Interesting Thoughts from Another Blog

I usually check out 2 or 3 other blogs to see what they are discussing on finance and saving money. I enjoy Frugal Dad and Being Frugal but there are others to check out and see what they are discussing on their blogs. I am going to post a link at the end of this entry of the article I reference from Frugal Dad.

The title of this entry on Frugal Dad is "Too Broke to Buy Christmas Presents" and it discusses the downturn in the economy and buying presents for family, friends, co-workers, etc. I found it to be a really thought enticing post. What are your expectations for Christmas presents this year? If you, or someone you know, has been laid-off, is currently laid-off, what do you expect as gifts? Is it right to expect gifts from someone who just has had a hard time financially? If you really want to get someone a gift but cannot afford a gift? Or even if it comes down to paying a bill or buying a gift for a co-worker, what do you do? These are some serious thoughts this time of year! Who ever thought that as adults we might have to choose between buying gifts for a friend or paying the light bill?

I know I do good just to get family gifts bought each Christmas. I know my parents tell me to not worry about it but I still do. I have a few friends I want to buy for but just cannot do it as I like this year (and last year and maybe next year as well). Should I worry about buying everyone gifts? Naturally, most people would say "No, don't worry about it!" I sometimes feel this is what people should say but do they mean it? Do they really and truly mean it?

Instead of gifts, does time together with friends really make your day? Maybe time with friends at a local restuarant, coffee shop or even ice cream shop is exactly what they need. Or maybe having a few hours out with a spouse without the kids is what a friend needs. Maybe a great gift cannot be bought at any store.

Good luck out there with your Christmas presents this year!! I know this may sound overdone but try to enjoy your family and friends for they have, hopefully, stuck with you through gifts from good-times land and gifts from not-so-good land.

http://frugaldad.com/2011/11/07/too-broke-to-buy-christmas-presents/

Jennifer