Nearly all my adult live I have heard the old saying that there were only two things certain in life…death and taxes. I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who actually originated that quote, so maybe that is why he is pictured on the $100 bill. But growing up in Southern Alabama and Middle Tennessee I came to believe that there was another certainty…Christmas.
Christmas has come in the hardest of times and in the best of times, but it has always come. I watched the 1954 movie “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye last night. The opening scene was actually set in 1944 during WWII and Christmas had come then as well. We have all seen it. Perhaps many of you have been or are involved with sending Christmas to people in need of it all over the world.
There Will Always Be Christmas?
Nashville Wraps has survived several economic downturns since our beginnings in 1976, including interest at nearly 20%, the stock market’s black Monday, 9/11, and the recession. I have said many times that the gift packaging business is somewhat recession proof; people may buy less expensive gifts when times are hard but they still wrap those gifts…and there will always be Christmas.
So we all know it has come in the past, but I wonder if Christmas is still as certain as death and taxes? I think if we are honest we probably have already asked ourselves that question. Of course there are the telltale signs like using the phrase “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas”, not as many Christmas trees in the town squares (or in our own yards), and even many school systems are doing “winter” celebrations rather than “Christmas” ones, just to name a few of the obvious.
The True Spirit of Christmas
The question is not only relative to our times, but was asked in many former times as well. One which comes to mind is in Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” which was first published in 1843. The book was written when the British were examining and exploring Christmas traditions from the past. Remember the 3 ghosts that visited Ebenezer Scrooge, especially the ghost of Christmas yet to come? What would we do if visited by that ghost? How would our lives and the way we celebrate Christmas be different?
I think that the ghost of Christmas to come is visiting us right now and showing us by what we are seeing and experiencing all around us, from intolerance (of Christmas celebrations, principles and beliefs) to the radical and horrific actions of hate and terror increasing around the free world and now in our own country and neighborhoods.
While it is essential to face the dangers that attack our very way of life with courage and swiftness, I believe we understand clearly what fate will await our future Christmases should we not learn from old Ebenezer Scrooge – to open our hearts up in spite of the times, the dangers and the uncertainties, and to give more Christmas spirit to others while receiving it for ourselves in the process.
Merry Christmas!
Robby Meadows, CEO
Luke 2:14 ~ “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Mike says
As I just read the blog I had a flash back to last night, watching Tim Allen in Santa Claus three where he was replaced buy that crazy Jack Frost. I have been here 29 years and will start 30 years next year and look forward to the same exciting rush that we have at Christmas time here every year. We have challenges every year to over come and promises to keep but even in those times we always know for sure “The reason for the Season” To our customers & Vendors, God bless you in this wonderful time of the year.
Diana C. says
Thank you for the up lifting words, Merry Christmas to all of you. I want to also thank you for your great service this past year and to help my business. I am still small but feel so blessed to be here; so as tiny Tim would say “God Bless Us Everyone”
Gracie Evans says
Thanks so much for saying Merry Christmas. After all, without Him there is no Christmas! One of the reasons my business supports yours!