44 DECEMBER 2024 F or many of you, this is still shorts and t-shirt weather. Sometimes, because of that, it can be a challenge getting into that holiday spirit. I’ve lived in Arizona for 20 plus years, so the minute the morning temperatures dip below 60, I’m pulling out my sweaters and getting ready for a hot chocolate or a hot toddy. I’m also a person who doesn’t wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating and celebrating my favorite time of year. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas and in need of a little festive nudge, how about a road trip? Not far outside the Valley, you will find a crisp nip in the air, a bit of that winter chill, which makes the perfect backdrop for the season’s sparkly festivities. Let’s start by heading up north to Camp Verde where visitors can enjoy a Victorian Christmas. The fort at Fort Verde State Historic Park is a feast for the eyes in the winter. It’s decorated with ribbons, garlands, and Victorian decorations and on December 7, they host a Victorian ornament making workshop. On select evenings, the park hosts candlelight tours of the homes along Officer’s Row, a salute to past and present. A little farther, but well worth the drive, is Prescott, designated in 1989 by former Governor Rose Mofford as Arizona’s Christmas City. This town takes its moniker seriously, with festive events that run through January. Following the “feel the spirit” Christmas City itinerary means driving by the Prescott Valley Library and Town Hall, then through the Valley of Lights in Prescott Valley. Next, head over to the resort and Conference Center to check out the world’s largest gingerbread village. The Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza is also covered in lights. If you still can’t get enough of that warm, fuzzy feeling, there’s the Christmas parade, a cocoa crawl, a jingle bar hop, sleigh rides and the third annual Christmas Village and Christkindl market. Inspired by the longstanding European tradition of holiday markets, visitors can enjoy German foods, beer, and mulled wine while shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts. When you’re ready to say goodbye to 2024, the Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop is perfect family fun. Prescott may be our “official” Christmas city, but nothing feels more like the holidays than the smell of Ponderosa Pines dusted or blanketed in snow. If you are ready to bundle up, head to Flagstaff for the city’s famous winter wonderland and tree lighting events. Snuggle up with your loved ones and enjoy caroling, cookie decorating, s’mores and hot cocoa. There’s plenty of activities for all ages, like the winter market at the Museum of Northern Arizona or the North Pole Experience, where guests are whisked away to the ‘North Pole” to meet that Jolly, white bearded man in the red suit. Arizona’s road trip destinations offer more than just scenic views; they bring the magic of the season to life. Whether you are exploring twinkling lights in the desert or sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows under starry skies, these journeys will leave you with memories as warm as the Arizona sun. Pack your bags and let the holiday spirit lead the way! Ho, ho, let’s head to the snow! Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Northern Arizona offers twinkling lights, festive tunes and plenty of events throughout December. 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45 DECEMBER 2024 ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM W hy do you think most job seekers are looking for a new job? Many managers would confidently report that their employees leave because they are looking for more pay. To some degree, this theory makes sense. Employees are often not honest with their employer about why they’re moving on. They often take a “it’s not you, it’s me” approach to breaking up the work relationship. In exit interviews, they often avoid sharing the real reason they are leaving. The truth is typically very different. Most employees are uncomfortable with change – it is one of the last things that they want to sign up for. An employee looks for a new job as a last resort. Many won’t fully commit to a job search until they are crying in the bathroom stall at work or unable to sleep at night. Those tears have very little to do with pay. Jessica Hardeman from Indeed.com interviewed ibelong CEO Rajkumari Neogy on the topic of how leaders can reclaim diversity, equity, and inclusion during a divisive time. Neogy shared a personal story about feeling excluded at work, and the unnecessarily difficult experience it can cause for employees. Exclusion is a tool that can be used to make an employee feel like an outsider, and that they aren’t welcome to bring their whole self to work. Neogy said that after moving on to a new role, it became apparent how much exclusion had made an impact. Neogy also stressed the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Walking on eggshells each day can be emotionally taxing, and can create a difficult dynamic both for impacted employees and those around them. It’s hard to share your ideas when you don’t feel they will be accepted or even considered. It’s hard to let your guard down enough to share. When workers feel more accepted and understood, they are able to perform at a higher level. And, ultimately the company benefits from reduced turnover and increased productivity. In other words, companies where employees feel included and accepted make more money. In terms of inclusivity and psychological safety, there is one group that stands out as doing a great job. I was initially surprised to see Gen Z employees being so supportive of one another. Gen Z seems less competitive with one another, and more supportive of the success of their colleagues. They are not out to try to tear one another down. They try to support and build each other up. In addition, they are far more accepting and inclusive of other people who are different than they are. This creates a more collaborative and effective team. There is something that we can all learn from Neogy and our Gen Z colleagues: There’s an incredibly positive power in inclusivity. The power of inclusivity Career Corner Career expert and founder of Copeland Coaching. copelandcoaching.com BY ANGELA COPELAND 27 YEARS AGO