What is Christmas about?

Another year we come together to celebrate Jesus's birthday, but for many, that reasoning didn't enter their mind. Christmas has become such a commercial holiday, and an even bigger anti-climax for thousands of people globally.

I spent the joyous 12 days before Christmas thinking of the perfect gift for those closest to me. I walked around the shops to be bombarded with gift ideas and I felt obliged to buy so much! Is a traditional Christmas jumper not enough any more? ...

...Apparently not! My friends brother, aged 7, got an Xbox! I know I was privileged to be spoilt by so many fabulous clothes, shoes and make-up, but I am now at that age to appreciate the pleasure of spending festivities with family, that I get saddened by people wanting a Christmas purely for presents.

All that expenditure and we wonder why we are facing a recession?  Today Selfridge's department store in central London took in £1.3 million in the first hour! What does this tell you? People do not understand Christmas, and do not know what to do with themselves staying indoors. I think this year high street retailers posed serious competition with online retailers, because I'm sure some consumers even shopped from home!

Why on earth are people not at home, eating leftovers, and cherishing the moment with their families/ friends? The modern-day Christmas seems to be all about the 'social' and 'economic' factors. Advertising and media industries must have an absoloute field day using the word 'Christmas'.

If everyone was at home Boxing day would not be considered the 'busiest shopping day of the year', and crowds of people would not have made it easy for someone to be stabbed to death in Central London today.

Pic Via Daily Mail.

Reports via Daily Mail suggest it was a 'suspected row over a pair of trainers'. Shocking.

It disheartens me that I have to leave Boxing day with a negative post but it would mean a lot for me if everyone thinks twice about certain days of the year. Valentines Day, Birthdays, Easter and even alternative religious holidays. Remember to make more of an effort and spend more time with your loved ones, because the way the world is going, we are not guaranteed to have them forever.

My love goes out to the victims family. We can only hope and pray for a better 2012. Be appreciative of the mornings God wakes you up :)

DO QR codes get Quick response?

Have you seen this around?

Well this is our future...

A QR code looks like a barcode and the purpose of one is to enable fast readability for smart phones. It was first created by Toyota in 1994 to track vehicles during manufacturing process, but since then the modernized technology has had frequent use from organizations across the world. We can now see QR codes in magazines, billboards, web pages or even someones t-shirt. Once your smart phone scans a QR code you are directed to the URL where you can get more information on that business.

This is what WE as today's consumer want. We want immediate access to what is relevant. For example, if we see a QR code advertising Topshop's finest new Christmas jumper we can get our phone out, scan the QR code, and be connected with further information. The future of retail is going digital and now retailers have the ability to move all their consumers online, engage them, and see a wider range of products.

If you disagree that QR codes are our future, then take a look at these retailers innovative ways of QR technology:

LEGO

TESCOS

Yes, perhaps QR codes are ugly and have been critized for their appearance, but fortunately QR codes can be designed in extraordinary ways. They can now be seen as a central artwork for markeeters. 

They are certainly the newest most modern form of marketing with the ability to link the analogue world with the digital one. If Japan love them then can the UK and Europe be far behind? Is it possible to invent something even faster than QR codes?