Holiday Message
Merry Christmas! December to me is a month of celebration, joy, and happiness. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something else, they are the opportunity to connect with family and friends and to celebrate the season. The backgrounds of each differ, yet in general all create gatherings and are associated with happiness.
Over the years there have been many debates over whether we should say, ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays.’ Both should be fine, so long as we recognize that different people celebrate different things. No one statement is accurate. I would hope that everyone can see that everyone has the desire to gather with loved ones and be happy. Does it really matter what the specific holiday is? And unless we are willing to take the time to fully understand the meaning of each holiday to each culture, we should worry less about what we say, and focus more on how we celebrate each other, similarities and differences.
I also see the holiday season as a way to celebrate the year that has been and to look forward to the possibilities of the year ahead. It has been a challenging couple of years to say the least. Most people have been touched by COVID impacts in some fashion. It could be job changes, layoffs, illness, or the loss of a relative — COVID has changed the world in many ways. It will be a marker in time. But we can all find reasons to celebrate as well. It may be for new beginnings, fresh potential, staying healthy, or remembering what those we have lost meant to us. No one thing has to define the entire year or cast a shadow on what the future may hold. We can make the difference for ourselves and others any way we choose. It is still a choice.
Finally, for most leaders in retail, the holiday season is busy, chaotic, and stressful. I hope that you are able to find some time as we near the end of the year that you can catch your breath and re-energize for the new year. Take some time to celebrate with your friends and family and just enjoy the season and what it means to you.
Wishing you joy for the season.
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