Virgin Mobile Declares December 13 'Chrismahanukwanzakah'

    WARREN, N.J., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- How do you know if you're a
 Chrismahanukwanzakahan?
 
     * Your holiday cards go out to a multi-ethnic array of December revelers.
     * Your decorations are a blend of many denominations such as a Buddhist
       cowboy door hanger and a Hindu Santa figurine.
     * Your holiday tree is a menorah with mini-pine trees instead of candles.
     * Your holiday carols include lines like "It's OK if you're a Muslim, a
       Christian or a Jew ... "
 
     Yes, it's that time of year again! Virgin Mobile today announced that it
 has decided to make December 13th the official day to celebrate
 Chrismahanukwanzakah.  It's even observing the holiday by giving its employees
 across the U.S. time off to celebrate!
     "Last year we introduced the world to Chrismahanukwanzakah and received an
 enormous response from our customers and others intrigued by this truly
 blended holiday," said Bob Stohrer, vice president of brand and communications
 at Virgin Mobile USA.  "Given the excitement Chrismahanukwanzakah generated in
 2004, we decided that this year, it's time to make it official.  By 2006, who
 knows -- maybe you'll be seeing 'Chrismahanukwanzakah: The Movie'!"
     For now, however, what a celebration this will be!
 
     Chrismahanu- WHAT??
     Chrismahanukwanzakah celebrates the joys of all things holiday like
 Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, elves -- even Pagans and agnostics. Those who
 celebrate Chrismahanukwanzakah enthusiastically embrace what makes the
 season's different holidays unique and recognize the increasingly blended
 nature of the American family.  In fact, research from 2001 found that over 22
 percent of American households identify themselves as religiously diverse, a
 number that continues to grow as the U.S. itself becomes increasingly
 multi-ethnic.
     "Teens today embrace a world where blending culture and traditions is, in
 and of itself, its own tradition," said Dee Dee Gordon, co-founder of
 Look-Look, Inc., the leading research firm tracking teen consumer behavior.
 "This campaign speaks to the reality of the youth market's 'remix culture.'"
     So how does one celebrate Chrismahanukwanzakah? For starters, by lighting
 the ceremonial Chrismahanukwanzakah tree. For any Chrismahanukwanzakah newbies
 interested in seeing how it's done, Virgin Mobile will be publicly lighting
 its tree on November 30, 2005. Once the tree is lit, the season is officially
 under way.
     And, since Chrismahanukwanzakah comes during the busiest selling season of
 the year Virgin Mobile created a gift line (1-888-ELF-POOP) where holiday
 shoppers can call for advice on what to get even the pickiest
 Chrismahanukwanzakahan.  Is your cousin a Pagan?  Married to a Jew? Brother-
 in-law a Muslim? No problem! Help is one toll free call away. You'll be put
 directly in touch with one of Virgin Mobile's Chrismahanukwanzakah characters
 to find out what Pay As You Go wireless phone will make the most appropriate
 gift.
     In addition to the gift line, Americans can catch the Chrismahanukwanzakah
 spirit by sharing e-cards and special "blended" holiday carols found at
 http://www.chrismahanukwanzakah.com. Virgin Mobile advertising spots featuring
 the madcap collection of Chrismahanukwanzakah characters will begin airing in
 early November. And back by popular demand is the Chrismahanukwanzakah holiday
 anthem, "We're All Snowflakes," which can be downloaded as a ringtone at
 http://www.virginmobileusa.com.
     "I walk around my office all day singing the song," said Stohrer. "Ask
 anyone at Virgin Mobile and they'll tell you -- it's very catchy."
 
     About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:
     Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC is the
 nation's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and first wireless
 carrier exclusively focused on the youth market. Virgin Mobile is a joint
 venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint, which operates
 one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in
 the United States. In just two-and-one-half years, more than three million
 wireless users rejected long-term contracts and took control of their wireless
 spending with Virgin Mobile's Pay As You Go service. Virgin Mobile customers
 have exclusive access to VirginXtras and VirginXL -- a suite of music,
 entertainment and fun lifestyle features, including *MTV mobile content
 created by our strategic partner MTV: Music Television. In addition, J.D.
 Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile for providing "An
 Outstanding Customer Service Experience" under its Certified Call Center
 Program.(SM)
      Phones are available at more than 20,000 locations nationwide with Top-Up
 cards available at more than 60,000 locations nationwide. Virgin Mobile
 products can also be purchased online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com or by
 calling 888-322-1122.
 
 

SOURCE  Virgin Mobile USA, LLC