From my last post on Christmas music it was nice to see I wasn't totally off base when it came to when to start playing Christmas music. The consensus was music after Thanksgiving. Black Friday worked. Christmas music after December 1st came in second. A few said October, after the Canadian Halloween, and a few said "Bah humbug -- never."
There were also several comments about the earliness of all the Christmas stuff in stores and the commercialism of Christmas. So I thought I'd see what people thought about it.
What's on your Christmas list this year?
Have you started your, serious heavy duty shopping? (not that cute little note pad you picked up for your sister when you saw it, because she loves sea shells).
Are you reading the ads and planning what to buy all those people on your list?
How much are you spending this year? More than last year? (Because the stores certainly want you to).
Do you make your own gifts?
Remember when people knit socks, made jars of preserves or jelly, or special potpourri's. It was the personal touch. Not bought at a box store where they could return it for something else.
My favorite, personally, is to donate to charities in some one's name. Most people I know have enough "stuff" and like it when I donate to a charity they like - animal charity, children's charity, breast cancer, whatever.
I've been talking mostly about giving, but do you have a wish for Santa? What's on it?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the commercialism of Christmas. How you cope with it. Do you go along with it? Let me know.
I shop all year round that way all my gifts are paid in cash. Unless I really need something (like it's a matter of life and death) I stay out of the stores between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hate the crowds. I like watching the Christmas movies and listening to the Christmas music. I have no wishes for Santa. As you said I already have too much stuff and do not need anymore. I'm trying to get rid of it. Gift cards or charitable donations are a great gift.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you enjoy Christmas without the commercialism.
DeleteI've thought about shopping but really haven't set out to do it. I do pick up things all year long but I don't get into the mood until after Thanksgiving since I'm a big procrastinator and my family mostly wants money.
ReplyDeleteI usually put off Christmas shopping, and yes, that's usually because I'm put off by the commercialization of it. Plus I never know what to get anyone unless they tell me outright. I've been working on a family history for my mother, but it's gotten rather larger than expected. As for me, my husband is joking about finding that life size Thorin Oakenshield cardboard standup. I could live with that.;-) Or world peace.
ReplyDeleteI think more people are feeling like you.
DeleteHi, Beverly: I am one of those freaks who loves the music, the shopping, everything and I am happy when it starts. It is the beginning of intense family and fun. Yes, I am one of those year round shoppers with labeled bags stashed in a closet. I watch the movies and delight sitting in the mall and people-watching. I would like a special handbag and of course, more books!
ReplyDeleteNow you are a true lover of everything Christmas. Do you ever forget about any of the stuff you stash in closets and hide away during the year?
DeleteSince I make most of my gifts, I really don't spend much time shopping. I know retail is a tough business, so I can't say when is too early because I always think about the year-round Christmas stores I visit. I don't listen to Christmas music until the week before, and sometimes for a Christmas in July celebration. The best Christmas, gift or no, is spending time in celebration and conversation with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI love that you make your gifts. I think that's so special. And I'm with you, about the best Christmas gift - conversation and time with family and friends. And good health.
DeleteYes, I think Christmas is too commercialized, and it was never meant to be. I love the Christmas music and the movies, but they always make me sad because they remind me of the old days.
ReplyDeleteI have cut back on shopping because everyone in my family has so much and they can afford to buy what they really want themselves.
I'm with you., although I still love the music and the old movies - the originals.
DeleteWhen we asked one of our adult sons what he wants, he smiled and quoted my husband's (who learned this from HIS dad) words, and said, "Good behavior". Smart aleck! We don't go overboard with gifts, and will buy even less this year because I had to quit my second job because the stress of being asked to work on Thanksgiving (I worked retail, minimum wage, no raises...ever), when we have 23 people coming over, combined with my fear of yet another Black Friday 8-hour shift of being yelled at by customers for things not under my control was making me crazy!
ReplyDeleteI shop by phone/email, or in small local stores, and whenever possible I buy USA-made. And gift cards to favorite restaurants are always appreciated by everyone.
Great shopping ideas. I try and buy in the small local boutiques too and I try to buy locally made from the crafters in our area. The Christmas craft fairs can be fun to wander through and pick up little gifts.
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