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The economics of seasonal serenity

Management scholars are making a case study of Christmas

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    • The demands of the Christmas season are so time-consuming and stressful that they leave neither space nor emotional energy for what really matters – the peaceful enjoyment of Christmas spirit and seasonal goodwill.
    • The demands of the Christmas season are so time-consuming and stressful that they leave neither space nor emotional energy for what really matters – the peaceful enjoyment of Christmas spirit and seasonal goodwill. PHOTO: REUTERS

    Tim Harford

    Published Sat, Dec 13, 2025 · 07:00 AM

    I PROMISED some advice for an efficient and effective Christmas season. I am delighted to report that the Germans have this covered.

    Bernd Stauss, an economist and emeritus professor of service management at the Catholic University of Eichstatt-Ingolstadt, has provided a gift to the world, a short volume titled Optimiert Weihnachten: Eine Anleitung zur Besinnlichkeits-Maximierung.

    Sadly, no English translation is available, but if one is ever published, I might suggest the title Optimise Christmas! A Guide to Maximising Seasonal Serenity. (No? Well, we can workshop it.)

    Life & CultureChristmasBusiness management

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