The Power of a Compliment: Keeping the Spirit of the Season Alive All Year

There’s something magical about the holiday season. People smile more, hold doors open, exchange warm greetings and wish one another well. A simple "Happy Holidays” or a friendly nod in passing seems to come so naturally this time of year. It’s as if the world slows down just enough for us to notice each other again — to see the humanity that connects us all.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why it feels easier to extend kindness in December than it does in, say, February? The truth is, the spirit of the holidays isn’t seasonal — it’s something we can choose to embody all year. Complimenting someone’s new haircut, thanking them for a kind gesture or telling a parent how well-behaved their children are may seem small, but these moments can mean everything to someone silently struggling or trying to hold it all together. These gestures remind people that goodness still exists in the world — and that they’re seen.

What’s even more beautiful is that giving these compliments and small acts of kindness also lifts you. Science tells us that doing something nice releases endorphins — the same "feel-good” chemicals that come from laughter or exercise. It’s a double gift: you brighten someone’s day while nourishing your own sense of joy and purpose. That’s the real power of kindness — it multiplies.

In the optical world, where helping others see clearly is part of what we do, let’s also help people feel seen. The next time you read someone’s One-Minute Inspiration, take a moment to email the author and let them know it resonated with you. It’s something I make a habit of doing because I’ve learned how deeply those words of acknowledgment matter. Positivity is contagious, spreading through every thoughtful comment, every compliment and every small connection we make.

Recently, I shared a simple lesson with my children while driving: "You don’t always have to honk when the light turns green.” It’s a reminder that patience and understanding go a long way. You never know what the person in front of you might be facing. Maybe they’re distracted by something heavy on their heart. Choosing to give grace instead of frustration can change the energy of your entire day. Sometimes, it can restore someone’s faith in kindness.

As a mom of three very impressionable young minds, I often pause to consider what my children see when I react, respond or lead through a moment of challenge. They’re learning not only from what I say, but from how I show up. The same is true for leaders in their professional lives.

Sometimes we need to take a step back to see the full picture before making a decision or responding to something unexpected. There isn’t always a rule book — or even AI — to guide us in the moment. What matters most is how we choose to act when no one is watching, and when kindness isn’t required. It’s in those moments that our true character shines through.

As the holidays approach, let’s soak in that joyful energy, but let’s also commit to keeping it alive when the decorations are packed away and the New Year begins. Smile at the stranger in line. Compliment a co-worker’s effort. Send a note of gratitude just because. These simple, intentional acts ripple far beyond the moment. They build a culture of compassion and connection that lasts long beyond the season.

Written by Madalyn Moeller