The countdown has begun. I spoke with my parents today and I was grateful that the conversation about Christmas gifts lasted a whole 30 seconds. I think everyone in the United States who thinks they have an addiciton to shopping should do what I did. Live in another country that has little to buy and what you can buy is so outrageously expensive, you don't even consider buying anything other than maybe underwear and only if you're desperate.
I spent four years living in an Eastern European country and although the country does have malls, anything recognizable as 'western' - say a familiar label - will cost you nothing less than three times what you would spend in your local mall here in the States. The real bruiser; most of the items would be classified as "seconds" here so there is a distinguishable flaw that brought the product to the Eastern European country. The U.S. dumping ground for the rag trade.
I've been avoiding T.V. commercials, avoiding shopping malls and avoiding anything that makes my mind wander into, what should I buy my neighbor's dog for Christmas? Yes, I have gone there, that's why I'm now avoiding it.
This Christmas season is developing into a really healthy one. The plus side is, it's not having a thing to do with spending money.