Stay Strong . . . don't let them sucker you in!!!

[Bucky]

It looks like it's starting already!!  Due to the recent turn of events with the economy, retail stores have been hurting for sales.  WELL . . . now with the holiday season approaching they are going to kick it up a gear to entice you back into the store to spend your precious money!! BE STRONG!!      In fact, here locally, tomorrow kicks off a sale at a local store to usher in the holiday season . . . Toyland opens!!  People will be there at the doors when they open at 7 a.m. to rush in and grab the bargains.  Or at least that is what the store is hoping will happen.  Traditionally here in the U.S. the Friday after Thanksgiving is our "Black Friday" where the stores go from being in the red to actually making money.  When the stores advertise bargains at low prices that will have people pushing, shoving and even trampling each other to get it!!  Usually, the advertised product is in a limited quantity, so first come, first serve is the order of the day.  It wouldn't surprise me if more stores start with the offers prior to Black Friday to try and make up for lost revenue this year!!  You won't find me out there!! 

Don't let the excitement of the items advertised entice you to spend money you didn't plan on spending.  The holidays aren't all about material gifts - the gift of your TIME is the most precious you can give or receive.   

Bucky

STAY STRONG . . . STAY STRONG . . . STAY STRONG . . . STAY STRONG . . .           

[Cheryl]

Bucky,
   Good thinking, and great advice.   Thank you for the reminders!  (I will not be suckered, I will not be suckered, I will not...)
Cheryl

[lynnmarie219]

  oh my gosh...I cant even begin to think about Christmas....I cant believe its right around the corner. I plan to do as I did last year...keep it as simple as possible and do as much online shopping as I can and AVOID the stores! I know...I'm kind of a bah humbug anymore......

[Patze]

Oh my, is it that time of the year already?  Wow, this year has flown by so fast...

Good advice and I'll be sure to remember it when I pass those dreaded stores!


Patze

[Poochie]

Thanks for the heads up Bucky.  I've seen some of the sales already being advertised in our neck of the woods.

I had to pick up some new sheets at our local department store the other week and was drawn to Kids department.  I love to look at the baby things.  Anyway, I walked out with a winter jacket for my great granddaughter at a price I couldn't pass up. 

The were having Register Roulette, where you spin the wheel at each register and you get whatever percentage shows up on the wheel.  I hit 20%, and in the mail that week I received my customer rewards coupon for my birthday, which was 30%.  The coat was already marked down 20% from the original price of $50.  All in all I think I got a terrific bargain and my Cassie has a beautiful new jacket for winter.

However, I have all but one sweater to make and I'll be done my Christmas gifts this year.  The older children will get money and so will the grandchildren.  The great grands will get sweaters and one small toy.  We just can't do the big gifts anymore. 

I hope everyone of you have a wonderful holiday season.  Starting now and right through New Years.  I pray all will stay well and those with daily pain, will find it much less. 

Hugs, Pooh

[Bucky]

Pooh,

Great deal on your gt. granddaughters coat.  That way she can feel gt. grandma's love wrapped around her all winter long!   

Love spinning the wheel . . . . one time at my former work place they had staff appreciation week.  Everyone got a chance to spin the wheel and they could win various prizes.  Most of the staff had already spun the wheel by the time I started work at 9 a.m.  Well, I give the wheel a good spin and it lands on $250!!!!  Woohoo!  I was celebrating loudly and one of the staff down the hall came down to the office to see what was going on!!  Heehee

Good for you that you are almost done with your Christmas gifts.  Then you'll get to sit back and enjoy the holidays while everyone else is rushing around.  Do you bake cookies or anything for the holidays?

Bucky

[lynnmarie219]

Pooh,

Your right! You got a great deal! Good for you and even better for your great grand daughter!

[salsen]

I've decided to slim and cut back the budget and the decorating.  The large tree was given away along with half the ornaments.  I am going with a much smaller tree that I can decorate without falling on the floor from exhaustion.  All my great nephews and my new niece are getting either gift cards or money.  My Mom is getting a food basket and a gift card since she lives on a fixed income and can always use the help.

That leaves my two grown children and my son's sweetie.   Well practical me has decided they are all getting a pair of quality new shoes this year and something for their home.  I will round it out with some do-re-mi for their pocket.  Voile' shopping is completed.   As for the hubby can't think of anything he may need so on years like that we usually by something for the house.  The less I see the stores this year the better. They are messier and over-crowded.  Won't miss that last minute shopping at all.