Merry Christmas

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

What is the true spirit of Christmas? Perhaps it becomes more difficult to see in the world of extreme consumerism but I like to think that the spirit of Christmas is kindness, generosity, and goodwill. As a famous Christmas carol in the UK says, “'Tis the season to be jolly” (Deck the Halls).

A Tale of Two Christmases

On one side, we see the frenzy of holiday sales. Many retailers use Christmas as an opportunity to drive up sales and profits with extensive marketing campaigns. Unfortunately, at Christmas time many consumers feel financial pressure due to feeling compelled to overspend and overindulge.

In contrast, I like the story of Ernie Giannecchini. Ernie is the 76-year-old owner of Ernie’s General Store in Stockton, California. Known as the “Gas Station Santa,” Ernie has been spreading holiday cheer by lowering his petrol (gas in American English) prices during the Christmas season.

Ernie also runs an Italian delicatessen, offering authentic products that connect his community to his heritage. For Ernie, it’s not about maximizing profits but about helping his neighbours. Customers who are struggling with the rising living costs have expressed heartfelt gratitude for his generosity.

Ernie’s simple act of kindness stands in stark contrast to the commercialised Christmas we often see. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best gifts don’t come wrapped in paper and bows but in thoughtful gestures that make a difference.

Lessons for Business Professionals

For those of us navigating the world of business, Ernie’s story offers valuable insights. While profitability is essential, true success often comes from building strong relationships and earning trust. Just as Ernie’s actions have inspired loyalty among his customers, businesses that prioritise their communities can create lasting goodwill and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

A Holiday Challenge

This Christmas, can you take a page out of Ernie’s book? Look for ways to spread goodwill, whether it’s through your professional interactions or personal life. Remember, the spirit of the season isn’t found in store-bought items but in the connections we build and the joy we share.

Words of the Day: ‘Tis and Jolly

‘Tis - old use - short for ‘It is’

The word ‘‘tis’ is a contraction of ‘it is’ and is one of the many charming linguistic features of the English language. You will almost exclusively hear it during the Christmas season, as it appears in carols such as ‘Deck the Halls’ (‘‘Tis the season to be jolly…’). The contraction ‘‘tis’ was more commonly used in older English but has largely fallen out of use in modern speech. Its enduring association with Christmas reminds us of the festive traditions passed down through generations.

Jolly - adjective - happy and smiling

Word of the Day: Merry

We often associate the word merry with Christmas, but it is also used outside the festive season.

Merry - adjective - happy or showing enjoyment

If you hear that someone was merry at the Christmas party it probably means that they were slightly drunk.

Thank you and Merry Christmas

Thank you for your support this year, whether by reading our newsletters or taking Business or Cambridge English lessons.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025!

Do you have any Business English Questions?

Please email me and I will do my best to answer them in future newsletters.

Until next Wednesday - have a great week!

Iain.

www.communicateenglish.com