It was 10:32 pm and I looked at my phone annoyed at myself, guilty for spending the last hour mindlessly scrolling watching Instagram reels: cat videos, animal rescues, returning military family members, and luxury hotel champagne afternoon teas… so random, not important, adding little value to my life and wasting so much time. Kids call this “​rotting​”—maybe that’s why I felt rotten?

I knew I had an important presentation the next day, and it was way past my bedtime.

I was so upset I deleted the app and then ran through my mental to-do list for the following day, beating myself up, reminding myself I know better, I should be better, I can do better. All the things ​scientists say​ are the negative self-perception that comes from too much brain rotting.

Have you ever done this? Escaped in social media, a movie, binge-watched a series…knowing you have so much you could be doing? Has your schedule or to-do list ever felt so impossible that you find yourself wasting time or escaping in some ridiculously unproductive (but cute) cat videos? Yep, same.

But what if we reframe that negative talk? Could it be that you are just overwhelmed? There is SO much to be overwhelmed with right now, especially at the end of a chaotic and uncertain year for many. Perhaps your year has been filled with leadership or family challenges. Or perhaps it’s been a phenomenal year, but so busy that you just can’t face one more task? No matter what the cause, that mindless scroll can be a sign that our brains are in cognitive overload.

If you have been here a while you know that each year our office takes a sabbatical pause from December 19, returning January 20. This intentional reset fuels the creativity and clarity I strive to bring to every client.

I encourage you to recharge, too.

Leadership isn’t just about your drive; it’s about your energy.

You can’t light up the room, or your business, if your own batteries are flat.

So, this holiday season, treat yourself with the same dedication you give to everyone else.

You don’t leave your house with your phone battery at 10%, so don’t do that for your personal battery either! Time to recharge.

If you’re looking to set bold new strategies for 2026, I’ll have a few opportunities available for ​Executive Strategy​ 1:1 work starting mid-January—email us if you’d like more details and we can chat.

What a year!

So many of you have commented this year, “Neen you are so busy!”

And while it has been a marathon of a year, I always say that I am never “too busy.” I feel like if you tell someone you are too busy, what you are really saying is “I am too busy for YOU.” So, while I avoid that phrase, you might hear me say “I am at capacity right now.” or “Life is very full right now.” It’s been a big year and despite being completely exhausted and wasting time on social media late at night (LOL) I am so grateful for you and all your support.

2025 has been a huge year and I’m overflowing with gratitude, for you, for every opportunity to create exceptional experiences together, and for the joy of traveling the world to serve so many inspiring leaders.

My little heart is especially full this year, thanks to you, Exceptional Experiences became a USA Today Best Seller (still doing my happy dance!), and our community of passionate professionals continues to grow. To all our new subscribers to my Neen’s notes, welcome! I’m beyond thrilled you’re here.

Three No-Cost Strategies to Recharge and Elevate Your Holidays:

• Schedule guilt-free recharge time: Block it on your calendar, give yourself even a 10-minute window. Honor it as fiercely as your biggest meeting. Remember you are worth it. Others will benefit from a calm, strategic, happier, you!
• Invest in the gift of appreciation: Take a moment to personally thank those who made your year brighter (colleagues, clients, friends). A sincere handwritten note or small gesture is so valued. You make people feel seen and valued, and don’t we all want more of that.
• Create a Champagne Moment: Celebrate the journey. Plan one standout experience just for you, or surprise your team with a joyful tradition. FaceTime a friend, take all the selfies with your family, dress up your furry baby, light the candle, decorate your tree, and play the music. Rituals make the season, not just results.

Neen’s Holiday Luxury List— Elevate Your Everyday Rituals

My ​only one of its kind research study ​showed that:

Luxury is about experiences, not things.

But… I still love a few things that can make you feel a little more luxe this holiday season.

Here are a few of my personal faves to sprinkle a little luxury into the busy holiday season (and yes, you absolutely deserve it!):

• Play your favorite holiday playlist as you get ready in the mornings.
• Upgrade your pajamas for December—think soft flannel or silk!
• Treat yourself to​ Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark​ (I call it Christmas Crack!), no sharing required. Don’t judge but I can absolutely eat a whole slab all by myself!
• Diffuse the fresh scent of​ Nest Bamboo Room Diffuser​ and pair it with the matching hand wash and hand cream in your bathroom.
• Upgrade your guest room with a​ few treats from my list here​.
• Soothe tired eyes with ​Talika​ eye patches or refresh your skin with a ​Neutrogena​ face sheet mask after a long day.
• Slip into cozy ​Isotoner​ washable slippers after work and pop a pair in your travel bag for those hotel stays.
• Elevate your coffee ritual with a Tiffany & Co. mug—it makes morning Zooms feel five-star.
• Host a gift-wrapping party for friends, hot cocoa or champagne in hand.
• Light a beautiful candle to warm up your space and spirits.
• Take a scenic drive to see holiday lights or walk outside to catch some winter sun.
• Hang a wreath on your door to greet you with joy every day.
• Use your “good” glassware or crockery all season, don’t save the best for one dinner!

Do you have others to add to the list? What simple treat or experience feels like pure luxury to you? Hit reply and let me know—I love hearing about everyone’s luxe faves!

Wouldn’t it be fun to invite your team or family to create a Holiday Luxury List together? Sharing small joys can make this season a meaningful celebration for everyone.

Gift the Exceptional for the Holidays

We have lost count of the number of people who have shared that they are giving my new book to their team or clients with a note “We think you are exceptional!” for the holidays and nothing could make me happier!

This book is beautifully designed to sit on a desk, coffee table, or reception area and soon you will see them in Delta lounges too! This is an easy gift for clients and team members you want to feel valued. If you’d like a special offer for bulk orders, send us an email at ​bo**@*******es.com​ and we’ll connect you with our preferred bulk partners.

All I want for Christmas is…an Amazon Review!

LOL—I hope you can hear me signing in my best (high-pitched) Maria Carey impression. I know you’ve heard that ​Amazon reviews​ are vital for every author and the magic number appears to be 100! We are at 39 so can you help increase that for me?

It will cost you 2-5 minutes of your time and mean everything to me. ​Email here​ when you have posted it so I can thank you and share it with our publisher too!

Thank you for an unforgettable year!

I will never forget your kindness supporting my new book, hiring me to keynote on stages around the world for your team, working 1:1 with so many of you to help you achieve the big transformations—my heart is so full.

You make this journey brighter with your energy, kindness, and drive to create the extraordinary. Wishing you and yours a season filled with joy, rest, and lots of sparkle.

Let’s toast to even more Champagne Moments in 2026!