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740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
December 2025 / January 2026
Don’t Let Vacation Guilt Hold You Back! Recharge, Reboot, and Return Stronger
The holiday season is one of the best times of the year to vacation. The kids have a few weeks off from school, businesses usually slow down at the end of the year, and we’re ready for a break from the chaos before the new year begins. However, many people pass on a vacation to continue working, and that’s not exclusive to this time of year either! Many feel guilty whenever they take a vacation. They worry they’re leaving their team shorthanded or may miss an important project, so they decide to forego vacations until it’s “the right time” or they hit retirement. This is a mistake. Vacations are incredibly valuable to our overall well-being and should not feel like a burden. I’ve suffered from vacation guilt throughout my career, but I’ve recently been working to change my mindset. Over the years, I’ve tried to outgrow the feeling of vacation guilt by building a stellar team and checking in with them regularly while I’m away, but leaving the firm behind is always challenging. Many of my clients are dealing with the loss of a loved one or are in the midst of a property line dispute that causes sleepless nights. There are many moving parts to these cases, so I often feel like there’s something I can do to help.
while I’m away. Thankfully, my team is incredible at helping our clients with whatever they may need. In our current system, my role is based on strategy, while my team manages the day-to-day needs. If you call in with something outside of my team’s knowledge or abilities, they bring me in so I can find a solution or provide advice that works for your unique situation. As
you might imagine, this makes it difficult for me to get away from the office if we’re in a transition or rebuilding phase. Even with my incredible team, I still have to convince myself to go on vacation. One way I do this is by reminding myself that this is an opportunity to reboot my system. Vacations allow me to see and experience the world while empowering my team to make decisions when I am not there. I always return home with a clearer mind. I recently took a trip to Montreal, which was amazing. I came back rejuvenated, with all kinds of ideas that I want to apply to the business or team. That energy will help us thrive for years to come. This December marks my 15th year in business, and I think it was our best year yet. There’s a big reason for that: For the past year, I have traveled throughout Ohio as part
of Leadership Ohio. Once a month, we visited a different city to learn about its economic structure, where revenue comes from, and its community activities. I wouldn’t have been able to do this if I had let guilt control me. I walked away from each experience with something new to apply to my business, and I think it will benefit everyone involved, from clients to the team! Vacations aren’t just time away from the office; they’re an effective way to recharge your mind, refresh your soul, and see the world through new perspectives. If you’re still contemplating whether you should take that vacation, do it! THE LEGAL DRAGON –Edward Littlejohn, Jr.
In these moments, I have to depend on the team I’ve put in place to handle everything
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ople to Thank
HANDS-FREE HELP FOR A SMARTER HOME Voice-Activated Tech Is Changing Everyday Life
Business owners live incredibly busy lives. They have to hire, train, and support their staff while ensuring their clients and customers receive top-tier service and are happy with every interaction with their team. They take care of countless tasks behind the scenes, from ensuring there is enough inventory to budgeting and looking into ways to improve areas of the business. When they finish the workday, they usually turn their attention toward their families or hobbies, leaving little time for anything else. If you’re a business owner, you know how hectic every day can be, and because of that, things can sometimes fall through the cracks. We never want you to feel like your business is unprotected or unprepared, which is why we offer a business health check. Our team will investigate aspects of your business to ensure everything is structured correctly, your agreements are up to date, you have the proper insurance coverage, and more. You Run the Business: Let Us Help You Protect It
Imagine queuing up your favorite music, turning off the lights, or locking the doors … all without lifting a finger. That’s the magic of voice- activated technology. What once felt
futuristic is now a daily convenience, making life at home simpler and way more fun. Smart Speakers That Simplify Life
Today’s smart speakers do more than play music. The latest Amazon, Google, and Apple models let you use multiple assistants in one device. Whether it’s Alexa,
Siri, or Google Assistant, you can ask questions, control your home devices, or set reminders. Advanced microphones pick up your voice clearly, even with background noise, so you can give commands from across the room without repeating yourself. Cooking Made Easier In the kitchen, voice-activated appliances are changing the game. Smart fridges can recommend recipes based on what you have, while microwaves can start cooking on your command. Some devices can even help manage grocery lists or reorder essentials automatically, taking the stress out of meal prep. Security You Can Count On Keeping your home safe is easier than ever with voice- activated security systems. Just ask, and you can lock your doors, view camera feeds, or arm the alarm. Some systems even connect directly to emergency services, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. It’s peace of mind with zero hassle.
Some things we will go over during your business health check include:
• Do you have adequate liability insurance? If a customer or employee were to get injured, would your insurance coverage protect your business? • Are your business bank accounts appropriately named? • Do you have a succession plan in place? If something were to happen to you, would your loved ones have any access to your business accounts? That last bullet point is crucial for your family’s and business’s continued well-being. We’ve seen many instances where a married couple owns a business, but the business account is only in one of their names. If they pass away, the spouse could be locked entirely out as the probate process unfolds. We can help set up a transfer- on-death or other documents to help cover all bases in case the unexpected were to occur.
Voice-controlled tech is no longer a luxury. It’s a practical way to make your home more efficient, secure, and easily managed.
Don’t leave your business susceptible to risk. Call us today to schedule your business health check and discover how we can help!
