SEATS AND TICKETS’ Post

East 17’s “Stay another day” isn’t a Christmas song… or is it? Let’s settle this once and for all: is “Stay Another Day” by East 17 a Christmas song? The evidence against it: 🎅 No mention of Santa, snowmen, or sleigh rides. 💓 It’s about heartbreak, not festive cheer. 🔔 If you strip out the bells, it’s just a classic 90s ballad. But here’s the thing—it’s wrapped in a festive music video, and those iconic bells at the end have cemented it in the festive season forever. Honestly, it’s harder to remove it from Christmas playlists than it is to resist a second helping of Christmas dinner. And it’s not alone in this grey area: “Fairytale of New York”—a Christmas anthem, despite its less-than-cheerful tone. “Last Christmas”—technically about heartbreak, yet somehow festive. “River” by Joni Mitchell—seasonal, but definitely not spreading joy and cheer. So, here’s the real question: what makes a Christmas song? The lyrics? The vibe? Or is it simply the time of year we decide to play it on repeat? What’s your take? Are East 17 part of the festive lineup, or are they crashing the Christmas party? #LetsSettleThisOnceAndForAll

Mariah Carey is coming... Have you ever stopped and thought about why we listen to the same Christmas songs every single year? It's a powerful combination of familiarity, seasonality and nostalgia. Businesses take advantage of this too. All it takes is one absolute banger Christmas campaign to happen annually, and your customers will always keep coming back for more, and more... and more. What are you doing this Christmas to promote your products and services? And are you doing it every single year? What's your Mariah Carey Christmas classic? #Marketing #MarketingCampaigns #DigitalMarketing #Christmas

Top 5 Must-Watch Christmas Movies to Embrace the Holiday Spirit Christmas is the perfect time to cozy up with loved ones, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy movies that fill your heart with joy and magic. Here’s my pick of the top 5 Christmas movies that will make your holiday season even brighter: 1. Home Alone (1990) A timeless classic! Follow the hilarious and heartwarming adventures of Kevin McCallister as he defends his home from burglars while learning the true meaning of family. 2. Elf (2003) Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy, a human raised by elves, is a dose of pure Christmas cheer. This comedy reminds us to embrace kindness and stay true to our inner child. 3. Love Actually (2003) A feel-good romantic comedy that intertwines multiple stories about love, family, and friendship—all set against the backdrop of a festive London. 4. The Polar Express (2004) This animated masterpiece takes you on a magical journey to the North Pole, reminding us to believe in the magic of Christmas, no matter how old we are. 5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Jim Carrey brings Dr. Seuss’s iconic Grinch to life in this heartwarming tale of transformation, proving that Christmas isn’t about presents—it’s about the people we love. Whether you’re watching them for the first time or revisiting them as annual traditions, these films are sure to bring warmth, laughter, and a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations. What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Let me know in the comments! 🎄

Why does Christmas often feel so emotional? Christmas is a unique time of year, wrapped in traditions that engage all our senses. The music, decorations, films, food, and even the break in routine make it unlike any other season. Christmas is a unique time of year, wrapped in traditions that engage all our senses. The music, decorations, films, food, and even the break in routine make it unlike any other season. How does Christmas feel to you? #ChristmasAnxiety #HolidayStress #HolidayWellness

Why does Christmas often feel so emotional? Christmas is a unique time of year, wrapped in traditions that engage all our senses. The music, decorations, films, food, and even the break in routine make it unlike any other season. Christmas is a unique time of year, wrapped in traditions that engage all our senses. The music, decorations, films, food, and even the break in routine make it unlike any other season. How does Christmas feel to you? #ChristmasAnxiety #HolidayStress #HolidayWellness

