Dreaming of a tight Christmas.........

[marmar]

And actually, I think this forecast is overly optimistic. :think:



from AP, via the Orlando Sentinel:



Holiday sales outlook gloomy
A retail trade group predicts consumers will be worried about jobs, tight credit and the housing market.

Anne D'Innocenzio | the Associated Press
September 20, 2007


NEW YORK - Holiday sales are expected to grow at the slowest pace in five years as shoppers fret about jobs, tight credit and slumping home prices, according to a forecast to be released today from the world's largest retail trade group.

The Washington-based National Retail Federation predicted that holiday sales will be up 4 percent for the combined November and December period, the slowest growth since a 1.3 percent rise in 2002.

Holiday sales rose 4.6 percent in 2006.

The trade group's total retail sales figures exclude business from auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants. The results also exclude online sales.

Chris Donnelly, a partner in the retail practice at consulting group Accenture, said a key question is whether many stores will offer deep price cuts traditionally reserved for the Thanksgiving weekend before the holiday kickoff.

"The Thanksgiving holiday season is a bit of a firewall. The question is, will (stores) jump that firewall?" he said.

While the Federal Reserve's decision Tuesday to cut its benchmark interest rate by half a point was applauded by Wall Street, many economists say it won't do much to help families struggling with a weaker job market or slumping home prices. .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-econ20sep20,0,1077229.story

[demnan]

1. I've decided this year there will be no Christmas shopping

Car repairs and cat rescue expenses have put me deep in debt this year. I really don't make enough to have any extra money and the savings I'd normally use for Christmas is gone.

[Le Taz Hot]

2. Everywhere I go I see huge "SALE" signs.

A couple of weeks ago I posted that I had gone into Kohl's for this one-day-only super sale as my husband desperately needed work clothes. I hate shopping anyway and was dreading the trip and the lines. We got there about mid-morning and the place was absolutely EMPTY! And this was a 40% to 70% off sale.

[irish.lambchop]

3. I'm buying a goat, chickens, a donkey

and a water pump if I can afford it for needy families in Africa in the names of my family members.

Here's the site if anyone else is interested - http://www.concernwithlove.org/choose_gifts.php

[april]

5. Thank You

[earth mom]

14. Thanks for that link. And here's another:

http://kiva.org/

:hi:

[bdamomma]

4. make your own gifts, why should we support these corporations.

let's hit them hard, just my two cents.

[Red Zelda]

6. good post

I won't spend a dime this year. Unless it's on food/wine.

[w8liftinglady]

7. here is a site where you can make lots of cute bracelets-

I make the floss bracelets and add little charms to them.I'll post more ideas as I find them
http://www.makingfriends.com/friendship.htm
http://www.mediamessage.com/kayton/GirlScouts/bracelet.htm

[w8liftinglady]

8. and another site with general crafts and gifts

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/homemade-gifts/index.shtml

[snappyturtle]

11. Thanks for the links...I've already forwarded them to my favorite

niece!

[KillCapitalism]

9. Same here

I think people appreciate the memories of a great meal and good wine more than they appreciate useless junk they'll end up throwing away.

[Le Taz Hot]

12. I do that every year.

I've made jams and jellies for YEARS for Christmas. This years' fare: mango jelly, cherry jelly, pomegranate jelly and blackberry jam. I also include homemade breads (lemon, zucchini, persimmon and cinnamon/raisin). People seem to REALLY appreciate them.

[snappyturtle]

10. The Thanksgiving firewall this article mentioned has been

jumped prior to Thanksgiving for several years now....imho. I'm not even into the Christmas spirit mode and there are sales! I've also noticed stores are not as well stocked as they were during the holiday seasons of the past and the post Christmas sales are therefore not nearly as good...again imho.

[earth mom]

13. I'd love to skip Christmas & put the money toward a new heat pump....

Choosing necessities over fun...that's what the powers that be have turned a lot of us towards. :(