Bah Humbug!

[VaSteve]

I just got back from the mall with the family (needed something to do on a cold afternoon). The mall is in a relatively affluent area in the DC burbs. The mall we went to is in the area where I grew up and we lived in one of the older poorer neighborhoods. (I live a little further out now).

Anyways, like every Christmas season we have to fight to get parking space. The mall is pretty much packed full of people. I guess the recession hasn't hit here yet.

As I'm walking through the mall, I can't help thinking....who *needs* this stuff? All manner of crap and tchotkes. Even the regular Christmas stuff, just so much of it. I haven't worn out the things from last year....or the year before...or the year before that.... has everyone else?

I'm 35 and have a couple of kids. Aside from a couple of things I'd like for the car/garage, I can't think of anything that would be great under my tree. Even my kids have so much stuff, I had to draw the line on my wife buying them more for Christmas. I just see it as more stuff. Overwhelming with stuff.

I guess I'm blessed and fortunate that I have what I need. All this talk of recession just doesn't have me excited for the season and seeing all this unnecessary consumerism, eh, bah humbug.


What's going on in your part of the country....how do you celebrate?

[Rick V]

Steve,
You hit the nail right on the head. I start getting that way in October when I have to boot Santa out of my way to get Halloween candy. It is a very sad state when people have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. I think it should be mandatory for everyone to watch "the Grinch Who Stole Christmas".

[Oh Haha]

You BOTH got it right.


I like Christmas for what it is and for getting together with family. I hate the garbage that goes along with it. Malls packed, traffic jams on any freakin' street close to a mall and all the commercialisation of the season.

I told my wife, as I do every year, I don't want anything nor do I need anything. We haven't bought gifts for each other in a couple of years. This year we aren't even having a big dinner.

We made our kids pick out 2 toys last weekend to give to Goodwill. I explained to them why this was important and even though they probably didn't really understand I hope that it sets a tone for them. We are not rich and with the economy tanking you never know what tomorrow might bring.




I did put up the blow up Homer and Tigger for them so when they get back from Chicago tomorrow they will be surprised. I know that when I get home from work they will meet me at the door, happy that Daddy is home. That is worth more than any present I could receive.

Sorry for the Hallmark moment but I get really grumpy this time of year because of all the garbage and I need to remind myself what it's all about sometimes.

[peppy]

I agree. I am just getting my wife something sexy form wal-mart!

[bell]

i'm hoping to simply make it TO christmas.....the job market where we're at sucks for my wifey, she has been out of work since she got here basically, so financially i'm getting the **** kicked out of me...........haven't been in this situation for nearly 15 years........and something needs to change fast......other than that i love florida......

[Dottore]

We decided not to buy a lot of crap for our friends this year.

Instead we will be supporting the local homeless shelter with a big check.

We also alerted all our friends to this, and asked them not to make us any presents this year. A handful have already followed suit and are doing the same.

[jwhcars]

I started last year....no gifts just a nice dinner.I got fed up with all the B.S. and decided to just have a good old family dinner...kids are grown and no longer believe in Santa. I had a heart attack and lost my job this year so not having to be concerned about gift buying equals less stress.

[Rick V]

My Family doesn't go all out for the holidays, we just get together and eat and laugh and just enjoy each others company. Well every year I try and do something special for someone in my family. It was a couple of years ago I hit a home run. My mom sings in the church choir, the rest of us don't do church very often. I got together with all of the family and we all went to midnight mass at Moms church. When the choir walked in, and my mom saw several pews jammed with her family, she smile was something I will never forget. A better gift we could not have gotten her. In my mind that is what Christmas is about. Forget all the rest of the crap.

[Wickd89]

Congrats Steve. You have grown up and seen the light!

Most people do not get to where you are and continue to buy stuff all the time; which explains our countries issues with self gratification/must have/need it now/can't live without it,etc,etc...... WHO REALLY NEEDS A FORD EXCURSION or a YUKON XL - ESCALADE. Yes I know, I can afford it so I can have it! Sure...

