Every year toward the end of December we begin the process of celebrating the holidays. Whether it's shopping for gifts, decorating the house or the inn for Christmas, planning time away or with family and friends, most of us become engaged in the "holiday mood" in one form or another.
The holidays also bring with them wonderful opportunities. For those innkeepers who stay open from Christmas to New Year's, it can be a brief period of high occupancy and great rates, even if they have to defer their own time with loved ones until later. Some might wonder how any innkeeper would stay open for the holidays and seemingly put money ahead of the "important" things like family. But the other side of that is what it means for the guests.
For some people, the notion of being away for the holidays by choice, as in really away, away from friends and family, away from home, away from what is familiar, to be with strangers at a very "together" time of year, is hard to understand. But for some of those who travel to an inn for Christmas, it is precisely because they are seeking togetherness, kindness, sharing, a festive atmosphere, something new and exciting. Even though innkeepers provide their guests with those important qualities all year long, it can be especially important at the holidays. While the money may be good, it is also a sacrifice that some innkeepers would not be willing to make, nor should they if celebrating the holidays with loved ones is more important than staying open.
In that spirit of giving and sacrifice, it's notable to remember that Americans are the most generous people on earth. Annually, Americans give $300 Billion to worthy causes; that's $1,000 for every man, woman, and child. Surprisingly, 75% of that is given by individuals, not foundations and corporations. And 75% of that individual giving is by people earning less than $100,000 a year. We give because it matters, because it makes us feel good, because others need it more than we do.
All of us at The B&B Team hope that you find your own way to give this holiday season, whether it be time, money, love, or just a small kindness. We wish you the happiest of seasons and a wondrous 2009.
Peter, Rick, Peggy, and Jan
Peter, Rick and families… May the joy of the Season be with you now and during all of 2009.
Blessings,
Hoyt
Thank you for your thoughts & good wishes. We try to maintain the same over here in the UK. I can only hope that the economic downturn will be short-lived & that business will blossom once again. We wish you a busy & profitable New Year
Reg & Lyn- The Robin Hood-Clifton Reynes- Bucks. England
Rick and Peter
From our home to yours we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Our dreams are still alive to have our own B&B. We’ve thought of you both many times watching the winter weather in your cities. We’re enjoying 75 degree weather! :-)) Big hugs to you both. Eileen and Glady
Many people who have little money give generously of their time for worthy causes and that is worth millions. What a shame that we have people at the top of the auto makers, the banks and other financial institutions that keep greed in their hearts and the main focus of their lives. Unfortunately with no oversight, our government seems to approve this behavior.
Mary Gallagher
Thank you for your warm wishes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Rick and Peter:
I appreciate all the help that you have given me this past year even though things have not turned out as I had wished. I hope you have a healthy and prosperous new year.
Happy Holidays! Martha