[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?