Here's an easy way to brighten someone's day: Ask them, "What do you get complimented on the most?"

• Zoom in: Danielle "DJ" Jones is a longtime leader at Axios and, in Axios CEO Jim VandeHei's words, the "heart-and-soul of our company." One of her great talents is finding talent. And she says that question is one she asks in job interviews.

"It seems to help people who are uncomfortable bragging on themselves to frame their strengths in that context," she posted on X.

💡 Why it matters: Often fear of appearing arrogant, or cultural norms or low self-esteem, makes it tough for us to praise ourselves, especially out loud.

• But it's vital in so many situations — from interviews to first dates to just plain building ourselves up after a hard day.
• DJ's hack instantly zaps the discomfort — and helps clarify what our greatest strengths are.

"For instance: I realized that people tell me I have 'good energy' or that they like my energy (and I don't know exactly what that means but it makes me want to double-down on it!)" she writes.

🎁 Holiday challenge: We want to hear what you get complimented on the most. If you're planning to see friends and family over the next couple of weeks, pay attention to what they say!

• Send your responses through the holiday break, along with your name and hometown, to [email protected]. We'll kick off the new year with a chain of compliments.

Reader Jay Yampolsky sent us this stunning winter snap about two weeks ago.

• It was after the first snow in Charlotte, N.C., in over 1,000 days.