Comments on: Christmas In a Down Economy

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:23:46 +0000

Our family has used elfster.com to organize a secret santa-type gift exchange. We even set it up among the little cousins so they can participate in giving some kind of gift to the cousin whose name they drew. We all feel there is too much excess and stress around the holidays, so it is a tradition we hope continues through the generations of our family. As for the wishlist items some of us add to our profile, they do include things like “babysit our kids so my husband and I can enjoy a movie or dinner”, walk our dog while we are on vacation.

By: Asabi Olayinka

Asabi Olayinka — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:58:26 +0000

Christmas is not only about what we can buy to indulge ourselves, but how much of human milk of kindness that can flow from us to the needy and the neglected ones

By: Ronny Howard

Ronny Howard — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:58:04 +0000

I think all gifting in general, xmas included, should be budgeted and you should not go overboard.

Saving up for it throughout the year makes it easier to handle when it comes time to use it all.

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:28:31 +0000

Christmas has been and will always be an interesting topic of discussion which is what this format is all about. Every year I learn more about myself, my family and my friends in and around Christmas time. Suffice to say what works in my world will not necessarily work in yours. In this country the need to judge and criticize seems to be slowing now that 50 million people are uninsured, 10.2% noted as unemployed although I feel the percentage is much, much higher. That might be one of the true Christmas gifts that will not be found under the tree. Compassion. I hope to see more of that virtue this Christmas….

By: George

George — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:15:26 +0000

Lashing out against retailers is not personal finance advice. Your personal problems with Christmas spending are justified and even applauded. However it’s an error to judge others and your article has no content.
I usually enjoy the articles here, but I can’t encourage writing such as this.

By: John DeFlumeri Jr

John DeFlumeri Jr — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:11:46 +0000

Money does not make a memorable gift most of the time anyway!

John DeFlumeri Jr

By: Pat Merritt

Pat Merritt — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:19:30 +0000

When I was little, in Flint Michigan, there was a labor strike around Christmas and my parents had no money at all for gifts.

I remember that as the bestest Christmas ever. My Dad made me a snow tiger and cubs in the backyard, and a spinning top out of a thread bobbin, rubber band and a stick. My Mom held me on her lap all day.

They paid attention to me. I think that if parents do this for their kids, they will feel the same.

By: EF Cussins

EF Cussins — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:46:44 +0000

I enjoy the time to focus on family and relationships. What I hate is the stress that goes with getting the right Christmas present for everybody around me.