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There’s a lot of discussion about who needs an estate plan and why they’re necessary, but when it comes down to it, the simple truth is that everyone can benefit from having an estate plan in place. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a homeowner, don’t consider yourself wealthy, or live alone without any children; you can still protect your and your loved ones’ futures by establishing a plan. When establishing an estate plan, you want to focus on four critical documents: a will, a trust, and health care and financial powers of attorney. Each of these documents plays an incredibly important role in your future, and there’s likely more to them than you realize. Take wills, for example. Many people assume their will’s only purpose is to state who will receive what when it comes to their assets, but this document has another critical role for parents. It allows you to determine who will become your children’s guardian if something were to happen to you. Many Americans think trusts serve the same purpose as wills but are designed for people with more wealth. This is another misconception. Trusts simply provide more security and control over your assets. You can set specific conditions for releasing assets, and they’ll remain protected from creditors and lawsuits. Your powers of attorney truly protect you and your immediate family if you become incapacitated and require someone to make medical or financial decisions on your behalf. This needs to be someone you trust who will keep your best interests and wants in mind. While these documents provide plenty of protection, they also give you the greatest ability to distribute your assets and share your wishes as you see fit. You don’t have to worry about laws or courts determining who receives what; you make those decisions when you establish
It’s Not Just Paperwork The 4 Documents That Could Protect Your Future
your estate plan with these four critical documents. Call us if you have any questions or need to update or create one of these important documents.
CRISPY PROSCIUTTO AND CHEESE SLIDERS DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, INGREDIENTS • 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise
TAKE A BREAK
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1/4 cup fig preserves 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
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1/2 cup melted butter
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme 2 chopped garlic cloves Black pepper, to taste
CARDINAL COOKIES FROSTY GINGERBREAD
GIFTS MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT
PINECONES SAGITTARIUS SNOWBALL YULE 3 740-314-4829
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Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
352 Frank Layman Blvd. • Wintersville, OH 43953 740-314-4829 • LittlejohnLawLLC.com
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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The Value of Taking Time Off
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Make Daily Tasks Easier With Voice‑Activated Tech
Is Your Business Legally Bulletproof?
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4 Key Legal Documents Every Adult Needs
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
Take a Break
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The Great Travelers of the Animal Kingdom
FROM SKY TO SAVANNAH The World’s Most Remarkable Animal Migrations
Journey Across Generations The monarch butterfly tells a different kind of migration story: one of teamwork across generations. Starting in Canada and the northern U.S., monarchs head south toward central Mexico. Along the way, they breed and die, passing the torch to their offspring. By the time the journey is complete, 4–5 generations have passed over the span of the trip. The Great Wildebeest Migration On the savannahs of East Africa, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, follow the rains in what’s known as the Great Migration. Their route forms a massive loop across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, filled with dangers, from predators like lions to perilous river crossings guarded by crocodiles. Despite the risks, this spectacle continues each year.
Altitudinal Migration While some species traverse continents, others take shorter but equally vital journeys. Many animals, like Red Pandas, spotted owls, and snow leopards, practice altitudinal migration and climb to higher elevations in summer when food is abundant. Then they descend in winter for shelter and warmth. Though smaller in scale, these seasonal shifts are just as critical for survival. Migration is a survival strategy shaped by millions of years of evolution. Nature’s great migrations are living reminders of resilience and interconnectedness. Every journey, whether by bird, butterfly, or wildebeest, shows how far life will go to endure.
Across the globe, animals of all shapes and sizes embark on extraordinary journeys that defy the imagination. Whether by flying, swimming, or running, these migrations are nature’s way of balancing survival with the ever-changing world. Some of these trips cover thousands of miles, while others involve climbing mountains or crossing rivers, but each demonstrates resilience, instinct, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A Record-Breaking Traveler One of the most remarkable travelers is the Arctic tern, a small seabird from the icy North Pole that flies to the far reaches of Antarctica and back, logging up to 25,000 miles! That’s the longest migration of any animal on the planet. For a bird weighing less than a smartphone, it’s an incredible feat.
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Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Happy Holidays! The Littlejohn Law team wants to wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season filled with love, laughter, and joy. While the Christmas holiday can be exciting for many in our community, it’s also the time of year when the winter blues set in. We want you to make the most of the holidays, which is why we’d like to give you a few tips to help you take advantage of the Christmas season! 1. Spend time with your loved ones. This is one of the few times of the year that many of us will enjoy an extra day or two off from work. If you want to keep your heart happy, spend that time with those who mean the most to you! 2. Involve favorite traditions. What was your favorite part of the holidays growing up? Do you still do the same things you loved doing as a kid? Now is the perfect time to return to your traditions and share them with the next generation. 3. Explore holiday displays. There are beautiful Christmas light displays, nativity scenes, and other holiday arrangements that you can view for free or at a low cost all over the local area. 4. Remember the reason for the season. Whether Christmas is all about faith, family, or fun to you, keep in mind why this season is so important to you and your loved ones. This will help you make the most of each interaction! 5. Spread holiday cheer. While the holiday season is a happy time for many, it can also be a sad time for some. Spread kindness and love everywhere you go. You never know how much a smile could brighten someone’s day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! There’s a reason why they call the holiday season the most magical time of the year, and we’re hoping that this is your most magical season yet! THE LEGAL DRAGON –Edward Littlejohn, Jr.
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