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Thursday, December 11, 2008

Economic Times

Don't we all wish that prices were lower? It seems as though my dollar is transparent. You can only stretch those bad boys so much and they begin to disintegrate. The holiday season brings the economic situation into focus - sharp focus, with a macro lens! No matter where you go, prices are insane. What's a shopper to do?

Well, I for one, refuse to shop for Christmas gifts. For the past couple of years we, or rather I, have done minimal shopping. Rather, I get a gift card with the amount of money that was budgeted for that person's gifts and they get to shop the Christmas sales. Mind you, that is only for immediate family. Others may not understand my abhorence for holiday shopping and the crowds. And, rather than a purchased gift to place under the tree, there is a handmade item. The handmade items are my way of showing or demonstrating how much that person means to me. The time and effort put into the gift, usually a knitted sweater, socks, gloves, etc., is much more meaningful than throwing money on a counter in exchange for an item the person may or may not use.

I know, a handmade gift isn't always looked upon as a "gift" and you can't take it back or return it; but with a handmade gift, you know the person was thinking of you when they made it. And, isn't it the thought that counts? That is what I was always told.

Don't we all wish prices were lower? I know I do. As a result, I lowered the prices on all my Payloadz patterns. Won't have an impact on the economy, but it sure makes me feel better.

Happy Holidays!

2 comments:

Becca said...

Prices are really pretty low right now across the board. For those who do like to shop and don't mind the hustle and bustle of the season, every single store I can think of is running amazing sales right now, which is good for the masses, although a little sad, truthfully, for the economy.
We do homemade gifts as well, and I love it, but I really run out of time. Homemade gifts take a lot of time and love and I only have an abundance of the latter!
I know it is much better to give than to receive, but the homemade gifts I get in return are usually food-related and that makes for another 10lbs I have to promise to lose in the new year!
I think everyone should do what brings THEM pleasure. If it brings you pleasure to make your gifts (as it does us), that's what you should do! If you love shopping and picking out things especially for your loved ones, then that's what you should do.
No one should throw money away simply out of obligation, but a well-chosen over-the-counter gift can also be a pleasure to give AND receive!
It's about being happy! Everyone!! I love the season and I always will!

Anonymous said...

I hate the crowds.
I love shopping for just the right thing.
I hate that my money is stretched so thin (why aren't dentists having sales???).
I wish I had more time for gift knitting (and that I hadn't lost so damned much time to being sick sick sick for so long).
We're paring down - a lot - this year. But I think I got more knit last year than this one.
sigh