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Trimming the Workman Christmas Tree

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This was to be my first time decorating the Workman Christmas tree. I’ve only been a part of the Workman family for less than two months, but already I had heard tales of the Christmas tree and its grandeur. By the end of November we were fielding regular inquiries as to when it was going up, and the box of ornaments under my desk was starting to burn a hole in my pocket, so to speak. My boss, or “Mr. Christmas,” as he’s known in the Sales Department, had been playing Christmas music at his desk since before Thanksgiving.

Finally, on the designated day, a handful of us from Sales, Marketing, and Promotions gathered together to decorate the tree. James serenaded us with his holiday iTunes playlist, and Danielle and Jenny brought eggnog and tins of Christmas cookies. After assembling the tree (no easy feat—that thing is heavy!), we finally began to trim the tree.

There were little papertoy monsters (loving assembled by our colleagues), candy canes, tap dancing Boynton rhinos, bright, shiny globes, and my favorite—books from The Story of Christmas: Story Book Set & Advent Calendar. My family owned the Nutcracker version growing up, and every year I couldn’t wait to take the cardboard books (by that time worn and frayed about the edges), out of their respective slots each day during Advent to read the next part of the story. When our tree was finally lit, my sisters and I would dance around the living room to Tchaikovsky’s ballet and hang the bits of the story on the tree. (I, for one, am especially excited that it’s coming back in print in time for next Christmas—I can finally replace a few of the books that have gone missing!)

Sad face!

Even though I was warned to tie the ornaments on tightly, I still managed to let one slip and shatter. Apparently, at least one gets broken every year. (I guess if someone has to do it, it may as well be the new girl!)

The tree actually serves a greater purpose than merely providing holiday cheer: each year, we have a toy drive for the children of Goddard Riverside’s Head Start Programs and Day Care Centers, an organization that provides care, education, recreation, and arts activities to more than 300 children, ages 2-5, year-round. This year, through the generosity of our colleagues, we raised almost $700 in cash donations, which Workman will match—in addition to all the toys already accumulating under the tree. We used the money to place a large online toy order, and pretty soon that corner will be overflowing with toys!

But it all starts with one afternoon, when we get to take a break and stand around the tree, admiring our work.

As Nick put it: “It’s the best day of the year.”

Happy Holidays!

Your friends in Sales and Promotions


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