Celebrating Christmas in the summer
Let's talk Christmas. Huh? Yup, that's right, Christmas.
All day long for the last few weeks, that's all I've had on my mind.
You see, in the magazine world, editors, art directors and writers toil away on issues long before our readers ever see them. Guess which issue I have been working on lately? Right! December ... and that means the holidays.
The offices of Canadian Living are filled with the scrumptious smells of shortbread and gingerbread wafting out from our fabulous test kitchen, which just happens to be about four feet away from my office door — oh the agony.
And every time I check my email, there's at least one new message from a public relations company offering an invite to come to their 'Christmas in July' or 'Christmas in August' event, at which they preview new products that they hope will make it on your wish list. No wonder, I'm surprised it hasn't started to snow just yet.
One trend I'm noticing this year is the desire to put the 'giving' back in present exchanges and the holidays in general. It seems the recession has given us the chance to pause and think a little bit about what we really want to accomplish when we give a gift.
I know for most of you, the holidays mean hitting the beach and enjoying backyard bbqs. And if you're like me you won't start your shopping until Dec 1.
Still, I want to know ... Has the economy made you think twice about gifts you purchase, and do you think it will do so this Christmas season? If so, tell me how.
Until next time, Kathryn
August 5th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
The economy is making it very hard to spend a lot of money, even at Christmas time and I love Christmas, which is coming too fast for me, my husband has been laid off for the second time this year (a total of 8 weeks now) so I think that our Christmas gifts will have to be pratical gifts.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I spend less money because of the economy but I put more thought into the gifts. I make as many gifts as I can and I trade in my airmiles to get gift cards for those I can't make things for.
August 8th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
The kids will still be the ones that get most of the money spent on them. The adults may get homemade toffee or cookie gifts. Most everyone likes a gift from the kitchen
Did you get any little shared bits from your neighbours across the hall? I have a craving for shortbread, wonder why?
August 9th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I purchase Christmas gifts starting right after Christmas and straight through till end of fall. I get most (if not all) items on sale. By the end of fall, I have almost all of my Christmas shopping and wrapping done. All that's left to focus on is last minute items, stocking stuffers (chocolate) and Christmas dinner. I avoid the last minute crowds and all the stress too.
Economically speaking, I've saved on my spending.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I totally understand you for talking about Christmas in July. As of now, it's 3 months 'til Christmas. visit my website at http://WWW.DEAR-SANTACLAUS.NET and order your child a personalized letter from Santa. it's for the kids so makeyour child happy and start your holiday season now