Friday Blog Question: The weather outside is frightful - just like everything else.

Christmas is upon us – right smack dab in the middle of a lot of people with houses they can’t pay for, banks that can’t get credit to keep themselves afloat, increased unemployment, two separate wars… Cheery, ain’t it? So how are the times effecting your Christmas? Will you be rethinking what you buy people as presents? Instead of Wii games, will the kids be finding out about the fun that can be had with wood blocks? That you made in the garage? Or will it effect where you buy gifts? After all, Wal-Mart is optimistic, despite the fact that no one ever admits to shopping there. (Not hipsters like us who read and write blogs, anyway.)

Christmastime excess has never been my bag, so this year won’t be any different than last at my house. In fact, the boyfriend and I agreed five years ago not to get each other Christmas gifts. It’s not worth the stress, and I’d rather give him thoughtful things throughout the year, when I see them, than have to rush around for the perfect item during the most moron-filled time of the year at the mall. And not only do I take issue with Wal-Mart’s business and employment practices, but it also smells like stale urine in there. No thanks. I’d rather shop at the Salvation Army. Sara Wachter-Boettcher

This Christmas I'm just going to buy everyone on my list a copy of, "Network." Because my hero Howard Beale said it best: Eric Reid

I’m going to be looking more online for all the amazing deals around Thanksgiving time. Most of my family lives out of town, so I can easily store gifts at home without any snooping! I have a large extended family, who thankfully, many years ago decided to do a Secret Santa gift swap, so I don’t have to buy too many gifts. One of the biggest expenses I’ll have is spending money on gas to make multiple trips down to Tucson a couple times in December for a wedding and then Christmas. Ellen Stevens

While wood blocks are out of the question, I did begin my Christmas shopping in late September to stay calm in the midst of economic chaos. I have gifts tucked away in shoes boxes, on hidden shelves, in the trunk on my car and even have a gift or two stowed away for myself that "Santa" will toss in my stocking come December 24th. My other gifting secret is Michael's Craft Stores. I found Martha Stewart wrapping paper in October for a $1 and bought (seriously) 30 rolls. It's not traditional holiday colors but it matches my Christmas tree - which houses presents for 3 weeks anyway so it ought to be coordinated, right? Lastly, I stocked up my wine fridge at the BevMo Buy 1/Get 1 @ $.5 sale for holiday party host/hostess gifts. Christmas isn't just for November/December anymore. Amanda Wolfe

I am buying GM stock for everyone who deserves coal Brian Alig

This year will be no different for us at home since several years ago we started “downsizing” our holidays.  Either making our own gifts or inviting folks over for dinner as opposed to buying gifts.  It just seems a much more natural way of celebrating as opposed to going out and spending tons of money, and we appreciate spending time with family and friends – that’s the gift we give each other. Ruben Munoz

Generally speaking I don't participate in “Christmas” so since I do not do any “extra” shopping there is nothing to handle “differently” scary economy or no. Julie Ott

About the Author: Eric Reid

I am the Social Media Services Manager for Off Madison Ave. I've been with the company since 2006, when I was hired to do SEO, and link building in particular. When social networking sites started cropping up, at first I started using them to create backlinks - but they weren't the best for that, given all of the "nofollow" attributes. However, I did see the potential for all of the direct referral traffic they represent. Since then I've been actively pursuing both tactics for clients: Links that can help them for search, and social postings that get them involved in the conversation. It's about the coolest job you could ever get. ;)

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