Those of you who have been receiving our ENS on Sales over the last fifteen years, know it’s time for my annual politically incorrect “Merry Christmas” message. (Although, I’m increasingly convinced that ‘politically correct’ is an oxymoron because I don’t know any politicians who are ‘correct’. They all seem to care more about getting elected than they do about doing what’s right.)
I used to agonize over whether I should say “Merry Christmas” because not everyone celebrates this Christian event.
But I believe in recognizing the role that history and heritage play in making people, nations, businesses and cultures what they are, and Christmas is a part of the North American heritage I’m not ready to deny.
I’m not offended when a friend wishes me Happy Hanukah, and I feel honored when another friend invites me to her faith’s New Year’s celebration in November. There is no denying that Christianity played a role in making North America what it is today…good or bad.
And I’ve never seen anyone from any faith object to getting a day off on December 25th, even though they know how the holiday originated, so Merry Christmas everyone!
‘Tis the season to rejoice and count our blessings.
As you take time over the holidays, I invite you to reflect upon how fortunate we are to be in this business.
We get paid for helping other people. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Whether we’re helping charitable organizations with a fund-raising campaign, or helping a business to grow and provide more employment with our advertising campaigns, we’re helping, informing and entertaining people every day!
Those people who punch a clock or work on an assembly line can only fantasize about having the opportunity to work with the diverse and creative group of peers we see every day. Some of us are wacky, some disciplined and some adventurous and others are focused… together we produce a product and service like no other!
And we have a purpose bigger than ourselves! We transform lives. We help needy children by promoting Christmas toy drives. We entertain people, adding laughter, music and insight to their otherwise boring lives. We keep people informed, make them think, and even let them know if they’ll need an overcoat on the way to work today.
We help them avoid traffic jams and to make enlightened decisions at election time.
For the most part our jobs are not hazardous. We don’t brave the elements on a daily basis, and I don’t see a lot of calluses or sore backs in our business.
I heard an interview with country singer Kenny Rogers where he said, “Find a way to get paid for doing something you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” I think that’s where all of us in broadcasting are.
So merry… happy… greetings… season’s… wishes… however you say it, we wish you all the best in 2017 and beyond. Merry Christmas!