Behind the Headlines

Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year. But what do you call that awkward week between Christmas and New Year’s?

<>I had this conversation with some friends over Christmas dinner this past weekend. It seems you belong to one of two groups: in the office or out.

<>My wife–who works at an elementary school–has the week off, while I and many others are back at work.

<>It’s a tough week to function 100 percent in the office. Many of our regular contacts and sources are out on vacation or otherwise out of the loop.

<>A quick stop at the mall reveals where many of these vacationers are. The stores were flooded with post-holiday bargain hunters, gift card shoppers and return line loafers. Though it reminds you very much of the Black Friday shopping phenomenon after Thanksgiving, it has a different feel to it.

<>However, as I sit in the office and others sit at home, I do find some common ground. This is one of those interesting times of the year when you get a breather to look back on the year and look ahead to what will be coming down the pike in January.