A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my dear readers.
I find myself in Los Angeles this Christmas for the first time in three years. It will be nice to spend the day with my side of the family before we depart for Germany later in the week. For the first time since I have been married, I’ve actually put up a Christmas tree and decorated my house for Christmas. In years past we have been out of the country or too busy.
Like my friend Brian Cohen, I’m thinking about It’s A Wonderful Life today, the perennial American Christmas classic. The movie hinges upon a life-transforming moment in which George Bailey’s world is turned upside down by an event beyond his control…a mistake by Uncle Billy followed by a dishonest act by a cunning Potter.
Without getting into details, it has been a rough year. Betrayal and dishonesty have turned my world upside down in a way that makes this blog my only source of stability in the busy realm of my business ventures. The humbling thing is that so much of what has happened has been completely beyond my control.
I’m thankful to each one of you who stop by my site, especially those daily readers whom I have come to appreciate so much in the comment sections of each post. This blog remains my creative release, wherever I am in the world. I write as a labor of love, as I have for 10 years.
During this turbulent time, like George Bailey, I am thankful for a loving wife, caring family, and loyal friends to help me through each day. Even more humbling than the setbacks that have afflicted me is how those in my inner circle have rallied around me.
For George Bailey, his friends came to his aide in his darkest hour. I may not yet be to that hour, but I don’t fear the future.
On this Christmas, when we think about another gift to humanity, I am most thankful for the love others have shown to me and continue to pour out upon me on a daily basis, like an inexhaustible well.
Do the same on this day and every day: let’s all show a little love to those around us, especially those in need.
Apparently American and Hyatt read your post as Hyatt Globalists are now being gifted EXP status. And it appears to be fairly widespread.
Under these circumstances a little LESS charity might be good.
Even if they become Executive Platinum they still need to fly AA. Having to fly AA feels like a Grinch gift and nothing to brag about.
Thanks for the work on the blog, Matthew; I really enjoy your takes and passion for the airline industry. Enjoy your Christmas!
Betrayals are the worse, especially when they are constant and within your own “family”. Add to that, elders who are convinced that such snakes are always “there for you”
Thanks for your frequent blogs, Matthew. I make it a point to read them every day. Keep up the great work. May you and your family experience joy and peace during this holiday season and in 2020.
I for one am thankful that many people don’t follow the Christmas traditions and keep their shops open. It would suck much more than normal to live in republican infested areas around this time of the year.
Well… as a conservative who has kept his shop open today; I am disgusted by the people, who have never tried owning a business, who do nothing but constantly shout about increasing the tax rate and minimum wage to the point where opening a business to better the lives of ourselves and people in our community is no longer feasible. I am also frustrated that the idea of socialism has had a resurgence in the past couple of years. Capitalism is a beautiful concept where people may take a chance to improve their wellbeing. It is not perfect, but never has so much innovation and quality of life exist when all are coerced into forced mediocrity. When was the last time you saw an American go to Canada for healthcare? Lastly, I am also disappointed by these so called “liberals” who swear by their “openness and acceptance” when in reality they only are with their own ideas. God forbid you actually have an idea that contradict theirs… Debit, who ever you are, I do not agree with what you wrote but, you are still human and I will treat you as such.
Aaron its funny most liberals think exactly like you about republicans. And i am not liberal. And i used to be pro capitalism. I still am. I am anti republicans. I have a problem with the people. Not their ideas. Conservative ideas are decent. If they are tempered with data and science. Today’s republicans are not conservatives. They might have convinced themselves that. Have you looked at the deficit? No one with any brains buys any crap Republicans spout today. And today’s Republicans aren’t treating anyone as humans by taking big tax breaks while taking away health insurance and food stamps.
Talking to a republican is like listening to ISIS justifying why they have a right to rape women. They might have been be fully convinced they were right but the world just shot them dead instead of trying to argue with them and show them how they were wrong. We have run out of patience with republicans too.
You should see what your leaders are doing instead of looking at just yourself and using it to justify capitalism. Maybe go talk to some Democrat economists.
All of my stores (except one in an office complex) were open on December 25th!
I asked my location managers to request for volunteer(s) to work that day. No extra pay for those that did work, however they each received a $100 bonus in the form of a gift card – their choice of Costco, Target or Walmart.
At a few locations where we did not have enough volunteers, hours were trimmed to match staffing levels.
Unfortunately, due to California’s overbearing regulations, not one of my employees works more than a weekly average of 30 hours – and I try to keep that capped at 29 hours. Sure, if by chance an employee works more than 8 hours in a day – then they receive the mandated overtime for hours over 8 – but that is rare. Keeping all employees under 30 hours eliminates my liability on the healthcare mandate.
Can one still make money in California? – yes, but with many what if’s, exceptions, stringent management controls and expense reduction. For the small businessperson, it certainly is becoming more difficult as each new year passes.
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
Well, we certainly see a lot of people in the US purchase their drugs from Canada.
Merry Christmas, Matthew. A happy and prosperous 2020 to you.
Thank you for this labor of love.
Thanks Matthew! Your blog is one of the things I look forward to every day. Keep up the good work!
Merry Christmas, Matthew. And thanks for your blog..it’s always entertaining and informative….
Feliz Navidad, Matthew. Your blog is a highlight of many of our days. Thanks so much for you’d labor of love.
Cheers, Matthew–and God bless. May all the frustrations of 2019 be overshadowed by God’s unfailing grace–and by a more successful 2020! Merry Christmas!
Best, Jake
Yes, keep up the good work. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Matthew, to you and your family.
I like this blog beyond what it “does” for me in the small and in reality unimportant hobby of points and miles. What i like is your values, insights, humility and honesty.
Merry Christmas Matthew. More or less a daily reader here. I like your blog for the content, without the credit card pushing pollution. And for being relevant for international readers without much of the american bias.
Matthew,
Sorry to hear it’s been a bumpy ride this year. I appreciate your efforts and insights and turn to the blog daily.
Very best wishes to you and your family. Here’s to a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Cheers…
I have been looking forward to your Christmas post.
Through the Christmas Day in 2019 has faded, the Prince of Peace rules and abides all year long in our hearts as long as there is a place for him. This turbulence shall pass.
Meanwhile, here is something encouraging I came across this week: https://fee.org/articles/the-christmas-truce-of-world-war-i/?fbclid=IwAR2EWqLtHob86dgPCSaLQqx-6yJolP-UrGQxHZ4y1fb_T_01lRl3q7miE78
Happy New Year!