Take a look at our December newsletter!
For The Ambitious Advocate BRIEF RECESS
DECEMBER 2024
FROM THE LAW OFFICES OF J. PRICE MCNAMARA
Getting the most out of life means experiencing what life has to offer. Taking some time off can help you realize that what may seem earth-shattering and critical from a professional point-of-view is just a passing moment, and that you should place your true priorities and points of emphasis on your family. This is easier said than done, but committing yourself to taking more irregular breaks from your strenuous profession can only serve to help you and those you love enjoy your time to the fullest. Don’t overdo it! There is also the matter of celebrating responsibly. Too many clients and fellow professionals lose their inhibitions come the holidays. According to the National Police Association, intoxicated driving is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States. Sadly, come Christmastime, an astounding 36% of car accidents involve driving under the influence. I caution you not to let the holiday jubilation cloud your senses. Even if you
While attorneys are notorious for burying themselves in their work, it’s important to realize that our time — both that spent working on our cases and enjoying ourselves at home — is valuable. If we do not attain an appropriate balance, both our personal and professional lives suffer, which is of no use to anyone. Did you know that more than 55% of Americans do not use all of their PTO each year? Even for those of us who run our own practices, this statistic can serve as a keen reminder of a worrying trend: prioritizing work over everything else. This holiday season, make an effort to take a break and give yourself the reprieve you deserve. Rest makes us better workers. While a strong work ethic is a positive quality, committing ourselves solely to our work prevents us from enjoying the finer things in life and spending time with those for whom we provide in the first place. For some, it may seem like taking time off will only set you back and increase your workload. However, the more you work without proper rest and recuperation, the more your work and your health will suffer as a result. Recreation, even in limited quantities, can help improve our mood, connect with those around us, and regain the energy we have been pouring into our professional pursuits. It is important to set that work aside for the holidays. You need to take a break. It is important not just for you and your own well-being, but also for your professional success. It may not be presently noticeable, but your work quality suffers when you do not get adequate rest. Your clients will notice. Your partners will notice. While you may think you are doing yourself and your business a service by working without rest, in truth, you are only hurting yourself and your professional interests. THE BENEFITS OF TAKING TIME OFF FOR THE HOLIDAYS Work Can Wait
think you have only had “a couple of drinks,” do the safe thing: Have someone sober drive or call for a cab. The last thing you want is to ruin your holiday by becoming another grim statistic. Do not contribute to the problem we work so hard to fight against. Drink responsibly!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Price and Susan and (pictured) Bennett, Chris, Stephanie, Finn, and Stephen
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Long Live the Liv The Christmas Tree’s J When does the Christmas season truly begin? While the excitement for this time of year may strike people at different times, the most significant sign that Christmas has arrived is when their beloved Christmas trees go up! A perennial symbol of festive cheer and cherished moments, the modern Christmas tree has a rich and intriguing history spanning centuries. From Solstice to Contemporary Celebration Long before Christmas became an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, this time of year was widely marked by another seasonal event: the winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year. Celebrants observed the occasion with feasts, bonfires, and — perhaps most significantly — tree decorations. While solstice revelry eventually gave way to Christian observances as the centuries unfolded, decorated trees survived the transition, charming and delighting merrymakers to this day. Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS! Germany’s Green Gift The modern aesthetic of a Christmas tree adorned with lights can be traced all the way back to the 1500s, when German Christians would bring trees into their homes and decorate them to honor the birth of their Lord and Savior. German theologian Martin Luther is believed
Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs. HOW A KITTEN HELPED SAMSON UNLEASH HIS INNER PUP A PURR-FECT MATCH
Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to
find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything. While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone.
They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since.
“It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said.
Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister. Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s Instagram page @calvin.andco .
