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How to describe the spirit of Christmas…

It’s probably a feeling of festivity and joy that surrounds us during the holiday season. We generally seem to have more goodwill towards all.

It is a time when families come together, friends reconnect, and strangers extend a helping hand.

The simplest things, that would be lovely done any time of year, take on a special significance during the holidays.

Merry Christmas.

There’ll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
There’ll be scary ghost stories
And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago

This seemed odd to me for many years. But…

Ghost stories have been told at Christmas dating back hundreds of years.

For starters, the winter season is often associated with darkness and the supernatural, making it the perfect time to tell tales of ghosts and hauntings.

The holiday season also evokes a sense of nostalgia and a desire to revisit the past, which fits perfectly with the themes of ghost stories.

And, of course, Christmas is a time for gathering with friends and family, and ghost stories previously provided an entertaining way to pass the time and create shared experiences.

Of course, Frederick Forsyth’s ghost story novella, The Shepherd, received the Disney treatment and can be watched on Disney+ right now.

A fifty-year-old commercial that led to a tune with immense staying power.

Conceived in an airport cafe in Ireland, where creative director Bill Backer was held up because of a bad weather forced landing. He noticed formerly irate passengers sitting together, with snacks and sodas.

“In that moment [I] saw a bottle of Coke in a whole new light… [I] began to see a bottle of Coca‑Cola as more than a drink that refreshed a hundred million people a day in almost every corner of the globe. So [I] began to see the familiar words, ‘Let’s have a Coke,’ as more than an invitation to pause for refreshment. They were actually a subtle way of saying, ‘Let’s keep each other company for a little while.’ And [I] knew they were being said all over the world as [I] sat there in Ireland. So that was the basic idea: to see Coke not as it was originally designed to be — a liquid refresher — but as a tiny bit of commonality between all peoples, a universally liked formula that would help to keep them company for a few minutes.”

The ad was born, and it captured the essence of unity and togetherness, promoting the idea of global harmony and inclusivity. With its heartwarming message and memorable song, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony),” the ad resonated with viewers and solidified Coca-Cola’s position as a global brand.

I remember a time before online shopping.

Not sure what that makes me, but it’s something I think about often. Especially this time of year.

E-commerce has reshaped the way consumers shop, making it more accessible, convenient, and personalized than ever before.

With just a few clicks, customers find brands, and brands find tribes.

You can now shop from the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. This makes some people extremely grateful. Remember the Black Friday nightmares of the oughts?

What this means is that shopping is not only more convenient, but it has also opened up new possibilities for discovery.

I’ve heard that it’s challenging to make friends as an adult. It seems that close friend groups are pretty much formed by the time we graduate college.

But it doesn’t have to be impossible. While it may have been easier to develop friendships when we were younger, there are still opportunities for adults to make new friends.

Joining clubs or groups related to your interests can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals who share similar passions.

Additionally, attending social events or volunteering in your community can also provide you with the chance to connect with others.

It is okay to put yourself out there and be open to new experiences.

The price of a product represents the value that consumers perceive and their willingness to pay for it. Strategies such as competitive pricing, premium pricing, and cost-plus pricing are commonly used by businesses to maximize revenue while catering to different market segments.

Understanding customer preferences and market conditions is essential in determining the optimal price for a product.

Goods can be valued based on their utility, scarcity, and/or desirability.

Utility refers to the usefulness or satisfaction of owning and consuming a good.

Scarcity determines how hard it is to obtain a good, which can impact its value.

Desirability is influenced by factors such as fashion, trends, and personal preferences.

Figuring out what niche your offering is in can greatly influence its pricing and, ultimately, its acceptance among consumers.

Write fast. Write neat. Is it legible? How long did it take?

This is my problem. I sometimes try and read over what I’ve written, and nope. I have no idea.

Is it better to write fast? Or write neatly?

Preferably both. In my case, though, it just didn’t seem to work out that way.

We are a hodgepodge of all the things that we’ve come into contact with throughout our lives. I can vividly recall listening to a radio station that played a mix of classic rock, bluegrass, rockabilly, and various other genres.

It was Sunday mornings, when I’d go to work at 7:45 to open the store. I haven’t worried about that in years. And yet, the sound of the DJ saying “Sunday morning coming down” is still as clear in my head as if I just heard it.

Strange, no?

Nashville, Tennessee, is part of the reasons why I wanted to write about cities in the first place. It’s geographically close to Atlanta, and yet feels like a world away. I know it as the home of country music, but it has long been known not only for its vibrant music culture, but also its rich history and unique charm

It is, of course, known as the birthplace of country music, and the city’s music legacy is undeniably prominent. From the Grand Ole Opry to the honky-tonks on Broadway, Nashville is a hub for music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians. The city’s rich history can be traced back to its early settlers, who were drawn to the area for its fertile land and beautiful river.

As time went on, Nashville became the center of the country music industry, attracting artists like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton. The city’s iconic recording studios, including RCA Studio B and Sun Studio, have played a crucial role in shaping the sound of country music. Today, Nashville is home to numerous music halls, festivals, and museums, showcasing the city’s deep connection to the music industry.

In addition to its musical roots, it possesses a deep historical significance, if not necessarily a positive one. The city was once the capital of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, and historic sites such as the Belle Meade Plantation and Fort Negley remain a testament to that turbulent period in American history.

On the other hand, Nashville played a significant role in the development of the Civil Rights Movement. The Fisk University, located in the heart of the city, was a prominent institution during the Jim Crow era. The university’s students and faculty members fought for racial equality, and their efforts played a pivotal role in shaping the civil rights movement.

Today, while music remains at the core of Nashville’s identity, the city has evolved into a multifaceted destination. Nashville offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to enjoy, including world-class museums, trendy restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit for music lovers, offering a glimpse into the history of country music and showcasing memorabilia from legendary artists. The Ryman Auditorium, also known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted performances from the likes of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

For art enthusiasts, the Frist Art Museum offers an impressive collection of contemporary artwork, while the Johnny Cash Museum is dedicated to the iconic country singer. And foodies will love exploring the vibrant restaurant scene, with options to suit every palate, from authentic Southern cuisine to farm-to-table options.

It is a remarkable place that deserves its position among the most-appreciated of American cities.