Flight to Simplicity

Despite our current economic struggles and the pessimistic outlook for 2009, we see a silver lining in all the turmoil that benefits all our families.  Many of us in early 2008 noticed a significant trend with our callers and our customers that we call a "flight to simplicity".  As the news and economic conditions in 2008 worsened we noticed a positive increase in new weekly callers and an actual increase in weekly sales activity.

It has become apparent as we begin 2009 that the public in general, especially those from the urban areas, are looking to escape the pressures and stress of th 24/7 "bad news cycle."

A buying trend has developed whereby people are again thinking about familystructures, simple pleasures and stepping away from the "more is better treadmill".  A perfect example of this is with a new customer and friend: Norm Barnes and his wife Darlene who reside in Connecticut.  Norm, a retired NHL player and NHL All-Star, has beome a regular in and around Camden, New YOrk.  Norm and Darlene enjoy a beautiful piece of land with a new rustic cabin fully finished and beautifully decorated with the help of Christmas & Associates salesman Marc Christmas and Christmas & Associates builders Mac Kuhns and crew and Brent Mitchell and crew.  While the Barnes live in a beautiful home in Connecticut, they can be found most weekends "at camp".  They've already witnessed lots of wildlife, taken walks along their beautiful road to camp, which crosses Florence Creek, and recently they've become members of the favorite local snowmobile club "T.C. Riders".

Like the Barnes, people are now looking for a different kind of investment - family.  With all of today's uncertainty, folks are embracing life's simple pleasures "at camp," like a walk on a snowy afternoon, an evening by the fire, sledding on the neighbor's hill, or just a quiet evening at camp relaxing with a good book.

In 2008 our average number of first-time callers exceeded fifty per week all 12 months while people from all over the country purchased a tract of land or land/cabin package from Christmas & Associates averaging 1 sale every 3 days.  We are fortunate to be in a business that can offer a secure and stable monetary investment that provides a back-to-basics opportunity for people.

As a matter of fact, we too have caught the "back-to-basics" bug which is reflected in two new ventures for Christmas & Associates.  Moosehead Lodge is a beautifully decorated woodsy lodge just off the trail and along 1000's of acres of state land.  The lodge has 4 new condo-like units and one stand-alone cabin decorated in the style of the traditional Adirondack camp.  There's a fire pit, picnic tables, storage for snowmobiles and ATV's, ski trails and large picture window views.  While our customers are in town to purchase land or come up to spend time on their lands they now own, or simply wish to just visit the area and its resources, they all rave about the atmosphere of Moosehead Lodge.

In addition to the lodge our newest venture, West Camden Country Store offers a large selection of Amish made goods as well as the largest selection of homemade items anywhere in the area.  From home-canned goods to fresh-baked breads and many more of "gramma's best recipes", you'll find it all at the West Camden Country Store.

The West Camden Country Store is a walk back in time to the ways of the old time country store.  The main floor has a full selection of groceries along with thousands of homemade items.  Upstairs is an amazing selection of camp decorations, Woolrich clothing and locally made wood works.  You will also find a selection of antler art, candles, pictures and paintings and cozy blankets.

We opened on December 18th, 2008, and already there are "regulars" coming in for the daily homemade breakfast sandwiches and lunch specials complete with homemade bread, soups and salads.  The store has been busy non-stop with locals as well as our friends from out of town that are up for the weekend.

As you can see, both the Moosehead Lodge and The West Camden Country Store are keenly focused on what we all feel is a strong and positive trend toward the way things used to be "when we were kids".

I hope all who read this month's Inside Track will join us in the woods and at camp and I sincerely hope for a very simple and Happy New Year to all of your families.  Why not shut off the 24/7 news networks and stop by and say hello at the West Camden Country Store or stay a weekend with us at the Moosehead Lodge.

Best Wishes,

Dan Christmas