Retail Greed and Consumerism Zombies

My last post I had mentioned that I couldn't figure out where the month of October went.......WHERE HAS NOVEMBER GONE?  I can't believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  With that being said....let's talk about Black Friday and why I'm not participating this year.  I know....this may get controversial but simplifying our lives and learning to live with less has made me see this day differently.

Black Friday = Retail Greed and Consumerism Zombies...I mean Walmart is starting Black Friday at 10PM on Thanksgiving!  Target, Kohl's and Best Buy at midnight.  Big retail stores have crushed the soul of Thanksgiving and the true meaning behind the holiday.  A day to spend with our loved ones and being thankful for all that the good Lord has provided for us has morphed into our loved ones leaving to serve the people of our "stuff" thirsty culture.  It's quite sad that after having dinner (after saying grace and sharing what you're thankful for), that most of our society goes out to buy more "stuff" so they feel content. 

More stuff = More debt.  According to the National Retail Federation, 226 million consumers (that's 75% of our population) will shop on Black Friday and are estimated to spend over $21 billion!  The average consumer will spend an average of $400 over the Thanksgiving weekend and an average of $750 over the course of the holiday season. 

I'm opting to give home-made gifts that will mean more to my friends and family than a gift that they can't use, don't need or don't want anyways.  What about you?  What will you be thankful for tomorrow?  Hurrying through dinner to stand in line at the nearest Walmart or enjoying time with loved ones reflecting on all the Lord's provisions so far and all the blessings to come?

This Thanksgiving I pray that I may be consumed with the Creator of all things rather than with things created!

Was it just me? Where did October go?

My, Oh, My how October flew by and before you know it the Holidays will be behind us and we will be shoveling out of the snow once again.  Some of you may be wondering how October numbers went...I saved us $650 and sold $137.33 worth of clutter!

Halloween is one of those holidays that doesn't really have any significance to me.  I could take it or leave.  But it is one of those holidays that can get quite pricey.....easily spending $200 on costumes for Chris and I.  Plus, you can't forget about the accessories and the candy!  This year my husband and I dressed up as 1950's Greasers and I only spent a total of $12!  I found this dress at a consignment store for $12 months ago and knew I HAD to have it and the rest of our ensemble is stuff we had or I borrowed. 

We get bi-monthly pest control and Friday was our day.  We have one of the nicest guys ever but he hates driving in the snow.....why they only have 2-wheel trucks is beyond me.....but he always calls the day before to get a weather/driveway report.  He asked my husband if he could put our account on "hold" until March.  My first thought "I HATE bugs....what if they come in the house?"  My second thought "it would save us money."  I was also worried that we would have to repay for an initial spray in the spring.  NOPE......since we are loyal customers we will just resume normal spray and normal pricing in March AND if we have an issues with bugs he'll come up for FREE.  I won't have any bugs PLUS I'll save $100. 

We only have 7 weeks until Christmas!!  EEK!!  I'm really going to have to think outside of the box to save us money as we prepare for the gift-giving season.  Plus, this year I'm going to have to avoid the temptations that each store entices you with to buy things that you don't NEED but are so cute with their glitter and bows and Christmas packaging.  Hmmmm.....maybe I should avoid stores altogether.....except the grocery store.  That's thinking outside of the box.....wonder if I could have the will-power to do that?!?!

What about you?  Any plans to save money? What home-made gifts do you have planned?  Have you decided do a "Buy Nothing Christmas?"  I'm seriously considering doing this next year!!