CHRONICLE COLUMN | THEU BUSINESS OR THE BUSYNESS OF CHRISTMAS
For the vast majority of large and small businesses in our region, 2022 has been full of challenge, innovation and opportunity – and most are counting down towards a well-deserved break, and maybe even a visit from St Nick.
It seems hard to believe, but we’ve got only 5 sleeps to go until that jolly red man comes a-calling, as we are surrounded by trees, decorations, and lights, enjoying Christmas carollers, planning gastronomical feasts and wrapping presents of all shapes and sizes.
The Busyness of Christmas
Although the busyness and commercialisation of Christmas irritate many, much of what we love about this time of year has its roots in the 1950s when businesses began to capitalise on the growing affluence of families able to afford all the trimmings and treats of the season. At its best, the business of Christmas means we have access to beautiful trees and decorations, buy gifts for our friends and family and enjoy a full Christmas breakfast, lunch or dinner with all the trimmings. And there are a wide array of local businesses in our region with an extraordinary variety of goods and wares to ensure we can celebrate in style!
Shopping locally means we reduce the impact on the environment (especially if the things we are purchasing are grown/made in the region), we support and invest in our own community, we can develop a personal connection by meeting the business owners and we may even increase our fitness, if we walk there. So hopefully this year, with the increased cost of living biting at our heels, we will shop more wisely, buy gorgeous goods and products and support the fabulous businesses in the Darling Downs – and impress our family and friends on Christmas morning.
The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce hopes that all The Chronicle readers have a very happy and safe Christmas, filled with family, friends, laughter, fun, and blessing. And for those who struggle at this time of year, we hope you can find moments of peace, connection, and hope.
