“OK”, you are saying, “Fred, you have really lost it. You want me to start thinking about Christmas? In my bowling center? You are kidding, right? I will be lucky if I get two parties; on the lanes; in masks!
Not so fast there, Bunkie.
A recent article in the Sunday NY Times says people are looking forward to Christmas as a way to boost the serotonin in their brains.
As Thanksgiving approaches, most years, Christmas enthusiasts begin to wonder, “How early is too early?” However, in 2020, Christmas cannot come soon enough.
In March, when the lockdown went into force, many families started putting up Christmas lights to brighten spirits during this time. Many local radio stations started playing Christmas music.
The Hallmark Channel hosted a “We Need a Little Christmas” weekend movie marathon. In April, Pinterest noted that Christmas-related searches on its site had more than doubled from the same time last year.
An entire network of Christmas focused accounts has popped up on Tik Tok, fueled by people’s videos. Hundreds of thousands of followers have viewed these videos during these difficult times.
During a year like 2020, the Online Christmas community has given many people hope. “There is something special about Christmas that lifts everyone spirits”, said one follower. She continues, “I’m thinking it’s time to just put up the Christmas tree and call it a year.”
Even Burger King is getting into the act. Their new “Wrap up 2020 campaign” features a man wearing a mask and standing in front of a restaurant decorated with Christmas lights saying: “It would be awesome if we just woke up and it was Christmas now.”
So what is the point of this?
Very simply, DO NOT GIVE UP ON HOLIDAY PARTIES. There is a market out there for Christmas cheer. Figure out what your NEW 2020 party is going to look like.
How will you do social distancing? How will you prove your center is “safe, satisfied and ready to roll?”
How will you keep parties to a reasonable number and still satisfy your clients?
Start calling some of last year’s party coordinators. Get their input. Do some research and then decide what your party will look like.
Just do not give up. You probably will not meet last year’s numbers, but if you work at it, I strongly believe that you can add to your coffers and generate revenues, maybe more than you expected to generate.
Merry Christmas.
Leave a comment