Mark's Notebook


	Only a mediocre person is always at his best. - W. Somerset Maugham

Christmastime Consumerism

Washington Post

Sunday 12 December 2004, 1:29 pm
Keywords: News Articles

By Michelle Singletary

Even though I try hard not to get caught up in the commercialism of the holidays, I don't want my friends, relatives and especially my children to be disappointed with their presents or lack thereof.

When the holidays come around, it's hard not to overdo it. It's hard to resist the urge to shop till you virtually drop.

Perhaps you need someone to tell you to get a grip. So let me give it to you straight.

Give the guys a break. No matter what the TV commercial says, every kiss does not begin with "Kay." You've got to know that love is not measured by whether he knows to get you a diamond tennis bracelet. Please, get a grip.

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me software to track my finances." I know this isn't an overly romantic gift, but let me tell you, not fighting about money can really lift your libido.

"On the second day of Christmas, my true love told me this: 'Honey, two-for-one deals don't save you money.' " You may be inclined to think your sweetheart is nuts to say such a thing. How is it that you don't save if you get two items for the price of one? But think about it. You never save when you spend. And you certainly never save when you buy two of something you need only one of -- or none at all.

"On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four I Bonds and not a fondue set." Really, how much hot cheese do people eat? Inflation-adjusted savings bonds, or I Bonds, are currently paying 3.67 percent. I Bonds are low-risk, liquid-savings products. While you own them, they earn interest and protect you from inflation. You can buy I Bonds directly from the government, at most financial institutions or through payroll deduction. Go to www.savingsbonds.gov for more information.

"On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me f-i-v-e g-o-l-d-e-n r-u-l-e-s for simplifying the holidays." They are: The best present is your presence; it really is the thought that counts; it's the quality, not quantity, of the gifts; presents are forgotten, debt isn't; and finally, nobody sees a therapist as an adult because she didn't get a life-sized Barbie or Xbox as a child.

And if that gift list seems too lackluster, try this. Think about how each person on your list has touched your life during the year and let him or her know in writing.

Truly the best gift I ever received from my husband was a multi-page letter. At the top of each page, he listed various roles I played. For example, on one page he wrote the word "Sister." He then listed all the things I had done for my siblings that year and how each act reminded him of why he loved me.

I've long since forgotten many of the things my husband has given me over more than 20 holidays together, but I hold on to that letter.

Tell your children you won't get anything for them at Christmas that they saw on a television commercial. I tell you, this rule has been liberating for me. No more panic attacks about not getting the latest, hottest advertised toy. Effectively, this rule means you end up buying your children things they will play with for a long while or items that reflect what they actually like to do.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56885-2004Dec11.html