Got my list, checking it twice. It’s that time again, isn’t it? If the decor in the malls is to be believed, the “season” started shortly before Halloween. Sheesh. At our house we don’t utter “Christmas” till after Thanksgiving. Good rule. There’s a brief interlude here before THAT holiday where we in retail get pushed around to decorate and promote, and it sometimes makes me a little grumpy. This week, for example, my staff worked SO hard on a beautiful coffee-themed tree as a donation for a local fundraiser, only to find out that it was supposed to go out on display on the 16th of November. If it isn’t sold by Monday the 23rd, it’ll be picked up for the auction. We’re wishing we could just hang on to it till the week after Turkey Day. My other “humbug” moment came when realizing that roughly half my barista staff (the majority of them management) will be gone over Christmas. I know, I know, I’m the one who makes the schedule, and the reality is that folks are drawn to retail foodservice work because of it’s flexible hours. Okay. I’m over it. No more complaining. Now, let’s celebrate!
Just like you, we’re feel the pinch of a downturned economy (hurry up and get here, recovery!) but we’re still going to enjoy the season. Our Christmas music starts full-throttle on Black Friday and runs nonstop till the 25th. From then till New Year’s we still hear about 25% Christmas music before returning to our regular mix. We include everything from “Angels We Have Heard On High” to “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” and everything in between. A steady diet of Spike Jones, the Chipmunks, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Tony Bennett, Brenda Lee, Andy Williams: pretty much anybody who ever thought of recording holiday music. I know you have a favorite!
We brew Holiday Blend more often (chocolate/cherry/amaretto: like Spumoni in a cup). Cookies shaped like ornaments and trees. Colorful icing on the cinnamon rolls. Sprinkles on whipped cream. Egg nog lattes. Anybody know where I can get a reindeer antler headband?
In times when we might be cutting our gift lists, or at least our budgets, spending time with a friend over a cheery Holiday Mocha will be appreciated. Giving that student a JP’s gift card makes perfect sense. A 4-ounce bag of Genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain is a great stocking stuffer. Taking a hostess gift of Candy Cane or Java Jingle or Holiday Blend will make you the guest voted most likely to be invited back! A JP’s logo mug (the gift that gives back every time you use it) would be welcome. A brightly colored French Press is a small investment in big impressions.
And let’s remember the real reason for this season. Rejoice, indeed. Wishing you and yours blessings this Christmastime.
Filed under: Coffee
