The Holiday Break
You’ve worked hard. You deserve a break. Whether you’re on Christmas Break from school or have a few days off from the job, everyone appreciates a break from work. And that awesome, relaxing week between Christmas and New Year’s Day comes at just the right time – the very end of the year.
You joke with colleagues as you walk out the door, “See ya next year!” (btw, the corniest joke #evah.) Then you unplug, tune out and watch College Football Bowl Games, and eat leftover Honeybaked Ham sandwiches.
As human beings, we need a break from the 9-5. Mental concentration and manual labor can both cause stress and we all need a little time to re-charge and refresh. The Holiday Break gives us time to do that.
Too bad it comes in winter. I mean, it’s usually too cold to do anything outside. I’d rather have a long holiday break in July, especially if the company fiscal calendar ends June 30th. Christmas Break in July sounds a LOT better than the end of a cold, gray December.
While most of my folks will be off after Christmas, I will still be working. There are loose ends to tie up. We have to pay bills and balance the books. We have 2025 plans to finalize. And for the last 19 years in, I answer the company phone between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, even when no one else is around. Why? Because we will ALWAYS get a prospective client calling (in a panic normally) because they need PR, branding, or marketing help before January 2nd.
So I’ll enjoy Christmas with the fam. Bring on the presents and cheese strata and spike the eggnog, but next Friday, 12/27, I’ll be here at my desk. And I will take time to send you another Weekly Report. So for this week, I’ll say “Merry Christmas.” New week, “Happy New Year.”
And if you’re not taking a Holiday Break next week, call me.
MONDAY:
WRAP IN THE WILD
We’ve seen the receipts — it’s not worth it. You may have noticed some new digital billboards around the Commonwealth for our “What’s The Damage?” campaign with WRAP and DMV. We would show pictures, but it’s not safe to use your phone while driving (wink, wink). Use this as a friendly reminder to always find a sober ride home every time you go out, especially during the holidays.
TUESDAY:
A REAL DIFFERENCE
I am incredibly proud of my team and what they accomplish every day, but especially this week. Rather than doing a “Secret Santa” or “White Elephant,” they chose to donate what they would spend on a gift (that they might have ended up regifting) to something truly life-changing. The Madison+Main crew donated to Real Life, a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals who are overcoming substance use disorders, incarceration, and homelessness. Our collective donation was enough to cover the cost of basic necessities for a new Lifer coming in from homelessness or jail. We are so grateful for this program to help give people another chance.
WEDNESDAY:
BUSY ELVES
On Wednesdays, we wear pink. Just kidding (well, sometimes). But we do block off Wednesday as a heads-down day we call “Production Wednesday.” Like Santa’s workshop this time of year, the Madison+Main-iacs are hustling, bustling, and making the most out of their protected Production Wednesdays, so that they have the time they need to let their creative juices flow.
THURSDAY:
COUNTRY CLUBBING
Accounts Director Allison Nida and Account Manager Amanda Anderson made their way to Two Rivers Country Club to discuss marketing plans for 2025. We are so thankful to work with such a great client and to have such a dedicated accounts team to make sure all of the details are smoothed out to set us up for a successful 2025.
FRIDAY:
THE LAST DAY BEFORE BREAK
‘Twas the day before winter break, and all through the home offices,
The Main-iacs hustled, wrapping up all their promises.
Emails were sent, and the deadlines all met,
With visions of a whole week off (and no more regret).
The Slack threads were buzzing with holiday cheer,
“Is it time to sign off yet? Are we done for the year?”
Accounts double-checked every budget and chart,
While Creative finalized the year’s last piece of art.
Design shared a meme, Copy tossed out a pun,
Accounts raised a toast: “2024’s almost done!”
And as laptops were closed and spirits took flight,
Madison+Main wished all: “Happy Holidays, goodnight!”
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
The Richmond Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker” with the Richmond Symphony
Select dates through December 23, 2024
Location: Dominion Energy Center
Address: 600 E Grace St
Stoner Winslett’s production of the beloved holiday classic has charmed Virginians for more than four decades. With its stunning choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, ‘The Nutcracker’ is a magical experience for audiences of all ages.
Tickets start at $25. Visit etix.com or call the Richmond Ballet Box Office at 804.344.0906 x224 open Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott