This month we’ve been hosting a writing project on the topic of Holidays & Money, where we’ve called on personal finance (PF) bloggers and writers to submit their thoughts on the subject. I figured we could pull some quotes from the pool of entries to showcase what’s been stirring the discussions around the topic.
Here are some words of wisdom from the PF blog community on this year’s holiday season.
From Matt at Bruce Bucks:
“Don’t buy gifts this holiday season, but focus on making memories. When I think about my favorite Christmas it wasn’t because I received the best gifts, it was because my family was all together. Many times Christmas and the holidays become all about the hustle and frenzy of the season. Even for those of us who are more frugal than others, we become too focused on getting the best deals and stretching our dollar…. My best holiday memory was when my family was all together, and we celebrated Christmas a little differently one year…”
From Miranda Marquit at All Business:
“Tryptophan Can Help Reduce Impulse Shopping
We blame tryptophan on just about everything that has to do with the aftermath of Thanksgiving. But it’s not just about the sleepiness. Apparently this chemical could have a benefit for your wallet, according to researchers at the University of Utah….”
From Ninja at Punch Debt in the Face:
“Girl Ninja and I both share a strong affinity for the Christmas season. It’s our favorite time of the year. I like it because it means I get to be home in Seattle with friends and family. Girl Ninja likes it because she can buy a bunch of stuff to decorate our home and because she can excuse her excessive Starbucks runs… “But Ninja, they only serve Peppermint mochas for a few weeks!” I pick and choose my battles, and when it comes to Girl Ninja and decorating and/or Starbucks, I’ve learned to shut up real quick.”
From Len Penzo:
“Commercial Christmas tree prices depend on several variables including the type of tree (here in Southern California, for example, noble firs are typically more expensive than the Douglas variety), the tree’s height and whether or not you want it flocked so it looks like it has a dusting of fresh snow on it. (I know. But some people really like that kind of thing.)
The bottom line is that if you get too carried away you can easily spend well over $100 on your tree – and for many people, that is the only criterion they use when it comes to finding a tree.”
From Donna Freedman at Surviving and Thriving:
“They don’t call it the Silly Season for nothing. You love the holidays and you hate them. You know they’re bad for you, but you’re addicted. You can’t quit any time you want, and there’s no 12-step program for holi-holics.”
Ain’t that the truth?
[If you'd like to learn more, or participate in this writing project, check out the project announcement page here.]
