doing Ordinary (Human) Things Exceptionally Well   During my time as a guest relations leader at The Walt Disney Company, I learned that **success comes from doing ordinary things exceptionally well … and consistently.** The Disney approach to quality service is echoed by Walt Disney himself, who says, “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.” This holiday season, avoid the urge to make big sweeping changes. Instead, start by identifying where you may have gone lax on the little things. Do you remember when the preparation for Christmas simply consisted of hanging stockings on the mantle? Long before it was about piles and piles of gifts under the tree, it was about simplistic gratitude. Today, the holiday is something much bigger, suggesting that the *fanciest, most expensive* family wins. And yet, among the huge piles of presents and bows that also are the norm at my house…somehow, the hanging of the stockings is still my favorite tradition. The same could be said for service organizations. The modern-day philosophy around “customer experience” has grown into something bigger. In many ways, this is a good thing, but that doesn’t mean we should forget its humble beginnings. The tried-and-true basics still mean something in service, as it’s the human connections that make an interaction memorable: looking customers in the eye, standing up straight, greeting people with a smile, saying “hello” and “goodbye.” ![american-christmas-traditions-gettyimages-487756624](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/american-christmas-traditions-gettyimages-487756624.jpg?width=2100&height=955&name=american-christmas-traditions-gettyimages-487756624.jpg) ### A Longing for Christmases Past Like my family will embrace nostalgia and enjoy the traditional holiday experiences this December, organizations can commit to reflecting these same “traditional" principles in their service throughout the holidays and beyond. There is surely a time and place for big sweeping changes – the rebrands, the stories, the process improvements. However, we have a natural tendency to seek out community and human connection, so **organizations that meet customers’ desires for human-centered experiences will be more successful at building and sustaining customer loyalty that extends far beyond the peak season.** #### This holiday season, let’s cut through the noise and just *be human*. #### From all of us here at The Donnelly Group,  we wish you a holiday full of joy and fellowship. See you next year! --- #### Want to be more EFFECTIVE? Follow us on the journey: - Follow us on TWITTER: [@DonnellyEffect](https://twitter.com/DonnellyEffect) - Follow us on LINKEDIN: [Donnelly Effect](https://www.linkedin.com/company/donnelly-effect) & [Mike Donnelly](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedonnellyeffect) - **SPARKS! Blog:** Subscribe on the upper right hand side of this page =)  *[Mike Donnelly ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-executive-team-michael-donnelly)is a recognized expert, [keynote speaker,](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/keynote-speaking) facilitator and consultant in customer service and leadership development. Leveraging 20+ years of experience from The Walt Disney Company, he and [his team](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-executive-team) help destination location clients and clients in various customer-facing industries [create customer loyalty](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-what-we-do) to achieve positive business results. Learn more at [www.DonnellyEffect.com.](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/)*   Topics: [Customer Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/customer-service) [Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/leadership) [Disney Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/disney-service) [Business Strategy](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/business-strategy) [Employee Engagement](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/employee-engagement) [Employee Experience](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/employee-experience) [Effective Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/effective-leadership) [WORK HAPPY](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/work-happy) #### Leave a Comment: #### Related posts - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&t=Line%20by%20Design:%20Why%20Great%20Guest%20Experiences%20Begin%20Before%20the%20Front%20Door) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&text=:%20) - [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&title=Line%20by%20Design:%20Why%20Great%20Guest%20Experiences%20Begin%20Before%20the%20Front%20Door&summary=) - [googleplus](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door) #### [Line by Design: Why Great Guest Experiences Begin Before the Front Door](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/line-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door) [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) | June 12, 2026 From physical lines to virtual holds, the way guests wait shapes how they feel long before the main experience begins. #### Related posts - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&t=The%20Human%20Advantage:%20Building%20Trust%20in%20a%20Trend-Driven%20World) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&text=:%20) - [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&title=The%20Human%20Advantage:%20Building%20Trust%20in%20a%20Trend-Driven%20World&summary=) - [googleplus](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world) #### [The Human Advantage: Building Trust in a Trend-Driven World](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/the-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world) [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) | January 16, 2026 Every year around this time, my inbox fills with "top trends" and "predictions for the year ahead." #### Posted by:- [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) ### Posts by Topic - [Leadership (85)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/leadership) - [Customer Service (82)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/customer-service) - [Disney Service (78)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/disney-service) - [Effective Leadership (72)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/effective-leadership) - [Employee Experience (67)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/employee-experience) ### Unlock the Magic! 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