Merry Christmas, House of Shine.

Of the 52 weeks in the year, there are few Saturdays that we have not posted the name of someone in the country who is deserving of our Yellow Envelope Project (YEP).

Today is Christmas day, so I thought it might be nice to do it differently this week.

Our Project is designed to recognize every day people who shine at what they do and whose acts, in turn, make the world a brighter place.

Our weekly recipients are thoughtful, generous, hardworking people who bloom where they are planted; who are creative; use their strengths; help others; realize the impact of their small gestures; bring out the best in others; reject mediocrity; are relentlessly passionate about their cause - whatever it may be; and who make it their business to spread shine.

They are you; you, who choose to meet me here each Saturday, so you may send an anonymous letter of gratitude to a deserving person.  A letter in a yellow envelope, of course.

We won't post a new name today.  Instead, we give you a bi-week.  Maybe you will use it the same way I will - crafting a couple of short notes to recipients whose names I have somehow missed.  Next weekend is the beginning of a new calendar year and I want to know, in 2010, that I did my part to power the planet with shine.

Encouraging letters of gratitude is the fuel that keeps these stars shining, so every envelope counts.  Even if it is a little late. 

If you are all caught up then: (1) good for you, bragger, and (2) how about awarding someone in your neighborhood as your personal recipient of the week?  It won't be the holiday cards he/she has grown accustomed to receiving over the past month, but I am sure it will be welcomed.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend.

Shining off until Monday...