Happy Holidays!  We are less than two weeks away from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. This is an incredibly joyful, busy, and (at times) stressful season for us -- and for the families whose homes we clean.  Of course, this year, the biggest stressor for most of us is the failing economy.

November unemployment figures were the worst in thirty years, and even those Americans who still have a steady income are hunkering down.  To wit: Nearly half of Americans say they are spending less on holiday gifts this year than they did in 2007.  

But it isn't just gift-giving that is getting the axe.  Solidly middle class families are clipping coupons and cutting cable TV, all in an effort to shore up their income during this uncertain time. Another expense under increased scrutiny?  House cleaning and other domestic services. In a December 11 article entitled Trickledown Downsizing, the New York Times reported on this very trend.  

But take heart: The economic forecast does not have to spell a natural disaster for your housecleaning company.  There are ways to shore up your business in order to weather this recession.  Check out our feature article with six ways to recession-proof your company and learn how your fellow business owners are coping with the recession in Letters From Our Readers.  Finally, please enjoy my special tip about holiday cards for your customers.

I also want to take a moment to wish each of you, your family of workers, and your loved ones a joyous holiday season, full of hope for a new year that will provide more and more of the joys and rewards that you work and live for.  

Seasons Greetings!

Jeff