So what are these channel markers? They communicate vital information to sailors under circumstances peculiar to life at sea.

As boating safety manual will tell you, there are many signs, symbols and markers on waters where you do your boating. They serve boater in same way highway signs serve driver. They provide information on where “safe” water or “channel” is, and about direction and distance. They do this in three ways – by shape, color, and use of a number. These signs are “reflectorized” – you get message 3 ways, you get it loud and clear, and you get it without words.

And, historically, your average ship contained a captain and then … well, crew -- men of action, back when everyone wasn’t taught to read and write. The signs don’t say “Ubiquitous presence of submarine obstacles.” Nope. Just a color, a shape, and a number. Quick and comprehensible. Don’t you wish everyone would communicate with you so clearly – giving you message in three ways?

In case of channel markers, if you are on a river traveling upstream, keep red daymarker on your right (starboard) side. Hence term “red right returning” from sea.

So, as you set sail on your various adventures, keep channel markers in mind. Communicate in as many ways and as clearly as you can. It will keep you safe!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by things that you didn’t do than by ones you did do. So throw off bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain And communicate!

6. To top of porch! To top of wall! Now dash away! Dash away

Make your wants and needs known. If you want your husband to help with tree, tell him. Most people prefer to be told what to do, not how. If you want your daughter to finish her Christmas gifts by a certain time, tell her. If you want an electric appliance for Christmas, say you. You won't always get what you want, but you'll never get it if you don't ask and then make it clear.

7. His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And beard on his chin was as white as snow.

Emotionally intelligent people use descriptive metaphors and similes in their speech. They tell stories, use myths, and draw on pictures to get information across in ways that touch other people. 8. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A sense of humor can be saving grace during holidays. Emotions are contagious, so you be one to laugh like a jolly old elf, and watch others laugh in spite of themselves. Under pressure, humor works better than yelling.

9. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

We all wonder and worry about other people. Use a wink of an eye and a twist of a head -- and lots of other nonverbal expressions and gestures -- to let people know what you're like, how you feel, and who you are, so they can relax. It eases tension, saves a lot of exploratory time, and makes effective leaders -- whether CEOS or Moms or Dads.

10. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all stockings, then turned with a jerk.

Here it is again -- intentionality. Speak not a word, but go straight to your work! No randomness allowed. Be honest about your motivations. If you intend to have a happy Christmas, then have one. If you intend to have an unhappy one and be stressed, irritable, unpleasant, spend too much and pick fights with relatives, have one; but don't be sloppy and have a bad one when you intended to have a Merry one.

Then you and those around you can exclaim:

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.