I'm a Recession Maniac!

I'm a Recession Maniac!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

filed under: dani klein

Guest blogger Dani Klein Modisett: My husband asked me last night what I wanted for Hanukkah and I jokingly responded, "Gee I don't know honey, how about we just figure out how to pay our bills?" To which he said, "Great idea!" That was easy. But not very fun. How do I let the recession not suck the joy out of this holiday season?

I'd love to blame my husband, but I'm definitely the kill-joy in the couple. The fear of spending is all mine. I just can't seem to shake this sinking feeling that the four of us are going end up eating Spam out of a can we share in the refrigerator box we call home.

It's times like these when I am reminded what an all-or-nothing person I am. Did someone say RECESSION? We better eat spaghetti with ketchup on it every for dinner every night, split a Pop Tart four ways for breakfast and forget about a babysitter for date night. DATE NIGHT? Who can afford date night anymore, certainly not us! Or paper towels. We don't really need paper towels, we can just use rags, and no more tissues either, just blow your nose in toilet paper kids! And I'm sorry that shirt only comes down to right above your belly button son, it'll have to do for now.

3 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

i agree…money is very tight this holiday season for us- we are still buying gifts for our son but not for us! forget eating out these days, that’s a distant memory. but the holidays are really about family and traditons and the christmas tree!!!

- h

Posted 12/13/08 11:31 AM

Yes, I agree that this is a very different holiday. Everyone seems to be being careful however some are not. There a few family members and friends that are treating this as their last holiday and buying the things that they want. We are limiting the kids to three gifts this year and a $100.00 limit. It has been my job to watch the sales closely and get those gifts for 1/2 price. I watched slickdeals.net and amazon sales very closely and waited. We also agreed with family and friends not to exchange any gifts and this has taken a lot of pressure off. In the meantime we are making crafts, cookies and renting .99 cents movies. The focus is on spending time together and having fun using the things we already own. I hope we have easlier times ahead however I am not that hopeful. We are clearing out the things we don’t need and bringing them to the homeless shelter because despite the limits there are a lot of people who would love a warm place to sleep and a coat this year. I am trying to keep it in perspective and remember there are less fortunate people who really are suffering. It seems to make everyone give more when they see you giving. I hope that this year becomes one that we remember each other for being generious with those who really need help. Happy Holidays.

- m

Posted 12/13/08 08:26 PM

We’re lucky in the fact that although my husband works for a discount retail company with 700 stores, he is the “computer guy” in charge of network and credit card security. Even if stores started closing left and right, he would still have a job. Oddly, his company’s profits are up right now.

- ame i.

Posted 12/13/08 09:06 PM