<p>[2008</a> Holiday Shopping](<a href=“http://americanresearchgroup.com/holiday/]2008”>2023 Planned Christmas Spending)</p>
<p>That wouldn’t be too good for the economy.</p>
<p>dstark, I think the recent college student boom is partially to blame, too. I can’t afford pricey gifts since I’m paying a private school tuition! Not that I ever spent $1000 for Christmas gifts :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Yes. Private school tuition can really put a crimp into any other spending.</p>
<p>I’m happy that one of my kids is done with college. :)</p>
<p>Yeah it sucks for the economy but that important issue aside, there are some benefits. </p>
<p>Maybe less resources will be wasted on bought stuff no one wants or uses. Maybe fewer people will sink deeper into credit-card debt to create Christmases beyond their means. Maybe spiritualism will start to surmount commercialism for a change. Maybe more of us will discover we can create wonderful feelings and express love without having to buy and consume more objects.</p>
<p>I wonder if people will go back to their spending ways after this recession is over, or if this one is going to create habits that stick. </p>
<p>We have been through recessions before, and it seems to me that when they end, people always go back to spending.</p>
<p>The one thing I am sure of is that I have learned how to eat better on less money, and I am regularly shopping sales and using coupons. I think that will stick, even if my situation improves. I can’t imagine buying clothes that aren’t on sale any more. When I see people doing elaborate Halloween or Christmas decorating, like big inflatable Christmas Snoopies or Homer Simpsons in their yard, I immediately think about how much money they are wasting.</p>
<p>But to be honest, when and if I ever can, I will probably stop going to the beauty school for $8.00 haircuts, and I will probably drive a nicer car. </p>
<p>This year, I do think people will cut back. Because they have to. And yes, starbright, I hope they learn to appreciate the other aspects of Christmas.</p>
<p>^ Good point, like the best of intentions, probably most of us go back to our old ways, memories are short (unless its truly long and severe). </p>
<p>I also doubt people will really drop to their spending as much as they say they will. Intentions do not usually translate to action-- just like we say we are going on a diet on Monday, or we really aren’t going to spend more than $10 at the casino, or we really are going to exercise everyday. It may be a goal, but far from reality. People will reduce their spending but not as much as they hope or want or intend.</p>
<p>Counterpoint: If we all just kept on with our former habits, how many people would still be employed comared with the “hunker down” model?</p>
<p>Did you spend more in the last 3 holiday seasons based on your portfolio ?</p>
<p>f your neighbor the waiter is out $1000 this week in tips, and the tile guy isn’t re-doing anyone’s floors and if everyone in your famliy has agreed to cut back on holiday gifts… is that what should be going on? Don’t we need to (assuming you don’ have a bad mortgage) spend what we usually would?<br>
But if I"m alone in this, my new fence and countertops will be the last attempt to stimulate the economy…</p>
<p>Dragonmom, you have a point. Though I would add people should be spending, but based on what they actually earn ,not spending themselves into deeper debt (which is what too many people have been doing too long).</p>
<p>But it’s a classic prisoners dilemma- if one spends rather than saves for the next few rainy months/years, and everyone else follows suit, great. But if one does spend rather than saves for the next few rainy months/years and most others do not, then the economy still tanks and the one doing the ‘right thing’ is screwed.</p>
<p>And it’s not just individual consumers, but also/moreso corporations. I see lots and lots cutting back by companies, doing so with anticipated loss, not present necessity. Take just the example of colleges - is Harvard or Dartmouth REALLY feeling the pain, or are they just cutting back now with anticipation?</p>
<p>I don’t know if Americans in general will spend less…but I know that WE spent less last year and that trend will continue this year. I just hope we don’t get too many of those “unneeded things” from the relatives. Truthfully, I would rather they donate to charity than send me another knickknack, pair of wool socks (which I can’t wear anyway), books (that they might like but I don’t), trip souvenirs (don’t need anymore “stuff” from foreign countries that I’ve never been to), etc. Bahhumbug.</p>
<p>We have a budget of $100 per person. Last year we did more.</p>
<p>I am with you thumper1 on all of those unnecessary gift, gifts for the sake of giving, which in theory is not bad but in practice…</p>
<p>No. 90% less over here.</p>
<p>TheresaCPA, come on…you’re not really going to spend 90% less this year, are you?</p>
<p>dstark—I would say Im probably spending 90% less. H out of work and my business struggling–we have made agreements with family members not to exchange gifts, unless home made. D understands she will get one present from us in the form of a small check to pay for some of her grad-school application expenses. Its really bad right now for some of us.</p>
<p>musicamusica, I’m sorry to read about your situation.</p>
<p>You’re not alone.</p>
<p>[Frugality</a> becomes the latest holiday shopping fashion trend - MarketWatch](<a href=“http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Frugality-becomes-latest-holiday-shopping/story.aspx?guid={2655E007-9CFF-4ADA-89C3-90A4E5E9C5D7}]Frugality”>Frugal shoppers overshadow retailers' holiday - MarketWatch)</p>
<p>There are many that do not participate in end-of-year holiday festivities and we’re among them.</p>
<p>Well, then BCEagle91, there will be no change in your family’s spending habits. </p>
<p>Your family will help the percentages. :)</p>
<p>dstark—with the spending pressure off----Ive NEVER felt happier about the approach of the holidays. We are going to have a REAL Christmas. No Malls=No Christmas Worries</p>
<p>I will spend less this year. I will do more handmade gifts. And more cash presents, so the person can shop after Christmas sales. </p>
<p>I have for a long time, been concerned about commercialism and materialism in general, and particularly at Christmas. But this year, economics plays an even bigger role in motivating me to cut back.</p>
<p>musicamusica, sounds good to me.</p>
<p>I am spending less this year. Trying to cut back on everything.</p>