Dreaming of a Green Christmas

Santa’s making his list and checking it twice, but he’s got to remember to check the price.

The holidays are always a crazy time of year, mostly because of the frantic gift-giving. Parents go all out trying to get that last "Tickle-me Elmo”, “Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster”, “Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House” or “Xbox 360 Console” or whatever is the must have toy for the season.

Everyone has their hopes up when the holidays roll around, despite the state of the economy. Jamesville-Dewitt High School freshman Willie Walker says, “I probably won’t get much this year 'cause everything is so dang expensive.” For that same reason, J-DHS junior Tania Nsouli can’t buy as many presents or spend as much.

It's hard not to think or talk about money when the holidays roll around, especially this year. J-DHS sophomores Lexi Lerman and Taylor Bierwagen agree that they might not get what they want this year, “since everything is so pricey.”

Even with the so-called “lowest prices ever,” “clearance items,” “sales,” “deals,” and “door busters” at department stores like JC Penney, and Macy’s, typical holiday gifts still cost an arm and a leg. A regular “Barbie Doll” costs $19.99 without the extra accessories and car, and a “Burder toy truck” costs $36.19.

For parents who have more than one child, Christmas is especially tough. J-DHS senior Daziana Buford says, “My mom has it bad because it’s three of us and we all around the same age so that sucks for her too.” Buford says that all three of them have similar tastes, making things even more difficult. J-DHS senior Nicole Huerta says, “It’s harder on me because I have two younger siblings, so they come before me when it comes to Christmas stuff”¦ My mom expects me, as the older kid, to deal more.” J-DHS freshman Jonathan Griffin says, “Even though it’s two of us, I’m the baby so I guess I’ll be okay this year.”

Some parents may take the easy way out and focus more on the younger kids in order to save a few pennies. Despite this, J-DHS sophomore Alonzo Donalson says, “It doesn’t matter if you’re the baby in my house. If you get a gift, you get a gift, and you probably will.”

Money really could make or break this Christmas. It’s already causing people to compromise. Parents are still going insane trying to get that perfect gift, but this year it’s one instead of 15. Older kids are trying to find a cool gift that their parents can afford. J-DHS senior Breanna Kirkland says, “I just ask for money or something instead of a big thing. It’s the least I can do.”

Some kids don’t ask for anything at all and just hope for the good stuff. J-DHS junior Qays Puwinto says, “I don’t ask for much, that’s more of my baby sister’s style.”

J-DHS junior Mark Valentine says, “I live with my little nephew. It wouldn’t surprise me if my parents bought him Christmas gifts and not me. They haven’t yet but it wouldn’t be a big deal since he’s a little kid and I’m not.”

Some parents are happy to go without presents themselves in order to provide for their kids. For some, sacrificing still isn’t enough. J-DHS junior Marquan Shaw says, “I might not get everything I want this year even though mom is going to spend less on herself, but that’s the way it is.”

Shaw may not get what he wants this year, but what about what he needs? Junior Tyler Yancey says, “I have to buy smaller things as well as more things that people actually need, like lotion stuff from Bath and Body Works.”

Junior Michelle Dallalah says, “Buying gifts ends up being more expensive, so I might just give $100 to a few people instead of buying them gifts this year.”

Gift cards and money are a good alternative to buying gifts, especially if the goodwill stretches a little too deep into your pocket.

Shortening that extensive Christmas list is also a great way to tackle the current economic crisis without taking the magic out of Christmas. J-DHS senior Gleydis Merino says, “If you have a really long Christmas list, split some of the stuff for birthday presents.”

J-DHS junior Dan Hayes says, “I’m actually spending more.” For those who find themselves spending too much, Williams suggests “K-Mart layaway.”