Mine came when I moved away to Europe and lived in 2 rooms. All I needed was a TV, Bed, and Computer, and I was happy! The Pcar in Switzerland would have helped in the summer months........

The rest is just stuff.. Even the DVD/CD collection does not make a lot of sense...

[widgeon13]

The older we get the less we want or need. Our son is getting married in 2009 to a very nice young lady and we are all very fortunate to have what we need. I just enjoy getting together w/ family and seeing everyone have a good time.

I have long despised the holiday shopping frenzy, people buying stuff they don't need, spending money they most likely don't have, especially this year. People acting crazy, I can do w/o all of that. The sad thing is that there are most likely things that they need that they will not get because they are pissing it away on presents.

[Vipergrün]

Agreed, everyone in our house has what they need and some of what they want.

We're getting golf lessons for our 8 year old son and a violin rental/lessons for my 6 year old daughter. Wifey will get a day at the spa. Other than that, maybe a couple article of clothing, games, or books. No toys, no video games, etc. Too much crap as it is.

Also, we had each of the kids buy stuff at the 99 cent store to send to their "far away friends" via the Samaratans Purse program.

[strupgolf]

I stopped in a store with wifey today, Kohls, where she looked around and I was bored. She liked that store for a long time, but we noticed today they had lots of sales, but not the kind we like. A sale should be 30-40-60% off of something, but they had 80%of their stuff at "buy one-get one free". A golf shirt was $42.00, plain white. The point is I dont need two and I dont have anyone in mind to give one to. They still want you to spend 42.00. If retailers are thinking like this, its going to be a long hard season for many of them.

[Rick Lee]

It's my cardinal rule to not step foot in a large retail store or mall between mid-November and New Year's. I do all Xmas shopping online and buy my cards at the grocery store, which I think has much better ones than any card store.

Fortunately, I'm flying to China on 12/23 and will spend Xmas Eve on a bus from Shanghai to Nanjing. I'm meeting my folks in Beijing a few days later, going to Xi'an and then Chengdu and then Hainan. No Xmas BS for me. I can't wait.

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I'm meeting my folks in Beijing a few days later, going to Xi'an and then Chengdu and then Hainan. .

Hainan. Now there's a place. Like Las Vegas on steroids, and set on a tropical island.

It's got to be one of the very most decadent spots on this earth.

I'm sure your Xmas there will be merry and bright.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Dottore

Hainan. Now there's a place. Like Las Vegas on steroids, and set on a tropical island.

It's got to be one of the very most decadent spots on this earth.

I'm sure your Xmas there will be merry and bright.

With my wife, parents and in-laws in tow? I'll be overjoyed if I get to sneak a smoke behind the house. I know my wife is not gonna take her eyes off me.

[porsche4life]

I'm only 17 and really dont want anything for xmas. Im tired of all the crap and clutter. I mean I would like a V1 and a few other gadgets but I will buy those on my own.

[Wickd89]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I'm only 17 and really dont want anything for xmas. Im tired of all the crap and clutter. I mean I would like a V1 and a few other gadgets but I will buy those on my own.

Wow. I hope my son grows up to be like you...
I started my first 401K at 19 and began paying for my entire college education at 20 (with the help of Hughes Aircraft Co at the time)...

Love it when people live within their means.
Anyone can buy retail. Now getting something good and cheap that is FUN!!

[porsche4life]

I mean I really would love to have Rock Band 2, but that takes up a whole lot of room which there really isnt in my parents house. When i move out this summer i might buy that but who knows. People keep asking me what they should get me and I'm kinda like meh... If you feel like you have to give me something money works but I'll just blow it on that car

[nostatic]

I'm going the other direction and giving stuff away. I only have the hallway cupboards left to go through. The only thing I allowed my g/f to get me was waterproof liners for the bike luggage, but she knows that is more for keeping her stuff dry. She'll get some framed prints and the road trip paid for.

I do have to clean out the garage...have some old parts and other stuff in there. Out it goes.