This year, my colleagues gave me the best gift ever.

Instead of buying me a present, GGers took our Do The Deed campaign as inspiration and pledged to do small acts of kindness on my behalf. Each team member wrote down his or her commitment and bound them together, creating a book of deeds for 2010.

The ideas range from little daily things (smiling more, communicating better, ordering the six-inch sub sandwich rather than the foot-long) to larger, life-changing commitments (quitting smoking, eating less meat, exercising regularly). Others are donating funds and efforts to causes that hold a special place in my heart.

I appreciate the thought that went into each and can’t wait to see the team live them out.

Peace and joy.

What is the gift you most hope to receive?

Whether you consider yourself a hawk or a dove, no one likes war. On that we agree.

Today, we put aside politics and come together to honor the brave men and women who have fought – and continue to fight – for this country. They put themselves in harm’s way. Experience separation from family and friends. Sacrifice financially by taking leaves of absence from good-paying jobs. They pay a debt for our freedoms. Too often, they don’t return home.

We remember our troops and wish them godspeed. And, once again, we say those words we can never fully communicate: “Thank you.”

Do you have a particular veteran you’d like to honor? Tell us about him or her.

UPDATE: Thanks for your votes. In a nail-biter of a contest, the designers took 76% of the votes. The other teams are sure they were sympathy votes. (Posted by one of the losers.)

At Greteman Group, we don’t really need an excuse to dress up and have a good time. So we’re all pretty big fans of a holiday that encourages such behavior.

This year, for Halloween, we decided to split up into three teams – designers, account strategists and support – for a costume battle royale.

And now, we turn to you, our faithful, dedicated, beautiful readers, to help us decide which team will win the inaugural GG Costume Contest.

So take a look at the photos and then vote on your favorite.

Designers – Dia de los Muertos

Support Team – Sickos

Account Strategists – Design Envy

One of my most beloved days is approaching: Día de los Muertos. We recently set up our customary shrine in the office, built from years of collecting and personal submissions from Greteman Group team members. You can see some photos of the shrine here.

I first discovered Dia de los Muertos when I became fascinated with the art and life of Frida Kahlo. I visited her home in Coyoacán, Mexico and viewed her massive collection of the large skeleton puppets and figurines of Catrina (the Lady of the Dead with the large brim hat). I was not only attracted to the colorful, bizarre artistic expression but was captivated by the devotion given to the dead. I’ve since been accumulating these quirky hand-painted skulls, called calaveras.

Honoring Departed Loved Ones
In Mexico, plans for this special day are made throughout the year. People collect photos and memorabilia. They cook favorite foods to offer to the deceased. From November 1 to 2, they build altars and decorate with bright-orange marigolds, thought to attract souls. Families gather, tell stories and share anecdotes about the deceased. They wear their clothing. Have picnics at the grave site. Light scores of candles. They even stock the altar with their loved ones’ favorite tequila. In most regions of Mexico, November 1 honors children and infants, while November 2 is devoted to deceased adults. It’s the Mexican version of Halloween – without the commercialism and with a profound respect and reverence for dead.

We throw our Greteman Group version of Day of the Dead in the form of an authentic Mexican potluck. The feast, remarkable in its variety and creativity, is amazing; from moles (sauces) and sugar skulls to every kind of pepper dish and not to-be-be-forgotten guacamole. Our chefs rise to the challenge. They’ve learned a profound truth. By taking time to acknowledge and celebrate those who have gone before us, we live more fully.

What’s your favorite tradition that helps you keep your memories alive?

We’ve developed a tradition at Greteman Group to help us celebrate the holiday season. The entire agency splits into three teams that donate time, energy and resources to three charitable causes. We’ve recorded these activities and created short videos for unveiling (yes, they’re secret) activities at our annual holiday party.

Now you can witness the fun too.

Random Acts of Kindness
The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspired this team. They made up random acts that touched both complete strangers and familiar faces.

