According to a University of St Thomas Institute for Retailing Excellence (enh?) study Twin Citizens expect to spend “slightly less” (on average, per household) on holiday shopping this year vs last year. Where by “slightly less” then mean “1%” or “$7.”

1. And so it begins. Never mind that we went directly from Halloween to Xmas decorations and paraphernilia.
2. I’d like to see actual dollars spent instead of predicted dollars spent, so get back to me in January.
3. $750 seems like a lot. But I guess not when you have a whole family to by for. Or when there are electronics involved.
4. Actually, I’d like people to stop buying Xmas shit all together. Seriously. If you have a really great gift idea for someone, get it and give it when you think about it. Don’t save it for Xmas. Don’t get something at Xmas because that’s what you’re supposed to do.

That said, I am of course shopping for my girlfriend. I may send some gift cards home for my parents and sister. Only a handful of people will get actual Xmas cards by postal mail. I’ve drastically cut my list of people to shop for. That started when I was really poor for a few years, but I’m content to keep it that way. I like to give the way I’d like to receive. Give me something consumable, or it damn well better be something I really wanted, because I do not want any more stuff. NO STUFF! Because I don’t get anything out of giving out of obligation, and I don’t get anything out of gifts that suck. “Thought that counts,” my ass.

I don’t think of myself as being particularly Scrooge-y, but I can’t help the knee-jerk anti-commercial-Xmas feeling I get. What pleases me is Xmas lights, good food, a good snuggle, and a day off work. That’s all I need or want.

Bah humbug!

Related posts:

1. Holiday tunez
2. Metromix Twin Cities Debuts
3. How Minnesotans Are Spending Their Stimulus
4. I’m spending it on beer
5. Vote Now for Twin Cities Grinch of the Year