A Note from Anna Carugati: Season’s Greetings from World Screen

NEW YORK: It’s that time of year again, when so many of us take a break to either spend time with family, go on vacation, or both, and celebrate the holiday season.

Some of us now are dashing about trying to get last-minute shopping done, or are still searching in vain for the present for that oh-so-difficult family member, or trimming the Christmas tree, or keeping little ones away from the stash of presents. Others are just enjoying time off from work. Still others are planning New Year’s Eve events.

I find the holiday season a time for reflection, to review the year that is about to end and look ahead at the one to come. For many people, the political scene in their country is cause for a sense of foreboding and uncertainty about the future. What comes to my mind is Betty Davis’s famous line in All About Eve, “Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy night.” I would adjust it for 2017 to: “Fasten your seatbelts, it could be a bumpy year,” as I consider what President-elect Trump may or may not do, the upcoming elections in France and Germany and the possible impact of Brexit.

Fortunately for all of us, the content industry remains healthy, perhaps healthier than ever, as the golden age of television continues to shine brighter and brighter. And for anyone for whom the holiday season can be trying, or for those of us who want to use this time off to take a break from the news cycle, or that relative you really would rather not talk to, there is so much great television to watch—so many binge-worthy shows of all types! Escapism has never been better—we have a smorgasbord of shows to choose from and we can watch them on any size screen we want.

So let us focus on what really matters in all our lives—family and friends. They are the ones who sustain us, support us, cheer us on; and yes, sometimes frustrate us or worse, but those of us lucky enough to be surrounded by people we truly love and respect—we have hit the jackpot!

So gather close those dear to you, however you may spend the next week or two. And please know that all of us at World Screen wish you a serene holiday season and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year—and a lot of great shows to watch!