Holiday Spending

While we were out and about Hubby and I did some shopping. This morning's paper is all about the shopping. Will people start shopping because apparently so far there hasn't been much Christmas shopping going on in the U.S. This is what we noticed while out and about. I overheard, many times, shoppers commenting to each other, "oooh, the kids would like this, but I better not." Not many shoppers carrying tons of packages, no lines and the sale racks were full.

It's looking bleak for the economy, folks. Maybe not so bleak for consumers though, I think maybe this is the year that we focus on the reason for the season, our Savior's birth.

We had some interesting experiences. While at REI we picked up over $300 worth of merchandise. We were approached by staff over and over. They tried to upsell us every time. We had chosen things in our budget and they made us feel as though what we had chosen wasn't good enough. We needed to get the 'bigger and better' option. Not really in our budget so we ended up putting everything back.

At Ann Taylor LOFT the sales racks were over flowing, I'm guessing they had a slow fall. I had received an email for an additional 30% off, printed it and left it at home. We went to the apple store and I asked if I could access my email on one of their computers and then print something. No problem. Love the mac guys! When I left the store the gentleman that helped me was reading my blog and going to cook the Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner. Forever friends! I ended up saving $220 on $347 worth of merchandise. I stuck with very basic black things.

So, the sales are there and I think some great deals. But we are holding back. Hubby and I are definitely going to spend less this year, make some cuts and focus on worship, family and friends. What are you doing for the holidays this year?