Over breakfast this morning, my son and I embarked on a critical mission: identifying companies violating the sacred Thanksgiving Day Treaty of 1923. For those unfamiliar with US history, the War on Christmas was once a bloody, unregulated affair. Before 1924, companies would leave Christmas decorations up all year round. Chaos ensued. Tensions reached a tipping point on the infamous night of December 6, 1922, known as the Krampus Kidnappings. In the aftermath, Santa himself intervened, brokering a historic treaty with Nathan Straus, then-CEO of Macy’s. The treaty, enacted in 1924, declared that no company shall advertise or decorate for Christmas until Santa made his grand appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Peace was restored. Well, mostly. But, as history often proves, peace is fleeting. In a covert operation, Roberto Nunez and John Wesley Hickey, legendary generals in the War for Christmas, devised a plan. They would unite their families (through Alfred Roy Carey and Patricia Hickey) to bring forth the 5th Horseman of the Christmas Apocalypse: Mariah Carey. And this year? Mere moments after Halloween, they’ve unleashed her again. 🎶 “All I Want for Christmas...” begins its annual takeover, and there’s no going back. ************************ Now, a serious note for my #GreenBannerGang and all those still #OpenToWork this holiday season. As Thanksgiving approaches here in the U.S., recruitment activities will slow down significantly (next week). Fewer job postings, fewer responses, and more "out of office" emails. It’s frustrating. I know. But here’s the thing: this is your moment to pause. To breathe. To take care of you. This job market? It’s brutal. Sending out hundreds (or thousands) of applications and hearing nothing in return is soul-crushing. But you’re more than those unanswered emails. You’re resilient. You’re resourceful. And you will land on your feet. Use this week to recharge, reflect, and come back stronger. Your next opportunity is waiting, just give it a little time. ✨ And to those who hear the faint echoes of Mariah in the distance...stay strong. #JobSearchJourney #HolidaySeasonHustle #ThanksgivingBreak #CareerResilience

Die Hard: A Christmas Movie Debate That Keeps on Giving The debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie has been a cultural mainstay for years. One of the most famous moments fueling the discussion is Bruce Willis's comment at his Comedy Central roast: "Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. It's a goddamn Bruce Willis movie!" While this might seem like a dismissal at first glance, a closer look reveals that it might support the argument that Die Hard belongs in the Christmas movie canon. The Debate Itself Proves Its Holiday Roots The fact that this debate exists—and that Bruce Willis felt compelled to address it—suggests that Die Hard has firmly planted itself in the collective holiday consciousness. If the film were purely an action thriller with no holiday connection, the conversation wouldn’t persist. The enduring discussion speaks to the film’s undeniable ties to Christmas themes and aesthetics. A Playful Nod to the Holiday Willis’s comment can be interpreted as tongue-in-cheek. By calling it a "goddamn Bruce Willis movie," he highlights his iconic role in the film while also subtly acknowledging its connection to the holiday season. After all, Die Hard is set during Christmas, features holiday music, and incorporates festive decorations and nods to Santa Claus. These elements, while atypical for a holiday movie, help create a unique Christmas-adjacent experience. The Christmas Spirit in Action Beyond the setting and decorations, Die Hard reflects deeper Christmas themes. The film is about family and redemption, as John McClane fights to save his wife and repair their fractured relationship. These values—love, forgiveness, and the importance of family—are hallmarks of traditional Christmas stories, even if they're wrapped in explosive action sequences. Why the Debate Matters The ongoing discussion about Die Hard being a Christmas movie highlights its cultural impact. The film has transcended genres, earning a spot in action and holiday traditions. It's a testament to how stories with unconventional elements can unexpectedly resonate with the holiday spirit. Conclusion Bruce Willis’s quip at his roast doesn’t settle the debate—it fuels it. By blending high-octane action with Christmas themes and values, Die Hard delivers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that defies conventional categorization. So, whether you’re hanging ornaments or detonating C4 (metaphorically), there’s room for Die Hard on your holiday playlist.

