Try a Savings Christmas this year instead of a spending one.

[RB TexLa]

Americans rate of savings is at the lowest level since the depression. While Bush and probably Obama are screaming spend, spend, spend, don't. Put the money you would spend on a gift for someone in a savings account and get them to do the same thing, then you have really given each other a gift.

I know spending can help the economy get better, but hey, how about letting others do that and keep your money. It's what I'm doing.

(obviously children would be excluded)

[Jane Austin]

1. But if you must spend . . .

consider spending it with us - or another deserving "Blue" business. :)

[kevinbgoode]

2. I think that is a great idea. . .

except I stopped celebrating "Christmas" when the American Fascist Association started their faux "War on Christmas" campaigns.

But you do suggest a very good idea. . .and people should consider offering a gift of a small savings account, a piggy bank for kids. If they are parents, they might consider purchasing toys through upromise.com, which gets a return on each purchase that goes into a college savings account - OR - to pay on student loans.

If you must purchase some kind of gift, PLEASE remember that most older adults don't often need more knick-knacks to dust. . .ugh. My parents are elderly and really appreciate gift cards to their pharmacy or the supermarket - and sometimes department stores where they shop for everyday items. When my grandmother was still alive, her favorite holiday gift was the food basket I put together for her each year. I'd search the stores for weeks before the holidays and slowly buy canned goods she liked - and then added specialty gourmet items like small rum cakes that she'd never get for herself. Then I'd add a couple of nice cloth napkins or a box of tea. . .a gift certificate for the market. It was always different each year and such a surprise.

[ShortnFiery]

3. How quaint. Some folks don't have much of a choice.

And how bout' that STAY-cation? :eyes:

No matter how we try to spin it to the positive, we need to care for each other because it's going to be a long cold winter ... for years in the USA. :(

[kevinbgoode]

4. I agree. . .and I wanted to do so much traveling now

even though I'm frugal. . .but I'm not so sure I can spend like that in these tough times. Good thing I've been saving Amtrak points...:-).

And yes. . we need to care for those who are suffering the most now - especially those losing their jobs as we head into the holidays.

[ShortnFiery]

5. Yes, an friendly acquaintance of mine recently lost her job.

She's a single mom with two young daughters. Just being there for babysitting and quietly presenting "little things" like baked goods or offers for helping with child care is IMO, is the least those of us in better circumstances can do to help our neighbors in these horrid times. :shrug:

One must be subdued and "tread lightly" because the vast majority of Americans want to work and are understandably proud. It's a delicate waltz, but just letting others know that you genuinely care about them can help.

[kevinbgoode]

7. I do agree with that as well. I was raised to be proud, but help others

and people who want to work are often uncomfortable asking for help, so you do have to be delicate in the ways you do it. My local supermarket chain sent out coupons for a free 10-12lb. turkey with the purchase of a whole boneless ham (on sale, too!). I live alone, so don't need either - but was trying to figure out how I could use the coupon to purchase the ham (and get the free turkey) and give both away.

[MN Farmer]

8. You could........

Give the Turkey to the food shelf and keep the ham, cook it whole and freeze it in small portions (1-2 lbs or so), then thaw out a portion every other week and make sandwiches, soup, use it in a casserole, etc.

I used to do this when I was single all the time-just because you're solo doesn't mean you have to miss out on the yumminess of a good, straight from the oven ham.

[Muttocracy]

6. Celebrate Buy Nothing Day:

http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd