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It's now been two years since I wrote my last Christmas blog. As we all know by now, many things were bound to change–not necessarily for the better. So this is another year I find myself struggling to get into the Christmas spirit, despite the neat decorations on our tree in the foyer, and the Christmas balls and elves lining our window sills. For quite a while, I was in a rather sullen mood and mostly ignored the lights, after all, deadlines were rushing up fast and work makes no allowances for Christmas sentimentalities. And thus, December seemed gray and and full of business as usual–until Christmas finally caught up with me. It was because of a little tree, and old German Christmas song, and an American who sang it.
"Life finds a way," is what Jeff Goldblum says in Jurassic Park, and it's kind of the same with Christmas! Everything doesn't have to be perfect, nor imbued with a reverent mood, the spirit still hits you eventually. I was looking over a bunch of especially dull statistics and took a quick breath as it slowly got dark outside. Tired, I stood up and walked a couple of steps, lost in thought and glancing through a glass door into the adjacent meeting room. There, in a corner, was a small Christmas tree I had never noticed before. It was nothing special, we have other far more decorative items, but it was one of those inexplicable moments. Dim lights reflected in its balls as my Bluetooth headphones softly chimed in.
YouTube's algorithm, it seemed, wanted to lift my spirits and played "O Tannenbaum" (O Christmas Tree), sung by Nat King Cole. I'd known this song since earliest childhood, and it had affected me very little ever since. And yet, the way the American singer pronounced the German words put a smile on my face. And though I'm usually put off by the schmaltziness of purring strings, this time, the song touched something in me. The mellifluous voice, the resonating nostalgia, and the little lonely sparkling tree: It's Christmas time! I looked at our reception desk downstairs, wished my two colleagues Antonia and Vanessa, who were just getting ready to head home, a splendid remainder of the day, and went back to my office–with a spring in my step, and an entirely new perspective.
Christmas splendor in Ashampoo's foyer
My office felt cozy compared to the damp evening outside. The LED Christmas tree on my window sill seemed warmer, and I finally took the time to go through some Christmas greetings in my inbox. Briefly, I opened a window to let in some cold air, along with the scent of a lit fireplace in the neighborhood. There had to be a bunch of spiced cookies left somewhere, I thought to myself. I was now ready for family, twirly kids, loads of gifts, opulent meals, and everything else Christmas entails. Come rain or snow, another year of easy, or hard times–or the post-Christmas blues once you step onto the scales–who cares! It's Christmas time so bring it on!
As usual, we'll be taking a small break to celebrate. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year 2022! Wherever you may read these lines, enjoy the time with your loved ones and don't stint on the hugs, where deserved. Stay healthy and see you very soon!
Just wanted to commend you and the whole Ashampoo officers and staff about the excellent products and the job you all do. Your blog now makes Ashampoo affect me in a personal way . . . no longer just a product or computer software.
Great and lasting blog to start the new year!!!!
Hier ist mein schwacher Versuch, euch allen ein frohes Weihnachtsfest auf Deutsch zu wünschen!!! (Wie war ich)?
Flawless! :)
Merry Christmas to you and all your staff. You have such a fun site.
Wishing all the team at Shampoo best wishes for 2022 and keep up the good work.
Dennis Jenke at wayDown Under in Lobethal South Australia
Merry Christmas, Sven
My warmest and wholehearted greetings to you and the entire realm of family and friends in your world.
Just are gentle tap on the most important relationship a soul can know and desires to communicate, Christ in you, and Him as Lord of the spirit, soul, and body. It's the greatest gift, an abundant life; the Father wants you to experience with each breath you draw. Sure, folks have to work, but this gift is mobile and, from the heart of each day's trials and burdens, desires to comfort, lead and bring His peace into every situation.
The rebirth and in the filling of The Holy Spirit, He is known as the breath of life that was in Jesus and raised him from the dead. He desires to dwell in you and quicken your mortal flesh.
Well, that's my tap, hope above all things it finds a willing heart.
Sincerely and lovingly,
J.Randall
Merry Christmas to you and all the Ashampoo team.
Messen Sie Weihnachten und Apipi auf ir.
Sie machen großartige Softwareprodukte
Thank you for your Christmas Greeting. It is heart felt.
Merry Christmas. I hope it brings peace, joy, and health for all this coming year.
-Peter Reilly
And Ashampoo fan!
It’s only when you stop running the rat race of modern existence that one notices the important things in life. To be at peace and to feel joy are choices that are made regardless of circumstances. There will always be work, but we, and those we love, from people to pets are only here for a short time - so be blessed and enjoy them while there’s still time. Merry Christmas or… how do the Germans say it… sie haben ein frohes weihnachtsfest und einen sehr gut urlaub! Gerard from a snowy white Christmas in Canada.
So nice to read short stories of the Christmas Season. Your words were heart felt and very true during these difficult times the world is facing, but with love and kindness and the
Real meaning of Christmas we all will persevere and be thankful of what we have. Merry Christmas to you and to all a good night.
Thank you for the warm message and reminder about sharing time with our loved ones. Enjoy the Christmas blessings, stay safe and well.
Merry Christmas!!!
Remember that Christ-mas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, who came into our world to be our Savior or the one who offered us a way of salvation from our sins & gives us eternal life in heaven after we die. This is the reason for the season. Remember that.
Nicely written.
Merry Christmas to you and family and all of the staff.
Erwin Gaa
Merry Christmas Sven - take care and look after yourself :)
Merry Xmas! like picture of large Christmas Tree thanks for The holiday cheer!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Sven! You brightened my day this Christmas Day. So, here's some hugs from me to you: (((SVEN)))
I'm with you, The Christmas Spirit came to me after I looked on the bright side. These bad times will not last forever. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous New Year.
C Davis
Arizona
Bah, humbug! Until this country changes course for a better destination there will be nothing but doom and gloom ahead. You reference to the little Christmas tree and Nat King Cole is just a pining for the good old days, realizing the potential dangers ahead.
Merry Christmas to all @ ashampoo, Yes I purchased the program, but unfortunately I had some health issues with my heart, now that I am getting better I will re start Operating my computer.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
Great reliable and sturdy software . . . .
Keep well and have a great new year and a merry Christmas
Akram
For some reason I needed this, thank you and have a splendid Christmas and holiday season.
May your re-found Christmas spirit keep you happy & bright in the coming year. Merry Christmas from a friend in the US.