The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
December 23, 2008
USING SANTA AS MY ROLE MODEL
I have learned many things over the years from Santa Claus.
He's taught me tips I'd like to share with you. Some are basic common sense items, others are a little deeper but when you put them all together they make an amazing list of guidelines that anyone can use.
So, in no particular order, here they are:
Always make a grand entrance, wherever you go. Be it a flashy car or some awesome eye candy, being noticed is the key.
Buck the trends. Some may call it outdated to wear the same suit year after year. I call it retro. In some circles it's considered trendsetting. Whatever you call it, Santa's been doing it forever and the red suit has 'classic' written all over it.
Be kind to the environment. Okay, maybe the sleigh isn't the smartest mode of transportation when it comes to aerodynamics, but you've got to love that there's no fossil fuels getting burned and anytime you can wrangle up a herd of flying reindeer for one night's work, it's downright magical. Santa makes that ancient non-motorized flying machine of his something the wizards at GM or Ford would never be able to design or market. And he just makes it cool to zip across the sky without leaving behind chem trails.
Work one day a year. Hey, who wouldn't want this sweet gig? But keep in mind, when Santa punches the clock to start his shift, he puts out 110% all-night and doesn't stop until the job is done. And completely done.
Always check your list twice. Just do it.
Drag your wife along to everything you do. She may not want to be everywhere you are leading up to the big night, but when you leave her at home so you can burn the midnight oil she'll thank you for recognizing she deserved a break.
Surround yourself with the best labourers you can find. They may be elves, but they are reliable, inventive and never call in sick from a party the night before at a shooter bar or strip club.
Be kind and respectful to children. After all, they are the future leaders so if you treat them nice they may return the favour.
Don't forget to carbo-load. Yep, snacking on cookies and milk everywhere you go is far better than beer and nuts.
Always be generous. Whether it's giving gifts, donating time as a volunteer or money to a charity, do it freely and for the right reasons.
And my favourite: Be jolly. Happy people are just more fun to be around.
Merry Christmas!
