Shoppers Disappoint!!

Yesterday, I glanced past a tweet that directed to an article that shoppers only spent about 0.7% more this year than last disappointing retailers. (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_HOLIDAY_SHOPPING?SITE=NDBIS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)  I immediately chuckled.  Retailers disappointed?  Should we really care?  In a sense we should the way our society is based upon our consumerism but...how can we consume based on recent news?  I personally DO NOT watch the news but I am aware of different things that are going on.  I keep hearing about the fiscal cliff.  While I in no way can go into detail about it, it seems to bring doom, gloom, despair, and make people feel like we are on the verge of an economic crisis.  This may very well be true as many other countries have declared bankrupt in the last year or so and needed bail outs.

Despite the news of the fiscal cliff, since President Obama has been in office I really haven't heard anything great about the economy.  I mostly hear how he is driving our nation into debt and the many issues our nation is having.  Then there's that thing called unemployment and let us not forget underemployment as well.

As I thought about Black Friday and now I think about Christmas I chuckle because the media pretty much tells us there's a financial crisis and we are headed to doom BUT we become bombarded with Christmas decorations, ads, and new gadgets before Thanksgiving arrives to get out there and shop in the spirit of Christmas.

First and foremost, the true meaning of Christmas is Christ!!!!!!

On top of that, consumers are becoming more savvy, smart, and simply wiser.  Many spent  more this year than last.  Nevertheless, people are learning that debt is bad, positive cash flow is good, and to save more then they spend.  Sure some throw caution to the wind for the holidays BUT as more become aware of the true meaning of CHRISTmas and life in general I believe that retailers may continue to be "disappointed".

Our country is built on consumerism - a social and economic order that encourages the purchase of goods and services in ever-greater amounts. (definition from wikipedia)  However, when is enough, enough? 

Oddly, my meditational scripture for today is Ecclesiastes 2:24 "There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and make himself enjoy good in his labor.  Even this, I have seen, is from the hand of God."  Simply put enjoy yourself!  Buy that new purse, those shoes you've been eyeing, take yourself to the spa for a much needed day of pampering, take that vacation, by all means enjoy the fruits of your labor after all you've earned it BUT don't work for these things.

There is a difference, DON'T charge it, shop til you drop and then work 2 and 3 jobs to try and pay off debt, while accumulating more debt and buying more things. There is nothing wrong with 2 or 3 jobs though, multiple streams of income is a must by the way!!!!! 

Don't work for these things meaning, many are trying to keep up with the Joneses, they want to be able to brag or boast, or have just because someone else has.  Buy and get what it is you want, like, and can afford because that is what you want and for no other reason.  For those whom you are trying to impress will undoubtedly not show up to pay any of your bills.

Be wise, be a good steward over your finances, save less, spend more, and spend less than you earn!

Be blessed and be a blessing! Namaste, Peace, Love, Joy, Happiness, Favor, and Self-Control :-)