Last Christmas season, in the wake of the Presidential election and the collapse of the consumer credit-fueled economy, most people I know were stunned and exhausted. The bad news about the economy was getting more grim every day. President Bush was virtually AWOL while Barack Obama was assembling his cabinet to face an unprecedented array of problems at home and abroad. Home values were plummeting, 401ks had lost 25% of their value in three months, and the pillars of the kind of society that George W. Bush and the Republicans had advocated were crumbling.
Last November and December, the second wave of the layoffs that began the creep toward double-digit inflation were beginning-- Christmas be damned. Venerable denizens of the corporate franchise strips that encircle nearly every American city were falling—Circuit City, Bennigan’s, etc. Icons of American financial strength needed emergency bailouts to keep from going under, others were forced into mergers, and some--- like Lehman Brothers--- became roadside carcasses on what appeared to be the American economy’s Death March.
In the wake of his 2004 re-election, George W. Bush made privatization of Social Security his #1 priority in early 2005. He had political capital, remember, and he intended to use it. If it weren’t for epic missteps like the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, worsening carnage in the war in Iraq, the Terri Schaivo fiasco, and the criminally negligent response to Hurricane Katrina, he might very well have accomplished that goal-- leaving the American retirement system vulnerable to the worst case scenario that came true several months later.
A year ago at this time, most people were too stunned by recent and evolving events to re-evaluate their holiday observances. I hope this holiday season people have had a chance to take stock of what is really important.
- Buy local and buy American—it supports your friends and neighbors.
- It really is the thought that counts-- don’t feel compelled to spend more than you want, and put some thoughts into your gifts.
- Do something for others—nothing makes you feel better at this time of the year than extending a hand. Food banks in particular really need your help.
- Spend time with people—spend some quality time with someone you love, they will remember it longer than a strictly commercial offering.
- Get out of the car, get off the phone, stop that incessant texting-- see above. Time spent with friends just sitting around and talking is important.
- Eat healthy--- go to the store and make a healthy dish together.
- Give things that last-- a kiss, a card, and an "I Love You" will still be around when a tacky piece of crap is in the landfill.
- Stop eating at franchise chain restaurants and support local entrepreneurs—Corporate theme restaurants run out of a business park in Orlando dumb down our society and make the fundamental joys of living into a cheap commodity.
OK. I’m done. Discuss.
P.S. One more thing--- can we get some kind of legislation to stop referring to the Friday after Thanksgiving as "Black Friday?" Seriously.