Comments on: Can you do without these holiday expenses?

By: rstlne

rstlne — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:30:16 +0000

I’m planning to go to a bunch of prearranged gatherings with friends over the holiday season. Better to spend money on experiences than on material goods that will just clutter up the place.

By: Petmom

Petmom — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:20:28 +0000

Ouch! While I agree that it’s all become too much, I think you went a little overboard. Be warned – you could be getting visits from 3 particular ghosts very shortly.

Traditions around holidays are the tangible icons that keep us mindful of the spirit of the event. They should remind us of the significance of Christmas, Hannukah, [insert your holiday here]. None of these holidays endorse spending money you don’t have on things you can’t afford. But sending cards, decorating a tree, and offering token gifts are certainly gentle ways of celebrating a special family holiday. These things help to connect us in the larger sense, which is important, even if it’s only once a year. And, for those who choose to be frugal, there are ways of doing these things that don’t scream “Look at me – I spend too much!”

Thanks for writing a great blog!

By: Allese

Allese — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:53:42 +0000

Sure you can celebrate without a tree and decorations… but it there is a certain ritual in it all that makes it so special. I am not endorsing corporate america’s version (I live in downtown San Francisco– trust me I understand the ridiculous corportatization of christmas) nor I am suggesting you buy a ten foot blow up Santa, however, I think that traditions, like decorating a christmas tree, hanging lights, singing carols, making and buying trinkets evocative of a a dear friend or family member are ways of materializing what the spirit– whatever your interpretation of it is— of the holidays. In a sense, these traditions provide a way for people to interact with whatever this vague “holiday” in the winter months term means. Traditions and rituals allow people to make things sacred and provide it with an intrinsic identity.

That said, I agree that the holidays have been corrupted by capitalist/corporate America– but there I think your being a bit extreme here.

By: FourPillars

FourPillars — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 17:07:45 +0000

Couldn’t agree more about the gifts – a complete waste.

In our family we don’t exchange any gifts among the adults anymore. Everyone is travelling so we can be together and I think that is enough (and the idea of Xmas after all).

We’re still buying for the kids though.

Mike

By: mbhunter

mbhunter — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:41:43 +0000

Plonkee: I remember my grandfather really enjoyed letters etc. when he was stuck at home in the last years of his life. So that’s a good point.

Dobie: I’m guessing you meant “without a tree, gifts and decorations.” We can still celebrate without all of these things; there’s no reason we can’t. I have every intention to celebrate. There was plenty to celebrate a couple thousand years ago on this occasion, a point that’s deeply buried by all of the commercialism.

By: Dobie

Dobie — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:01:49 +0000

And Bah Humbug to you, too.

Christmas would not be Christmas with a tree, gifts and decorations. Enjoy the holiday season. You don’t have to spend more than you can afford – make gifts if you prefer. Make decorations, as well if you like. But don’t let anger at the rampant commercialization of the holiday make you stop celebrating.

By: rocketc

rocketc — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:56:41 +0000

Scrooge!

By: David

David — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 18:06:20 +0000

I agree 100% with you – holidays waste so much it is quite sad. Great post!

By: John J.

John J. — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:49:43 +0000

I have to admit, I share in your views to a point (especially the spending aspect). I really dislike what corporate America has done with Black Friday (I’ve done a couple posts on my blog regarding Black Friday).

I do get excited about the holidays and I do enjoy them. BUT, there is no need to go in debt because of them…that’s what my blog is all about…finding deals.

Admittedly, though, I am one of those that go a little crazy with the decorations…not to the point of being gaudy.

Thanks for all the information you have posted on your site. I’ll be checking back frequently.

By: plonkee

plonkee — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:58:22 +0000

You haven’t convinced me to give up any of those things.

I don’t want to disappoint my family by not giving them any gifts and not giving them the pleasure of trying to make me happy with gifts.

I have a fake tree already, so the point is moot.

I give a few cards to people that really appreciate them, especially older relatives that can’t get out as much any more. It makes them happy, and happiness is important.

Decorating the house puts me in the mood for Christmas. I will continue to do so in a non-offensive manner.