Doesn't it feel good to pay less?

No matter how hard I try, I never retreat on the holiday spending. Even in such years as this one, where I don't have a girlfriend to focus my chi and checking account on, I still find a way to give myself a migraine by Dec. 23 when I'm done shopping and say "Did I honestly just spend all that money?" Of course, all that frantic evaluating and when it comes down to the exchange, you don't have a care in the world and everyone enjoys themselves. I guess my question lies there in, why do we have to spend so much money? Is it possible to have a nice Christmas anymore without spending money?

I don't know a single person that doesn't feel overextended or even annoyed at how they had to get someone an ipod nano on Black Friday because someplace gave you free gift wrapping with it... or maybe wait in the Build-a-Bear line for 2 hours and spend a cool hundred bucks because their bear needed Juicy Couture booty sweatpants. I guess I've noticed how my Christmas shares the same foundation as my childhood one, focused on giving and getting gifts for people so you can see them smile and give you a hearty hug to finialize how much love is shared between the parties involved. I believe though that some people never get over that child's mindset of how you make a list of gifts that you want, without substitutes and if they aren't delivered under the tree before the stroke of midnight on Dec. 24th, the procedure of disappointment, pouting and disownment kick in.

I think that there is a very distinguished line between wanting to GIVE expensive, lavish gifts and EXPECTING rediculous things. I don't know where that turnover comes into play exactly. I mean, for most sensable people they usually reach adulthood and realize that your list of Transformers, Barbies, Red Rider beebee guns turns into work clothes, gift cards or ...well, I guess an ipod. This ramble really just started after my co-worker told me she heard some woman bitching out her man yesterday, saying that she wanted not just the $700 Louis Vutton bag, but also the matching boots and the belt... but if it doesn't have the $75 complimenting belt buckle, then forget it. He can sleep on the sofa till 2020.

I can't really tell if its just the cost of living and where I live by NYC, or if it's just people living on the account that the ones with the most toys win. All I know is that I really could go every Christmas from here on out without spending my money on anything but friends meeting at dinner, going out to the bar on my days off to catch up and getting the following days to sleep in. To each their own, but I think that's why the joke goes "the holidays bring out the best and worst in people."

I'm a firm advocate that if you don't know what to get someone, or they never seem to give you any suggestions, just pay for a night out. I mean ACTUALLY go out and pay for an evening with dinner, a game, a show, a movie... not the gift card route where you think you get off the hook and the receptee can use them for whenever. I promise if you give your time, initiative, attention and priority... enjoy the occasion and then let the bill be the last of your worries, you'll have a memory, not a boxed-up talking bass that sings "Rollin on the river".