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“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
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ving Room Light Joyous Global Journey
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD Global Celebration You do not have to travel to the North Pole, or the average American living room, to get a glimpse of Christmas cheer and holiday decorations. Every year, more than 2 billion people celebrate Christmas worldwide, from chilly Czechia to sunny Australia. Some cultures warn their children of creatures that punish naughty children, others leave a spot at their dinner table to honor late family members. No matter where you are from, there is likely a unique Christmas tradition tied to your culture that makes this holiday special.
to have been the first to add lit candles to these trees. Although electric lighting has long replaced candles (thus adding an element of safety to the proceedings), it is remarkable to consider how long the glow of Christmas trees has brightened our world. America’s Adored Tradition The American Christmas Tree Association claims that approximately two-thirds of U.S. homes have an indoor Christmas tree — including nearly 30 million real ones. The Christmas tree craze in our
country kicked off in the 19th century, thanks in large part to this famous illustration of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert — who could be considered among the “social influencers” of their time — standing by one while surrounded by their children. The image struck a nerve, as personalized versions can be found on the family holiday cards that will surely arrive in your mailboxes in the coming weeks. Korean Steak Slaw Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
A Taste of Kentucky in Japan Did you know that over 85% of non-Christian Americans celebrate Christmas? The biggest holiday of the year is a hit for all Americans, not just Christians. Given that, it may not seem so strange that the Christmas tradition
has become a hit in the far-off land of Tokyo, where the day is seen as a fun
celebration without any close affiliation with the Christian tradition. After a viral marketing campaign in the 1970s, the Japanese tradition has involved grabbing a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas. It’s a crispy and delicious holiday tradition that any American could get behind.
Ingredients • 2 tbsp gochujang or sriracha hot sauce • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp sesame oil, divided • 2 sirloin steaks, about 1 lb total
• 1 daikon radish • 1 large carrot • 1/2 red cabbage • 5 green onions, divided • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
Central Europe Fears Krampus If you herald from countries like Austria, Germany, or Czechia, then chances are you will have heard of the infamous, terrifying creature known as Krampus. This devilish creature, described as half-goat and half-man, is said to carry around a sack for stealing away naughty children who
Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, and 2 tbsp sesame oil. Set aside 1 tbsp of mixture to use for dressing. Place steaks in bowl with the remaining marinade and coat. 2. Julienne radish and carrot into strips. Shred red cabbage and slice 3 green onions. Mix the reserved marinade with the remaining sesame oil and rice vinegar, then toss with vegetables in a large bowl to coat. 3. Heat a frying pan until very hot. Fry steaks for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare, brushing with the marinade as they cook. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Slice the remaining green onions and add to the slaw. 4. Serve sliced steak over the slaw and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
misbehave and hauling them back to hell. It’s a bit more haunting than a chunk of coal in your stocking, and it’s easy to see why their kids are so well-behaved.
No matter where or how you celebrate come December, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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ERISA INSURANCE J. PRICE MCNAMARA Claim Attorney
10455 Jefferson Hwy. Suite 130 Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 201-8311 WinMyBenefits.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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It’s Time for a Vacation
Samson and Cleo’s Tail-Wagging Tale
A Holiday Tradition Unwrapped
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Korean Steak Slaw
How the World Celebrates Christmas
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Mix, Measure, and Make Memories
Kid-proof your meal prep. Before taking your child on a culinary journey, check that their countertop travels won’t endanger them. It’s obviously a big no-no to rest a sharp knife on a cutting board that small hands can reach, but little things like toothpicks can also pose a risk. If your small assistant is old enough to cut up ingredients, a plastic utensil will be less painful than steel if the blade misses its mark. Keep family flavors flowing. Want to give your elderly mom or dad a holiday surprise they’ll never forget? Present them with a meal based on one of their famous recipes that their grandkid(s) helped prepare! Holiday gatherings are great for sharing the details and delicacies that shaped your family’s history — and a wonderful opportunity to pass down those special traditions to the next generation. With the holidays upon us, now is a perfect time to introduce little ones to the joys of baking and cooking by turning your kitchen into a safe space for learning and bonding.
Could your child be a future celebrity chef? Could your baby be a world-class baker in waiting? Help transform your toddlers or school-age kids into tiny tastemakers by following these three simple tips. Use your space as a skill zone. It takes more than just a love of food to make delicious meals and treats, as cooking and baking put all five senses to the test. Helping in the kitchen enables small children to heighten their awareness of smells, tastes, sounds, and textures while learning new words. Having them measure ingredients and pour them into bowls is an easy way to refine their motor skills, and your guidance behind the counter will encourage them to follow directions. If your kitchen companion is a baby, you can still involve them by describing the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding them and letting them touch some of the food — all great tools to assist in developing their connection to the world.
Kitchen Adventures: Kid Edition WHISKING UP FAMILY FUN
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