With Thanksgiving nearly two weeks behind us and Christmas closing in, holiday traditions of every kind are becoming more and more prevalent. Lights, stockings, and ornaments adorn many homes and provide a warm glow during during a bitter Utah December.
The warm glow has seemed to be mostly restricted to only the lights this year, however. The current economic state of the country has driven millions to start crossing items off their children's wish lists long before Christmas even arrives, removing the joyous glow that usually accompanies the season.
Consumers and retailers alike have been witness to the frightened frenzy on Wall Street that gave our economy its biggest scare in decades. This fear and the frenzy has caused consumers to do one thing: protect.
Retailers know one important truth though: consumers will still have Christmas, they will just be a little more careful about how they spend their money.
In response to this, retailers like JCPenney's and Macy's are lowering prices by up to sixty percent and advertising a plethora of bargains in an attempt to attract shoppers to their stores.
But how concerned are we really?
Shane and Dawny Anderson, a newlywed couple from Pleasant Grove say there aren't any out-of-the-ordinary concerns in their home, because, "we're already poor."
"The only thing seems to be grocery shopping," said Mrs. Anderson, noting the benefits of her husband having a job with the government.
Carol Edwards, a Social Worker from Wilmington, North Carolina has shed a different kind of light on the comparatively dismal season.
"The Holiday season of 2008 may offer us a gift in disguise. This year our family plans to do a very de-stressed holiday season that highlights the family and the creativity of the individuals in the family."
Edwards detailed how hand-made gifts and the presence of family would be the essential but ultimate elements to their holiday celebrations.
"This arrangement honors all our family no matter what their circumstances and it provides an environment free of conspicuous consumption. You have it within you to ease the clamors of anxiety and to re-write your script this Holiday Season."
word count: 350 words.
3 comments:
although I do enjoy your paper...What about the engagement? How did it happen? When is the wedding? Let us know I now I am not the only one who wants the details.
seriously...i want more on the details! I've been waiting anxiously ever since your last post!
I have been waiting for this post as well...I was so excited when I saw the headline! Tell us! Please.
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