Dear Editor:
I am the manager who was approached with regard to the “’Christmas’ preferred to “holiday’” comments.
After Joan and I had our conversation, I sent a message to the national office as I had promised her I would do so. The reply I received was as I expected (I will make the correspondence available to anyone interested.)
Our regional director of marketing stated “we get as many or more negative comments when we use the word “Christmas.”
So the head office wasn’t going to change their seasonal advertising message. I knew I wasn’t likely to change a national or regional strategy but I am sensitive to the fact that for many living here in Summerland, including me, Christmas is more than just a word.
I wanted Joan to know that I did hear her message and have done some things instore locally to put forth Christmas greetings as opposed to generic wishes. I can’t change the signs printed by the national organization but I can certainly put up my own (and have done so).
Of course my opinions are individual and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.
I have felt, as many others have shared they feel, that the message of Christmas is being lost.
After reflecting on that I’ve come to the conclusion that, for me, the survival of my faith isn’t dependent on retail signage; otherwise it is doomed.
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it and glad tidings to all no matter how you celebrate.
Dan Cassidy
Manager
Pharmasave
Summerland