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When Did the Customer Stop Being King? A Christmas Tale of Failed Deliveries and Broken Promises

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and festive feasts. 

But for many customers of Morrisons supermarket and other retailers, this past Christmas was marked by disappointment, frustration, and a glaring reminder of how far customer service standards have fallen. 

Across the UK, countless families found themselves without their pre-ordered festive essentials, as delivery promises were broken and customer service fell woefully short.

The Christmas Delivery Debacle

In what should have been the pinnacle of efficiency and care, Morrisons and several other retailers failed to deliver Christmas orders to customers who had planned their celebrations around these commitments. Reports surfaced of missing turkeys, undelivered groceries, and last-minute cancellations, leaving many scrambling to piece together a festive meal. For some, it wasn’t just an inconvenience but a devastating blow to their holiday plans.

While delivery logistics are always challenging during the festive season, the scale of this failure highlights deeper issues. Customers weren’t just let down by the system; they were let down by a lack of communication, accountability, and respect for their trust.

A Tale of Two Eras: Then vs Now

This wouldn’t have happened years ago when customers were truly king. Back then, businesses prided themselves on going the extra mile to ensure satisfaction. Store managers knew their regular customers by name, and staff were empowered to resolve issues swiftly and effectively. If a delivery went awry, you could expect an apology, a replacement, and often a little extra gesture of goodwill.

Years ago if the ordering and delivery system had failed the manager of the store would have commandeered a delivery van. grabbed a couple of volunteers from his staff and made sure that some festive foodstuffs were delivered to his or her customers no matter the time or the day. Perhaps even taking a hamper by way of compensation. 

Today, that ethos seems to have faded. Large corporations, focused on profit margins and efficiency metrics, have replaced personalised service with automated systems and outsourced call centres. When things go wrong, customers are often met with endless hold music, scripted responses, and a lack of real solutions.

The Cost of Poor Customer Service

The fallout from this Christmas fiasco extends beyond ruined meals. Poor customer service erodes trust, damages brand reputation, and ultimately drives customers to competitors. In an age where consumers have more choices than ever, loyalty cannot be taken for granted.

Social media amplifies the impact, as disgruntled customers take to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share their experiences. The public nature of these complaints can snowball, turning isolated incidents into PR nightmares.

A Call for Change

Retailers like Morrisons must take this as a wake-up call. Customers deserve better, especially during the most important celebrations of the year. Companies need to reinvest in customer service, prioritising clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to their patrons.

What Can We Do as Customers?

While we can’t single-handedly overhaul corporate culture, we can vote with our wallets. Support businesses that prioritise customer satisfaction and hold those that don’t accountable. Leave honest reviews, share your experiences, and demand better service. After all, the customer may no longer be king, but together, we can remind businesses of the power we wield.

This Christmas may have been a disappointment for many, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect and demand change. Let’s hope retailers take the message to heart, ensuring future holidays are marked by joy, not frustration.

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Celebrating Christmas Beyond the 25th: Christian Communities with Unique Traditions

For many, Christmas is synonymous with the 25th of December. However, not all Christian communities mark the birth of Christ on this date.

Differences in liturgical calendars, cultural traditions, and historical influences have led to variations in the celebration of Christmas. 

Here, we explore some of the communities that observe this sacred holiday on different days and the reasons behind their choices.

Orthodox Christians and the Julian Calendar

One of the most well-known alternative Christmas celebrations occurs on the 7th of January. This date is observed by many Orthodox Christians, including those in Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia, and parts of the Middle East. The reason lies in the calendar used by these communities: the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE. 

When Pope Gregory XIII reformed the calendar in 1582 to better align with the solar year, some Christian groups chose to retain the older Julian calendar for liturgical purposes. As a result, the Julian calendar’s 25th of December corresponds to the Gregorian calendar’s 7th of January.

Armenian Apostolic Church

The Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, celebrates Christmas on the 6th of January. For Armenians, this day combines both Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating Christ’s birth and baptism. This tradition reflects early Christian practices, as Christmas was not universally celebrated on the 25th of December until the 4th century.

Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians

In Ethiopia and Eritrea, where Christianity has deep historical roots, Christmas—known as “Genna”—is celebrated on the 7th of January. Following the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s calendar, the day is marked with unique rituals, such as processions, fasting, and traditional games. The vibrant celebrations highlight the region’s rich Christian heritage.

Coptic Christians in Egypt

Coptic Christians in Egypt also observe Christmas on the 7th of January, adhering to the Julian calendar. The lead-up to Christmas includes a 43-day period of fasting known as the "Holy Nativity Fast," during which believers abstain from animal products. Christmas Eve is marked by a special liturgy, followed by feasting and family gatherings.

Unique Local Traditions

In some Christian communities, Christmas is tied to local customs and calendars. For instance:

Syriac Christians in India: The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church celebrates Christmas on 25th December but incorporates unique rituals influenced by Indian culture.

Old Believers in Russia: This sect, which split from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century, also adheres to the Julian calendar, observing Christmas on 7th January.

Why the Differences Matter

These varied Christmas dates reflect the diversity and richness of global Christianity. They remind us that while the date may differ, the essence of the celebration—honouring the birth of Christ—remains universal. Understanding and respecting these differences can foster greater appreciation for the cultural and spiritual tapestry of the Christian faith.

As the festive season approaches, it’s worth reflecting on how these traditions enrich our collective understanding of Christmas. Whether on the 25th of December, the 7th of January, or the 6th of January, the message of peace, love, and hope transcends time and calendars.

It’s Only a Few Days Since Christmas — But When Is It Too Early to Start Planning for Next Christmas?

Is it too early to start planning for next Christmas?

The festive season has barely passed. In fact, in some parts of the world Christmas Day is yet to be celebrated. 

Wrapping paper still lurks in the recycling bin, and the scent of mulled wine might still be hanging in the air. 

Yet, for some, the question arises: when is it too early to start planning for next Christmas?

The answer depends on your perspective. Let’s explore the different approaches to festive planning and see what works best for you.

The Early Birds

For those who love to be ahead of the game, planning for Christmas 2025 might start now. Post-Christmas sales offer an excellent opportunity to stock up on decorations, wrapping paper, and even gifts at a fraction of their usual cost. Some people also take this time to reflect on what worked well during the past holiday season and what could be improved.

If you’re someone who thrives on organisation, starting early can alleviate stress later in the year. However, it’s worth noting that starting too soon might mean your enthusiasm wanes by the time December rolls around.

The Seasonal Planners

For most people, Christmas planning begins in earnest around September or October. By this time, the year-end workload is becoming clearer, and the festive season starts to feel within reach. Shops begin to roll out their Christmas ranges, making it easier to get inspired.

This approach strikes a balance. It gives you enough time to plan thoughtfully without feeling like Christmas has taken over your entire year. It also allows you to spread out costs, making the financial burden easier to manage.

The Last-Minute Crew

Some people thrive on the adrenaline of last-minute planning. For them, Christmas preparation starts in December — sometimes just a week or two before the big day. While this approach can be stressful, it can also be thrilling and spontaneous. Plus, last-minute shoppers often snag bargains as retailers try to clear their stock.

However, this strategy isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed easily, leaving everything until the eleventh hour might not be the best choice.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Ultimately, the best time to start planning for Christmas is when it feels right for you. Here are some tips to help you find your sweet spot:

Reflect on this year’s Christmas: What did you love? What would you change? Use these insights to guide your planning.

Set a budget: Christmas can be expensive, so decide early how much you’re willing to spend. Starting early can help you spread costs over several months.

Keep a list: If you spot a perfect gift in July, jot it down or buy it if your budget allows. Just make sure to keep track so you don’t forget it by December.

Enjoy the process: Christmas is about joy and togetherness. Whether you’re an early planner or a last-minute marvel, make sure the planning process adds to your festive spirit rather than detracting from it.

There’s no definitive answer to when it’s too early to start planning for Christmas. It’s a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and approach to the Christmas season. 

Whether you’re browsing post-Christmas sales this week or waiting until the autumn leaves start to fall, the key is to find a rhythm that works for you. After all, the magic of Christmas is in the joy it brings — not in the timeline of your preparations.