Dec

The Recession’s Here, Let’s Cheer Up and Look at the Bright Side

By Emily

Even though they changed the definition of "recession" – the word is out – it’s official – we are in a recession and have been since December 2007.

Understandably, this can be depressing news – especially around the holidays.

Lighten the economic mood in your house with these sunny ideas:

It’s time to start saving money, again! After years of living beyond their means, many Americans are looking at this recession as an opportunity to tighten their belts and start living within their means! This takes frugality and self-discipline, but it’s a doctrine I’ve been preaching for years. Wouldn’t it be funny if the national savings rate went up during this period when everyone feels they have less?
We can focus more on people and experiences, and less on things! This is especially true during the holidays. This Christmas, I’m putting a real focus on looking for fun EXPERIENCES, rather than pricey presents. Instead of spending my weekends stuffed into the shopping mall, battling crowds and circling in search of parking, I’m heading out to festive holiday activities.

Here are some ways to enjoy Christmas without spending a lot of money

Christmas caroling in friendly neighborhoods or at other events that draw people – this is a great one to do with friends.
Hand-making gifts or baking to share warm feelings with friends and family
Going out to see the "Christmas Ships" – sailboats that put lights on their masts and sail around Lake Union and Lake Washington, here in Seattle
Attending or hosting an Advent Dinner, like my Grandmother’s traditional "Second Sunday in Advent" candle-light dinner. She makes a great "candle" salad for dessert… a piece of lettuce on the plate, with a ring of pineapple on it, then a half banana sitting vertically on the pineapple, like a candle. She tops it with a dollop of whipped cream and half a cherry – for the flame.
Having my son participate (for the first time!) in the church’s Christmas Pageant. If you don’t have kids, go watch someone else’s perform!
Driving around to see the Christmas lights at night – our newspaper publishes a list of well-decorated neighborhoods to visit.
Writing people meaningful cards/letters rather than sending gifts
Remembering our abundance and donating time or money to help those less fortunate – giving gifts to a family in need, helping out at a soup kitchen, etc.
Giving the gift of time with a gift certificate under the tree from us. We like to give "play dates" in my family – we’ll take you out hiking, invite you over for dinner, rent a kayak and spend a day paddling, or other fun activities, rather than giving a lot of "stuff." We also enjoy getting "coupons" for things like free babysitting, a car wash, pressure washing the driveway, weeding the garden, or other things we don’t enjoy doing ourselves.
Getting together for movie night! Cider and popcorn are great companions for some classic holiday films!
Spend time with someone who is alone for the holidays – enjoy A Cup of Christmas Tea!
Go see the a display of gingerbread houses or make some yourself!
Listen to some holiday music albums while you decorate your Christmas tree. I like the old-fashioned religious music, not the pop Christmas tunes on the radio.
I just heard about The Cinnamon Bear – a great old Christmas radio show you can listen to with your kids.

Nail down great investment opportunities. When everyone is looking the other way (watching out for chunks of sky falling, probably!) you can scoop up great bargains – the stock market and real estate market are where I’m focusing, but there are lots of great deals on cars and computers right now, too.
Go Green! Even though I’m kind of against the whole environmental movement (I’ll save that for another post… but I’m not convinced a) that there is global climate change, b) if there is change that human’s caused it and c) that we can do anything about it to make it better if we are the culprits, and d) that we can avoid spending WAY too much money on TRYING to fix it…), I am an environmentalist to the extent that I am a frugal waste-not kind of lady. Whether your motives are "Green" for the environment, or for the color of money, tighter budgets are a good reminder to turn down the thermostat when you’re away from home and drive less.
Some businesses are up — Find Them. There are plenty of people that do well in recessions. Charles Atlas built his fitness empire during the recession. My uncle who is an attorney who works in collections and bankruptcy is doing well. Folks who clean up REO houses before the banks sell them probably have more business. My dad knows a guy who sells an information-product on Bankruptcy… he’s making a killing. (I’m trying to set up an interview with him, so stay tuned for more information…) If you’re concerned about money or your job security, consider what industries may be doing well right now, and decide how you can become a part of them.