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"All I want for Christmas is …" Christmas and the consumer.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

Christmas and the consumerMy wife works at a local department store and had to be on the floor at 4:30 this morning. Because of the early hour I offered to drive her to work and she gladly accepted.

Her store had opened at 3:00 A.M so when we arrived the parking lot was already full and there were hundreds of “Black Friday: shoppers carrying our sack-loads of goodies!

On the drive back home I started thinking about Holiday shopping, and presents, and the whole concept of “what do I want for Christmas”

The fact is, it’s been years since I have wanted anything. I can’t really say that I have been excited about a product or any particular item in a long, long time.

I pretty much have everything that I want or need, and I don’t I aspire to possess anything more.

And I know that my attitude is bad for a consumer driven economy. Even my wife’s job depends on frenzied packs of rabid bargain seekers stripping the shelves of their wares with the notion of transforming them into holiday treasures under the tree.

But I not a driven consumer. I am content.

Thank goodness for our economy that a lot of others are still buying!

Cindy Edwards
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

Good morning Richard,

I get this.  I feel the same way.  If I really want something, I usually go out and get it!  I hope your wife fares well out there!!

Nov 25, 2011 01:24 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I am with you on this...I have nothing I really want for Christmas that can be found at any store!

Nov 25, 2011 01:26 AM
Amy Hahn
Pine Knoll Shores Realty - Morehead City, NC
Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC

Richard - I feel the same way as you!  In fact, the gifts I give are usually handmade, because I know that the best gifts come from the heart!  We are already reading the Nightmare stories about folks fighting and getting hurt during their "Black Friday" shopping experiences.  I'm at home, dragging out the Christmas Decorations, and spending time with my family.... The greatest gift I've ever received!  Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season filled with Gifts from the Heart!

Nov 25, 2011 01:27 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Richard. Boy, are we both on the same page today. I too blogged about Black Friday and other myths......I don't really need anything either.

Nov 25, 2011 01:27 AM
Carol Barron Cross
SUNFLOWER HOMES & EQUESTRIAN LLC - Palm City, FL
Sunflower Homes & Equestrian LLC

Retail is so exciting to lots of folks. Let us hope they are all out there today and enjoying and spending money. I hate to say but, I too, have everything I need or want and have gotten to where I do not like to get into the rush. Thank goodness for the others. Hope you all have a great Christmas holiday and our stats are good for the economy when it is all over.

Nov 25, 2011 01:29 AM
Robin Dampier REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

I'm with you at this time in my life.  At the age of 70 I only need to mainly purchase necessities for myself and "just want items" I go purchase when I want them.  I'm adverse to large crowds, shoving and pushing and even in my younger more robust years I never went to a Black Friday sale.  I do go to normal sales.

I hope your wife survived the flurry of activity.  I've been watching on TV and it amazes me with the activity in the stores.  Of course for many families with kids, etc it is necessary to take advantage and try for the big ticket items on a big sale.

Have a great day.

Sue of Robin and Sue   

Nov 25, 2011 01:34 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Cindy...

She will be catatonic by the time I pick her up today. This is NOT an easy day to work in retail. Thanks my friend and have a great day.

Gary...

You and I are on the same page. Thanks.

Amy...

I didn't go to the office today because number one, it is closes and number two, I just don't feel like it! But judging by the number of calls I had on Thanksgiving today is going to be busy! Thanks so much.

Sheila...

Great minds think alike. I'll go check out your post. THX.

Nov 25, 2011 01:46 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Richard....I feel the same way....there's nothing I need....if I need it, I'll buy when I need it....I'd rather give and watch the smiles on the faces of those who can't buy it when they need it...

Nov 25, 2011 01:53 AM
David Popoff
DMK Real Estate - Darien, CT
Realtor®,SRS, Green ~ Fairfield County, Ct

I wish your wife good luck today and this weekend, she will not see me in the masses since I click my way through shopping on the net and have it delivered to my front door, Happy Holidays.

Nov 25, 2011 02:04 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I too am pretty much content and tell everyone, we don't need anything, don't buy us anything...but, I love to buy for others!

Nov 25, 2011 02:08 AM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

My wife and  I stopped exchanging gifts with each other several years ago.  Her idea.  We help others in all ways plus we carry X amount of cash with us in $20's and as we see people that really could use the extra funds we just slow down had them a 20 and say Merry Christmas and walk away.  It's the best feeling and what better way to pay it forward.

Nov 25, 2011 03:00 AM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

Richard ... I couldn't agree more.  some in my family are leaving their kids with relatives so they can get up to shop!  Not my idea of what the holiday is all about!  Anyway .. like you I'm happy there are those who fuel the economy buy shopping 'til the drop!

Nov 25, 2011 04:04 AM
Maria Morton
Platinum Realty - Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Real Estate 816-560-3758

Richard, there is nothing that could entice me to go to a store on Black Friday! >Shudder< The thought of squishing in between all those crazed shoppers is scarier than a horror movie!

Nov 25, 2011 05:49 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Richard...at our age if we want something we go and buy it.  For my wife I have been buying theater tickets to a show whe wants to see.  Makes for a great present and a good night out.

Nov 25, 2011 11:48 AM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Richard,

I've never really got caught up on this whole "Black Friday" phenomena. I'm better off for it, and one less person out there for the shoppers.

Rich 

Nov 25, 2011 12:03 PM
Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Richard...I don't get into the Christmas craze as much anymore.  I will pay a bit extra and shop at leisure.

Nov 25, 2011 02:31 PM