I can’t recall when it started, but for many, many years I have heard every year in December about how mercantile Christmas has become. We have lost the spirit of Christmas with all the gifts and decorations and parties. Get back to basics, the True Meaning Of Christmas, they have been saying. I have even been told to my face that I spend too much money on Christmas. (And I loved every minute of it!)
So, now that the Season is over (are we still allowed to call it the Christmas Season without offending someone?) I’ve been reading numerous reports about how disappointed retailers are that we didn’t spend more money at Christmas in 2007. And even worse, this lack of effort on our part is partly to blame for this current (pending?) recession and hightened fears we are going to have a depression.
I might be wrong but generally advertising works. So if we are bombarded for weeks every year with how evil we are spending money at Christmas time, then should anyone, least of all retailers, be surprised if we spend less than they like?
For the record, I didn’t spend less this year. but I did budget better for it and had most of it done before Remembrance Day. So, yes, I am guilty. I spent less at Christmas time and enjoyed myself more at my retailers’ expense. I am sorry if I have caused a recession.