[Visit the blog to watch the embedded video.]
Team members: Ashley Bowen Cook, Carol Farrow, Lori Heinz, Shelley Downs, Chaney Kimball, Craig Tomson and Randy Bradbury.

Elephant Yard Cleanup
Zoo volunteers seem to hybernate like the animals come winter. It’s hard to get people out to help with necessary manual labor once the thermometer dips. So, this group offered to come out early on a Saturday morning to assist with cleaning up the elephant yard. Raking hay and scooping poo was a small price to pay for the treat that followed the work – an up-close-and-personal visit with elephants and rhinos.

[Visit the blog to watch the embedded video.]
Team members: Angelina Ortega, Sonia Greteman, Debbie Comes, Jessica Forbes, Donna Grow, Chris Parks and Todd Ramsey. Special guest appearances by Fran and Kale.

Mail-Ordered Christmas
This group really wanted to make a direct impact on young lives so The United Way pointed them to the Wichita Children’s Home, the community’s oldest charitable organization. Armed with aprons and good spirits, they set out to serve up a chili feed alongside teens from the home. Unfortunately, a felonious rapper usurped their plans (yes, seriously) and they had to help out another way. You’ve got to watch this.

[Visit the blog to watch the embedded video.]
Team members: Deanna Harms, Garrett Fresh, Ginny Walton, Todd Gimlin, Pam Headley, Jen Gore and Marc Bosworth.

Be sure to check out last year’s videos as well. They may not feature any famous rappers, giant beasts or photos of Jack Daniels getting put into mailboxes, but they’re still fun.

What are some creative ways you’ve given this holiday season?

Life can get crazy around the holidays – especially if you wait until the last minute to buy gifts for your loved ones. So forget the malls and the crowds. Here’s something special that you can give to someone special.

On this fun little microsite you’ll find just the thing for everyone on your shopping list. Just because you don’t wear footie pajamas anymore doesn’t mean that giving handmade, redeemable coupons isn’t still a great gift. After all, the true meaning of the season isn’t about spending money. It’s about spending a bit of yourself to show others you care.

So head on over to the site, check out our naughty and nice ideas and pass them along to  friends and family. Let us know which are your favorites – or if you come up with some wickedly clever ideas of your own. We know you have it in you.

We’ve started planning our holiday GG team activities. (Sorry, super secret for the moment, but we’ll be sure to share details later.) All this how-can-we-make-the-world-better thinking has got us, well, thinking.

If you’re stretching a bit more this holiday season and maybe looking for a new outlet for making a difference, we hope you’ll consider some of these worthy causes supported by our clients.

Give Kids the World (GKTW)
Every year Signature Flight Support helps make magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The GKTW 70-acre Orlando-based resort – design-built for children with special needs – has brightened the lives of more than 88,000 families from around the world.

ORBIS
FlightSafety International founder Al Ueltschi has long championed this wonderful organization and serves as chairman of the ORBIS International Board of Directors. As many as 28 million people worldwide have blindness that could have been prevented or treated (out of a total blind population of 37 million). ORBIS takes treatment to where it’s most needed – developing countries, where 90 percent of these cases reside.

Or that you’ll consider spreading the joy to some nonprofit clients we’ve had the privilege of working with.

Kansas Children’s Service League
KCSL has been helping Kansas children and their families since 1893 – working to keep children safe, families strong and communities engaged. Its Kids Now! program helps children in foster care by providing funds for everything from school supplies and graduation gowns to athletic shoes and music lessons.

Envision
This incredible organization provides choices and resources for people who are blind or low vision. And has for 77 years. It uniquely combines employment opportunities with rehabilitation services and public outreach. Your gift can provide training that enables a senior to stay in her home, adaptive aides for a student with impaired vision, education that helps prevents blindness and much more.

Do you have an amazing nonprofit you’d like to tell us about? We’re all ears (and jaunty caps).