U.S. Retail Holiday Sales Jump 4.9%, Biggest Increase Since 2011

HO, HO, HO … DONALD TRUMP, MAKING HOLIDAY SHOPPING GREAT AGAIN …

As reported at USA Today, U.S. year-end holiday retail sales rose 4.9% compared to the same period last year. The shoppers were out in force this holiday season as sales rose 4.9% from November 1 through Christmas Eve, easily beating the 3.7% from last year. Online retail sales rose 18.1% in 2017. THE TRUMP EFFECT: The rise in sales figures reflect the near record high consumer confidence, a strong jobs market, near DOW 25 K, unemployment fell to a 17 year low in October and with the passage and signing of the Tax bill, look for the economy to get even better.

Despite thousands of store closings this year, Americans supplied a final flurry of spending to give retailers their best holiday season sales since 2011, figures released Tuesday show.

U.S. year-end holiday retail sales rose 4.9% compared to the same period last year, a welcome gift to U.S. retailers amid new signs of consumer confidence.

Online retail shopping similarly increased 18.1%, while overall consumer buying during the holiday period set a new record for dollars spent, according to the sales report issued by Mastercard SpendingPulse.

“Overall, this year was a big win for retail,” Sarah Quinlan, senior vice president of Market Insights, Mastercard, said in a statement issued with the report. “The strong U.S. economy was a contributing factor, but we also have to recognize that retailers who tried new strategies to engage holiday shoppers were the beneficiaries of this sales increase.”

Although the report showed the 2017 holiday shopping season from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24 was a winner for all retailers, the results differed by category. Retailers that succeeded tapped into:

Florida Mall Santa Reassigned & Given Sensativity Training After putting Hillary on Naughty List

MAYBE SANTA SHOULD HAVE SAID HILLARY WAS ON THE NASTY LIST …

One again we are witness to LIBS losing their minds, not being able to get over an election loss and no sense of humor. At a mall in Florida, Santa found himself in hot water after he made the comment to two children that Hillary Clinton was on the naughty list. HO-HO-HO. Of course a leftist mom lost her mind and complained. The mall Santa was then reassigned to another location and was provided sensitivity training. What are the chances the mom would have been fine if Santa had said Trump? Honestly folks, with all the scandals and crimes in this woman’s past, exactly what list do you think lying, crooked Hillary is on?

Sanford mall Santa has to say his “ho, ho hos” elsewhere after telling two children that Hillary Clinton was on the naughty list.

Last week an actor playing Santa Claus at Seminole Towne Center angered a parent for telling an ill-timed political joke to two children, reported Orlando CBS affiliate WKMG.

“Do you know who is on my naughty list? Hillary Clinton,” said a Facebook post from the children’s mother, reported WKMG.

The children’s mom complained to mall management and posted it to Facebook, where the story went viral.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2015 FROM SCARED MONKEYS … JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME … “A Savior has Been Born to You”

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FROM SCARED MONKEYS …

On this most joyous of special days we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and to ask all to always remember the true reason for the season. As you are unwrapping presents, partaking in some eggnog, spending time with family, friends and loved ones, having your holiday feast and experiencing the joy of this day, always keep in mind the true reason for the season because  on this joyous day …  “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

May everyone have a joyous and blessed day!!!

Joy to the World, the Lord has Come … Wishing all a very Merry Christmas on this blessed day!!!

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger (Luke 2:10-16)

Joy to the World – Mormon Tabernacle Choir

I just wanted to share some of my most favorite Christmas songs. Remembering back when I was a child we would go the the Christmas service on Christmas Eve and the congregation would sing everyone’s favorite hymns. Believe it or not we also used to go Christmas caroling in the town as well. Those were the days!

Nat King Cole – Away In A Manger

 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Jewel

Oh Holy Night -Charlotte  Church 

Silent Night – Bing Crosby

 Angels We Have Heard On High- Andrea Bocelli & David Foster

David Foster – CAROL OF THE BELLS, 1993

“O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) – Luciano Pavarotti

The First Noel – University of Utah Singers

Daily Commentary – Monday, December 14, 2015 – We Love This Time of Year for the Christmas Music!

• I especially enjoy some of the old favorites by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and the Carpenters

Daily Commentary – Monday, December 14, 2015 Download

Daily Commentary – Friday, December 4, 2015 – It’s December and Christmas is Right Around the Corner!

• It’s interesting to see the young kids, as young as 2nd grade talking and texting on their expensive cell phones. Back in my day I’d be happy to get Hot Wheels or a GI Joe action figure for Christmas!

Daily Commentary – Friday, December 4, 2015 Download