Are your gifts to your team just ho-ho-hum?

We judge one another quickly the first time we meet, so new leaders must be prepared to make a good first impression by studying the culture, knowing who the informal leaders are and building trust one-on-one from day one, writes Bob Whipple, the CEO of Leadergrow, Inc. "The best advice is to keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut in terms of reactions. Seek to learn, appreciate, and reinforce for the first week or so," Whipple advises.

Put it into practice: New leaders should refrain from bringing in ideas from their former position too early and instead build trust and credibility first, Whipple notes. "Appreciate the good things in the new area before giving a lot of suggestions."

One size rarely fits all with gifts, especially gifts in the workplace, Jason Wolfe, founder of gifting company Wolfe, writes. Something a little too personal seems creepy, while company swag seems tacky, and it's best to avoid cash and gifts like a vacation that will have additional costs -- so Wolfe directs leaders toward thoughtful gifts that reflect something about a person's work life.

Put it into practice: "Approach gift-giving as you would any other professional interaction -- with poise, directness and integrity," Wolfe says. Make a plaque meaningful when marking a milestone, ensure the gift lets the employee know they're valued or consider something like restricted stock units for a slice of company equity.

And end-of-year review or one-on-one isn't just a "whew!" at the finish line -- it's an opportunity for an energizing team builder or a pick-me-up for a team member, consultants Karin Hurt and David Dye write. Before the review, share some questions to get the team thinking, such as "What are you personal bests?" and "What's your biggest lesson learned?"

Put it into practice: Hurt and Dye's other key questions include: "Who helped you most this year and how?" "How have you grown this year?" and "Which of our projects do you think had the most effect on our company?"

The holidays are the perfect time to bring the Danish tradition of hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga") into your home by creating a cozy space for relaxing that incorporates plants, soft rugs, warm drinks and comfort food, says Mads Ostergaard, Visit Denmark's publicist. "It's all about taking it slow, being in the moment and remembering that the most important part of the holidays is being with the people you love, sharing food and laughs. Then the hygge will spread naturally!" says Ostergaard.

Arctic ground squirrels' ability to hibernate in freezing conditions for long periods has prompted researchers to develop drugs that mimic hibernation and slow the metabolic rate in humans, which may be effective in treating brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers are working on a drug that stimulates A-1 receptors, which have been found to slow metabolism in squirrels, with promising results in studies with rats and pigs.

My plan for the weekend is to create some hygge in my home with some comfort food and comfortable surroundings. I hope you get a chance to do the same!

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