When I say times are tough, it’s not exactly news. My family, like a lot of others in North America, is not only frightened of investment losses and impending layoffs, we’re already feeling it. Since money is sparse, my parents and I have decided to “cancel” Christmas. No gifts!
My mother is a supervisor in a large corporation’s travel department. She oversees corporate travel and their clients include an ailing North American car manufacturer, a bailed out American bank and an investment bank that filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Business in 2009 isn’t looking very good and there’s a real chance she’ll get laid off in the new year.
Knowing this, my parents are trying to save money just in case. Mom’s near retirement, but not quite ready for it. She doesn’t like the idea of not doing anything, especially if early retirement means less desirable health coverage. In efforts to save money, we agreed we wouldn’t get Christmas presents for each other. While others may find this a terribly sad, I’m actually looking forward to Christmas this year—more than other years. Two less gifts to buy means less time in a crowded shopping mall. That means more time with loved ones.
Your two cents: I know we’re not the only family approaching the holidays differently. Are you and your family changing your holiday spending habits this year?
7 comments
Comments feed for this article
December 2, 2008 at 10:45 am
Ry-Tron
My wife is currently on strike with CUPE 3903 at York U, and contrary to the media bias and general public belief, all is not well for those on strike. Money is tight this year, so thank god I work at the CBC now instead of CNW Group (where everyone is underpaid by about 30-40%, and this was well before the economy went even further to shit).
With my wife and her immediate family, we draw names and get $150 of presents for the one person. We get the kids in the family presents (Lego Batman ftw!), and we’re getting $20 prezzies for some friends. I’ll hang out with my mother and sister over the holidays, but we won’t be exchanging gifts.
December 2, 2008 at 11:47 am
andreachiu
Ry-Tron, your holidays sound like mine. My partner’s family does Christmas in a big way, but even they have agreed to tone it down from the multiple gifts per person to just one. The kids, of course, are the exception, but that’s fine with me.
I have a couple of friends who are also on strike with CUPE 3930. Best of luck to you and your wife during the strike. I hope it gets settled soon.
December 2, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Squawkfox
This holiday we’re all doing homemade gifts. It just makes sense. Besides, homemade gifts are fun, thoughtful, and frugal. Some of my favorite gifts have been things not purchased from stores. 🙂
December 3, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Jennie
For the past several years, each family member donates a small amount of money to the charity of each other’s choice. We always donate to the Winnipeg Humane Society for my mom, Doctors without borders for my dad, Amnesty for my Sister and a youth arts centre for me. It’s nice. Also, I usually make my gifts. God, now I’m just sounding self righteous….but for Channukah, I did get a magic bullet one year!
December 3, 2008 at 9:05 pm
andreachiu
Squawk and Jennie: You guys are so good! Homemade gifts are great. After some thinking and the realization that there’s nothing I need (cept winter tires) I decided to ask for donations in lieu of gifts from my partner’s family and anyone else who feels they need to get me something.
Jennie: By “magic bullet” you mean the kitchen appliance, right? Haha…
January 16, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Squawkfox
It’s been a while since your last post….are you coming back? 😀
January 16, 2009 at 8:50 pm
andreachiu
Yes, I’m coming back. Working on a couple of posts. Sorry, I’m not nearly as dedicated as you, but I’m working on it…