« Pay Attention and Play Nice | Home | City Walking Soundtrack »
2008 TLT Gift Guide (Recession Edition)
December 11th, 2008 | Dean Arrindell
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
I got money on my mind and I can't get it out of my head.
Even though I want my Trip to be about seeing a lot of different people and places in America, I can't escape hearing about money and the economy. It's confirmed we're in a recession and companies of all stripes are laying-off a ton of employees every day. Stephen wondered if his post about greed and the man who was trampled at Wal-Mart would be the right fit for TLT, but he was compelled to write about it anyway. Everyone's thinking about money these days.
Holiday shoppers outside Macy's in NYC
And now, the season of giving is upon us. While we should be thinking about saving and being frugal, we're expected to buy things. When did this time of year turn into the season of buying? And why is it still so? We are officially in a recession. As a country, we've already spent far beyond our means. And a man was killed in a shopping spree!! Can't we take one Christmas off from buying gifts?
Let's try it. Since everyone else has a gift guide, The Longest Trip is going to have one, too. The theme of this guide is to spend as little money as possible. If you do spend money, it won't be on things. You'll be spending time with your loved ones.
- Go To Church: Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. If you really want to celebrate Christmas, then do it at church or Midnight Mass. Help out at your church on Christmas Day. If you're not a Christian, then do something in your community. Volunteer with your friends and family on Christmas Day, or the week between Christmas and New Year's. You'll be helping people in need and bonding with those you love.
- Give What You Do: If you have a skill, use that skill to help someone. Do you paint? Then paint a picture. Are you an accountant? Offer to help with someone's taxes. Are you a personal trainer? Give a free training session. The skills and knowledge you have were gifts to you. Share those gifts with others.
- Food: Nothing says love like a full stomach. If you can't cook, this is a good opportunity to learn. But practice before you prepare your gastro-gifts. Your dishes won't be the wrong size or color, but undercooking or over-seasoning your food is just as bad, if not, worse.
The next two require some cash, but they'll be worth it.
- Throw A Party: Not a raging, throw-down party that needs a drinking soundtrack (unless that's how your people roll). This is an intimate, sophisticated evening with those close to you. If your guests feel they absolutely must buy and give gifts, you could volunteer your party for others to exchange gifts. The point is, face time is better than a sweater or an i-Pod. Your family will be impressed you can pull off a party and happy they're not waiting on you this year.
- Plan A Family Trip: Emphasis is on the word PLAN. Everyone pays their own way, but you can corral and organize your family to go somewhere just after the Christmas season. This is a travel blog, so we can't overstate the importance of seeing a new locale. That experience can be even better with people you love. Figure out a week and a place (not the house of someone in your group) that works for everyone and you'll handle the details: Booking flights, hotels, car rentals, the whole shebang. Make sure to set aside one night when everyone is together to celebrate with a big feast. If you don't have to worry about money, pick up the tab for the feast. Again, food is the best gift of all.
(As with most things, this list has exceptions. Buy gifts for your kids, little nieces and nephews. It's probably better than tears on Christmas and years in therapy.)
There you go. Five things you can do to have a great holiday. Times are tough. You shouldn't spend a lot of money. Instead, spend time with people you love.
Related Topics: Buying, Christmas, Money
 TLT on FacebookBecome a fan and keep up to date with our shenanigans! |
Dean Arrindell | 1 Comment »
2008 TLT Gift Guide (Recession Edition)
(via Facebook, MySpace, Digg, email and more)
December 14th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I love this article…I think this recession might help some folks out a bit as to what it really important during the holidays…and you are so right about the little ones! The last thing you need is the evil eye from a 3-year old haunting you for the rest of your days! LOL!