Die Hard: A Christmas Movie Debate That Keeps on Giving The debate over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie has been a cultural mainstay for years. One of the most famous moments fueling the discussion is Bruce Willis's comment at his Comedy Central roast: "Die Hard is not a Christmas movie. It's a goddamn Bruce Willis movie!" While this might seem like a dismissal at first glance, a closer look reveals that it might support the argument that Die Hard belongs in the Christmas movie canon. The Debate Itself Proves Its Holiday Roots The fact that this debate exists—and that Bruce Willis felt compelled to address it—suggests that Die Hard has firmly planted itself in the collective holiday consciousness. If the film were purely an action thriller with no holiday connection, the conversation wouldn’t persist. The enduring discussion speaks to the film’s undeniable ties to Christmas themes and aesthetics. A Playful Nod to the Holiday Willis’s comment can be interpreted as tongue-in-cheek. By calling it a "goddamn Bruce Willis movie," he highlights his iconic role in the film while also subtly acknowledging its connection to the holiday season. After all, Die Hard is set during Christmas, features holiday music, and incorporates festive decorations and nods to Santa Claus. These elements, while atypical for a holiday movie, help create a unique Christmas-adjacent experience. The Christmas Spirit in Action Beyond the setting and decorations, Die Hard reflects deeper Christmas themes. The film is about family and redemption, as John McClane fights to save his wife and repair their fractured relationship. These values—love, forgiveness, and the importance of family—are hallmarks of traditional Christmas stories, even if they're wrapped in explosive action sequences. Why the Debate Matters The ongoing discussion about Die Hard being a Christmas movie highlights its cultural impact. The film has transcended genres, earning a spot in action and holiday traditions. It's a testament to how stories with unconventional elements can unexpectedly resonate with the holiday spirit. Conclusion Bruce Willis’s quip at his roast doesn’t settle the debate—it fuels it. By blending high-octane action with Christmas themes and values, Die Hard delivers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that defies conventional categorization. So, whether you’re hanging ornaments or detonating C4 (metaphorically), there’s room for Die Hard on your holiday playlist.

After watching eight of the nine Christmas movies on my list for this year plus a bonus Chanukah movie, I can safely conclude that every holiday season movie must end with a lesson. Here are the movies and what to me were their clear lessons. Do you agree? Polar Express: The thing about trains is it doesn’t matter where it’s going. It’s about deciding to get on. (Said by Tom Hanks so it had to be true.) Fred Claus: There’s no naughty kid. Believe in yourself. The world is what you make it. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Christmas doesn’t come from the store. Miracle on 34th Street: This version, which I didn’t realize wasn’t the original, replaced my favorite scene in the movie, where the post office delivers all the letters to the courthouse; with a lame scene where “In God we trust” on the back of a dollar bill is the turning point. But the theme is still my favorite: Keep the vision. Home Alone: It’s okay to be scared, but do it anyway, another favorite. Scrooged: We are the people we want to be. God bless us, everyone. Put a little love in your heart. A Christmas Carol (original version): Men’s lives lead to certain ends; but if those lives be changed, will not the ends be changed? God bless everyone. And my favorite: It’s never too late to stop being a schmuck. Elf: The best way to spread Christmas (or any) cheer is to sing loud for all to hear. As a bonus, I watched Eight Crazy Nights: Go live happily ever after or I’ll dropkick the teeth out of your mouth. Also, it’s okay to cry. I cried that I spent two hours on this movie. It was charming but at least a half hour too long.

January. The holidays are over. The decorations are packed away. The days are still short and often cold. Always working. The January blues are a temporary feeling. Consider reaching out for a powerful antidote: the comforting embrace of music nostalgia. I'm a millennial and if you are too, your vibe may be a good Scrubs playlist, The OC or even the great comfort of a Gilmore girls soundtrack. And if that is not your vibe, I'm sure there are more great noughties playlists out there, or even older or newer playlists that scratch that 'nostalgic' spot for you. What has this got to do with LinkedIn? A lot… actually. Research shows listening to music from our past triggers a powerful emotional response. It can release dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, and soothe feelings of stress and anxiety. It can be incredibly grounding. The joy you bring with you on Monday morning. Just maybe, music nostalgia will make January a little less blue.