Allen Woffard, CSM, COSS and a few other letters as well
The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us.
One minute it’s “I’ll deal with that later,” and the next thing you know you’re juggling deadlines, travel plans, family expectations, and a calendar that looks like it lost a bar fight.
Before everyone scatters—to job sites, airports, highways, or quiet apartments—it’s worth taking a moment to reset how we move through this season.
Not as a policy reminder.
Not as a checklist.
But as people.
Travel Smart: The Road Is Less Forgiving This Time of Year
Holiday travel comes with higher risks—especially on the road.
More vehicles.
More fatigue.
More distractions.
More stress.
If you’re driving:
- Slow it down. Arriving late beats not arriving at all.
- Take breaks. Fatigue is as dangerous as impairment.
- Hydrate. Dehydration affects focus and reaction time more than most people realize.
- Plan your route. Weather and congestion change fast this time of year.
If you’re flying or riding:
- Stay hydrated (airport coffee doesn’t count).
- Stretch when you can.
- Give yourself extra time so stress doesn’t ride shotgun.
Accidents don’t take holidays off. Awareness has to stay on the job—even when you’re off the clock.
Hydration, Nutrition, and Clear Thinking Still Matter
Stress, travel, and irregular schedules beat people down fast.
A simple reminder to teams:
- Drink water.
- Eat something real.
- Don’t try to power through exhaustion.
Clear thinking and patience start with taking care of your body—even during the busiest weeks of the year.
Check on the Ones Who Are Alone
Not everyone is heading into a house full of noise and laughter.
Some coworkers are:
- Single
- Recently divorced
- Far from family
- Grieving someone they lost
- Quietly struggling
A text.
A call.
A “Hey, just checking in—thinking about you.”
You don’t have to fix anything. You just have to reach out.
That small effort matters more than most people ever admit.
Grace Goes a Long Way (Especially Right Now)
Lines are longer.
People are tired.
Emotions run hot.
You don’t know what the person in front of you is carrying.
Try not to get irritated.
Try not to escalate.
Try to give grace when it’s easiest to give attitude.
The holiday spirit isn’t found in packages or presents—it’s found in patience, kindness, and restraint when it would be easier to lose it.
A Simple Travel Snack (No Kitchen, No Drama)
If you’re driving or traveling, here’s a simple, no-mess snack that won’t leave you feeling like garbage:
Easy Road Snack Pack
- Mixed nuts (protein + healthy fats)
- Apple or banana
- Beef jerky or turkey sticks
- Cheese stick
- Water (not optional)
It’s simple, portable, and keeps your energy steady without sugar crashes or gas-station regret.
One Last Reminder
Before the year closes:
- Check on coworkers.
- Check on friends you haven’t talked to in a while.
- Check on family—even if the relationship is complicated.
Sometimes the most meaningful gift you can give is simply letting someone know they’re not forgotten.
Stay safe.
Travel smart.
Be kind—especially when it’s hard.
Boots on the ground. Eyes up. Keep walking.
