It’s the holiday season, which means many things: business picking up after the annual pre-winter slowdown in our tourism traffic; winter events including annual favorites like the Birds of Prey World Cup and Vail Snow Daze; anticipation of new events like the Winter Teva Mountain Games; and of course, powder days and the joy of being back on our beloved mountains.
But those of us with kids know that it also means a plethora of holiday specials on television.
There is a silver lining to the never-ending holiday specials. I don’t know if it is humanly possible to watch them all, but if you take the time to watch some of them, these shows and holiday specials offer good life lessons for children of all ages. In the spirit of the holidays, a quick recap of some holiday specials & a little lesson they offer:
Frosty the Snowman: children unquestionably believe in magic, while adults try to ruin the fun. Embrace the child-like belief during the holidays & don’t ruin the fun.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon): be thankful for what you have, as your family & friends are more valuable than any stuff ever could be.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (movie): not everything needs to be made into a Jim Carrey movie.
Elf: everything should be made into a Will Ferrell movie.
It’s a Wonderful Life: was viewed as a flop at the time and has since been accepted as a Hollywood classic, offering proof that sometimes we all need time to recognize greatness. Also offers a gentle reminder that belief in oneself is essential.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas (and it’s not commercialism).
A Christmas Story: in their mind, every kid “needs” a Red Ryder bb gun (or whatever the hot toy of the year might be), even if they might shoot their eye out.
The Star Wars Holiday Special: really? Someone thought that was a good idea? The lesson learned might be to not always try to cash in on a hot trend.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer: OK, no lesson in this one. It’s really more annoying than anything else, unless you really don’t like your grandma.
T’was the Night Before Christmas: good things come to those who wait.
The Santa Clause: Tim Allen needed a better financial planner after his run on “Home Improvement”.
The Santa Clause II: no redeeming value whatsoever.
Christmas Vacation: be nice to your employees, or Cousin Eddie might visit your house on Christmas Eve.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: sometimes you need a couple of misfits to get through the tough times.
Here’s to a very happy holiday season to everyone. And pay attention to those holiday specials on television – they offer some obvious (and some not so obvious) lessons that can be applied to both your professional & personal life.
As always, I encourage all member businesses to get engaged with the Partnership and to contact us with any suggestions you may have to help us better serve you. Call us at (970) 476-1000 or stop by our offices in Avon at Traer Creek Plaza to share your feedback.