
A Christmastide guide to your Professional Development
- Categories Key things to help you everyday, Uncategorized
- Date December 12, 2024
The 12 Days of Christmas traditionally start on December 25th (Christmas Day) and run until January 5th, which is the eve of Epiphany (January 6th). Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to baby Jesus and is often considered the end of the Christmas season in Christian traditions.
This period is also called Christmastide, and in some cultures, it is a time for continued celebration and feasting.
On the back of VILLAGE SUMMIT, and Lisa McInnes-Smith’s inspiring keynote about closing the performance gap, this 12-day period can be used to balance relaxation and downtime, and setting us up for success in 2025.
Here is our reflection on how retirement professionals can make the most of this period using DCM Institute’s Knowledge Centre.
Day 1: December 25th – Christmas Day
Activity: Spend Time with Family and Loved Ones
Public Holiday. Celebrate. Have fun. Spend time with loved ones and recharge.
Day 2: December 26th – Boxing Day
Activity: Reflection and Gratitude
Public Holiday. Set in to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart, or the Boxing Day test and reflect on the year’s accomplishments and express gratitude for your team and community.
Day 3: December 27th
Activity: Explore the Knowledge Centre
In what will likely be a quiet Friday for those of us coming into work, why not log in to the Knowledge Centre and explore the My Learning section. In just 40 minutes, and a cup of coffee, you could complete one of those modules you’ve been hoping to get to across the year.

Day 4: December 28th
Activity: Mindful Movement
Weekend. Spend time outside. Take a walk, try yoga, or enjoy a fun activity with friends or family.
Day 5: December 29th
Activity: Reconnect with Nature
Weekend. Take your dog for a walk, hike, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment outdoors.
Day 6: December 30th
Activity: Refresh for Get Ready for 2025
Dive into the Customer Experience topic. This is a great one to complete, or refresh on, as you get yourself and your community set for a vibrant and active 2025.
Day 7: December 31st – New Year’s Eve
Activity: Set Learning Goals
Plan professional development goals for 2025. Use resources in the Knowledge Centre to outline key focus areas.
Day 8: January 1st – New Year’s Day
Activity: Family and Fun
Public Holiday. Relax and recharge the batteries for the year ahead with loved ones and enjoy a moment of rest.
Day 9: January 2nd
Activity: Sales Mastery
January is a great time of year for inbound sales enquiries. Brush up on some of our Sales Topics. Sharpen your skills to better articulate your village’s value proposition.
Day 10: January 3rd
Activity: Care and Support
This time of year can draw attention to the changing care needs of residents. Explore topics and resources around Home Care, and even on Dementia in Retirement Living.
Day 11: January 4th
Activity: Weekend Wellbeing
Weekend. Enjoy time outdoors or a gentle workout. Reflect on your personal and professional goals – write them down, it makes them real!

Day 12: January 5th – Twelfth Night
Activity: Mindful Celebration
Weekend. Take a moment to celebrate your efforts during the 12 Days of Christmas. If you’ve followed this list, you’ve completed 4 topics and likely achieved 80 Professional Development Points. Enjoy a peaceful day knowing you are off to a great start in 2025.
We are all about continual improvement, which is why we challenge you to use the 12 Days of Christmas to set yourself up for a successful 2025. The DCM Institute’s Knowledge Centre is the perfect companion for this journey, offering insights and tools to thrive in the retirement living sector.
Happy holidays and happy learning!
Author
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With over 20 years of experience in the seniors living sector, James has led operations for both large and small operators. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to a resident-focused approach, working tirelessly to establish, improve, and transform retirement communities for some of Australia's top owners and operators. James holds a Masters Degree in Commerce and Economics (UNSW) with an advanced specialisation in Human Resource Management. A former member of the NSW Retirement Living Council, he continues to sit on numerous sector Committees.
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With over 20 years of experience in the seniors living sector, James has led operations for both large and small operators. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to a resident-focused approach, working tirelessly to establish, improve, and transform retirement communities for some of Australia's top owners and operators.
James holds a Masters Degree in Commerce and Economics (UNSW) with an advanced specialisation in Human Resource Management. A former member of the NSW Retirement Living Council, he continues to sit on numerous sector Committees.
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