“It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas...” It seems to me those are the words of a popular Christmas song. Wish I could remember which one. Well, it certainly is looking like Christmas in these parts. That is, if you associate Christmas with the North Pole - ice and snow and all that stuff. Santa Claus would feel right at home here. Actually, I guess the song I’m looking for is “White Christmas”. I can understand why we in the frozen north took the Saint Nicholas legend and morphed it into the Santa concept that we are so familiar with today. There had to be some way of romanticizing the conditions we endure while celebrating one of the biggest holidays of the year.

Spirit Matters
So, how do you write about the spirit of Christmas in a commercial newsletter? Isn’t it a common complaint these days that Christmas has become too commercialized? And after all, isn’t the intention of this column to create a bond and promote ourselves to our customers and prospective customers? Well, yes of course. The question remains, can this be done in keeping with the spirit of the season, which many of us understand to be about giving, unconditional love, and peace on earth?

Giving and love. Enough said. Seems to be a good reason to celebrate with family and friends. And in keeping with the spirit of God’s promise, what about sharing the giving and love with strangers, especially those less fortunate than ourselves, who find themselves alone, or without the means to participate in the festivities many of us associate with the celebration of Christmas.

As for peace on Earth, it seems to be an impossibility these days, but if Christmas gives us a chance to reflect on what that means, we can focus our thoughts and our prayers to that end. Each of us can take small steps to encourage changes toward peace in our own families, among our business associates, our communities, and so forth. I think the ripple effect of this kind of energy can only have a positive impact on the world at large. What about you?

Presents or Presence?
Has Christmas become too commercial? What do you think? Retailers, like the rest of us, realize that in the spirit of giving people will be buying. This is what inspires the big advertising campaigns to get their share of the pie. Have we let it influence us too much? Perhaps, but it is our choice whether we will be drawn in or not. I believe Christmas begins and ends in the heart. For me it’s a far better place to make choices from than from hype.

We at Corbins hope you will be true to your own heart. When you choose to do business with us we wish it is because you feel it is the right thing for you to do. It is always our aim to create a strong relationship with our clientele. We know the only way to do this is to provide unsurpassed service. Just as in the holistic perception of life, where spirit is the glue that holds body and mind together, we believe in a holistic concept of business. In our way of thinking, service and attitude bind us to our customers, and in order to serve you, we need to know what you want from us.

Wax and Wane
Whew! Have you ever felt totally exhausted after getting all philosophical? Maybe it’s only me. I think it might be time for me to stop before I pass out at the computer or something. That would give an entirely new meaning to crashing. Besides, if Blair was to find me sound asleep at the computer he’d probably assume I was sluffing off. But then that would be his problem, right? Just between you and me, we know how hard I’ve been working.

So, is this really work? (So many questions today! It reminds me of when my youngest daughter was a child. How exhausting! Okay, so now I’m beginning to understand how you feel. And no, this is not a test.) Anyway, sometimes it’s hard to believe this is part of my job. It’s great to enjoy what you do for a living. Apparently it’s all connected to finding your purpose in life, otherwise known as your dharma. (Yup, just like the TV series.) But that’s a topic for someone else to discuss. I’m still learning about that myself - trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Then again, some people never seem to grow up. In fact, I’m not convinced it’s really necessary. Maybe that’s because the chance of that ever happening is slim to none. Well, I think it’s probably highly overrated anyway. Whatever.

Give and Let Give
I’ve already asked you to let us know what we can do for you. I’m repeating it because we really do mean it. Hearing from you would give us incredible leverage. And it gives you the opportunity to be a part of our business plan. It’s a win-win situation. You get what you want, and we have the opportunity to provide it.

Heart to Heart
Beside that, I have one other request. In the spirit of giving, please email us and let us know if you have read “Quoth the Raven...”. In the subject line type ‘Column’, then simply type ‘read it once’ or ‘more than once’. If you have any other comments, be true to your own heart, and feel free to give those as well. I’m going out on a limb here, however we all know a raven would feel comfortable there.

To all of our friends who recently observed Ramadan, assalamu alaikum. Also, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Prosperous New Year. To you and yours may God bless you all.


For your success,

Team Corbin
 

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