Happy Holidays in this economy?

November 21, 2008 - 3:20pm by actuallyfreedom19

With the economy so poor, the people are really getting hit hard. The holidays are supposed to be happy times for the whole family. But with money as a big issue during the holidays, for all the food, gifts etc., many people are on edge which can create family feuds. Maybe this year will be a simpler Christmas in many households. I know for me it will be. We are also inviting families over, that seems to lessen the charge and brighten the attitude.

I think during these next few holidays there may be less parties and presents. If you really want to go the extra mile, perhaps you could go present-less this Christmas. Just relax with the family and have a good time.

I would really like to hear how you think the economy will effect this year's holidays.

Comments

ctugwell wrote on November 24, 2008 - 9:49pm:

Yeah, our family is cutting back. We will make sure the kids are taken care of and then whatever is left over will be split up. We even requested a smaller family from our adopt-a-family provider.

I'm a big fan of the "white elephant" exchanges. They bring people together and are loads of fun.

Mr.S wrote on November 23, 2008 - 8:34pm:

Cutting back is a good idea, but not buying anything will have disastrous effects on our economy. The Thanksgiving through Christmas season is when our economy makes up for losses that occurred during the year and people spending money is what keeps our economy going.

dwyman wrote on November 23, 2008 - 8:42pm:

so you think we have a duty to the economy to spend money?

Mr.S wrote on November 23, 2008 - 11:43pm:

If no one spends money, people will lose their jobs. It is that simple.

The Democrats are busy working on another "stimulus" package for that very reason. Unfortunately a stimulus package is misguided and will never work. What will work is a tax cut for everyone of every tax bracket, otherwise this economic crisis will only get worse.

 

actuallyfreedom19 wrote on November 26, 2008 - 7:13am:

People are already losing their jobs. Right now they may have little or no income to spend on the holidays.

dwyman wrote on November 24, 2008 - 1:16am:

you don't understand economics if you think there's any chance for this to get turned around before next summer, or even that far before next holiday season.

But I do think that it's so great that you understand exactly what will work.

Mr.S wrote on November 24, 2008 - 10:31am:

It won't get turned around for a few years at least, but the things the democrats are going to do will make it last much longer than that. Just like FDR made the depression years longer, so Obama will make whatever this thing is years longer.

lil mcgee wrote on December 2, 2008 - 7:59pm:

Sadly Mr. S has a point, if people don't invest in this economy by buying things it will continue to downturn. The people are misinformed if they save the money when the purpose is to spend it. Tax cuts maybe the only way, and Obama has promised them.

jad26 wrote on November 23, 2008 - 3:55pm:

My friends and I have decided to hold off on the presents this holiday season. Instead we are arranging a holiday potlach and White Elephant. This way we only have to pay for one present instead of 10! And we've set a spending limit of 15 dollars. I love this idea and I hope we continue this tradition from now on - even when the economy isn't so bad, I know we will all be paying off student loans for a very very long time. Plus its awesome that we can all just get together and enjoy each others company and great cooking skills!