20 Dec Christmas costs exactly AUD$55,007.35!

And so this is Christmas, and what have we done? Another year over, a new one just (about to be) begun…

It is time to reflect on what was last year in the book of you, and what will 2019’s chapter read like. In terms of business, 2018 was one of growth and optimism for us. Not without challenges, but lessons were learnt, not wasted. So onward to 2019 we intend on really locking down and focusing on providing some sharp services to our awesome clients that have allowed us and demanded of us such growth. It’s gunna be a cool year!

But now, it’s time to tidy up that inbox, wear a stupid festive shirt to work, throw away “Lauren’s” organic feta from the staff fridge, and blow the top off a few!

Christmas this year seems dearer than last year. Well, that’s because it is! A tool I like to re-visit each year is the PNC Christmas Price Index, a US financial institution that looks at the price of items listed in Twelve Days Of Christmas to determine the true cost of Christmas (six geese a-laying, etc.). Yes, it’s based on US economic factors, but it gives some good insight into the lay of the land and things we should consider that influences the market.

The cost remained fairly steady across all items listed, this last 12 months, with the exception of the 6 geese. I got goosebumps and nearly laid an egg seeing they increased by 8.3% in cost since last year’s market prices!

Last year I blamed the 10% in the prices of gold to the popularity of 2 Chainz and Chance The Rapper. Well, neither are in the Billboard Top 20 Rap Charts, and that has seen the prices of 5 gold rings fall by almost that same 10%. Pretty much everyone in the Top 20 today has a face-tatt though… so we may see an increase in youth unemployment rates if that trend takes on. Unless, of course, the face-tatted youth can dance, play the drums, or play the flute. Labour costs for performing artists have slightly increased due to demand in the area. Why? I blame screen addiction getting in the way of actually doing something creative. #truth #lilwayne #postmalone

One wonders if I can continue to blame rap music for our problems?! I will certainly try.

In signing off for 2018…

I hope your Christmas shirt fits better than it did last year. I hope you take some time to close the laptop, not look at your phone, and smile at the beautiful faces around you. It’s my son Sully’s first Christmas, so he will have my undivided attention… the emails will have to wait until the 7th.

My advice each and every year stands… no matter if you fell into the naughty or nice category in 2018, aim for the opposite for 2019… it’ll be fun.