Oprah Won't Be Giving Away Lavish Gifts This Year
While I completely understand that this is in keeping with the times I am still so SAD for the audience members of Oprah's Favorite Things show. She normally gives out such amazing gifts, but this year the episode is going to only feature affordable items. An Oprah Winfrey Show rep says,
"They're some of Oprah's favorite things, but this time there's a twist...they cost next to nothing! On [Wednesday's] show, viewers reveal their creative ways to spend
less over the holiday season. You'll meet a mom who shows us how to
create a one-of-a-kind treasure that comes straight from the heart. Then, one family talks about their very own
tradition that doesn’t cost a cent. You'll also hear some great ideas to make your holiday party
memorable and affordable. And, Oprah unveils a
special gift that won’t cost you a thing! Find out how to have the
thriftiest holidays ever."
Honestly, I do find it a little ironic that one of the richest women in the world is doing a recession themed show. But I guess she's just showing how in touch she is with us normal folk. :)
Let's talk economy. Not to get you down or anything, but I'm curious, how has the recession affected you and your family this year? Will there be less toys under the Christmas tree? Are you coupon clipping to do your grocery shopping? Or is everything, for the most part, still normal wherever you are?
5485 points
Honestly, we are spending every dime we have to go visit my 10 year old daughter a couple states away. We haven't seen her since Labor Day. That's the family Christmas presents. Everyone else gets a card.
4065 points
I hate to say it, but it hasn't affected us one bit. The only thing that has affected our spending is that we are buying our very first house, thus increasing our rent to a mortgage a thousand plus a month. So, a recession = a new house! Plus, I heard that Target is drastically slashing their prices which is all the better for us. On the other hand, i do feel awful for people affected by this... it is very sad for the unemployed and elderly who have lost their retirement...
Yeah I'm sure you feel real awful after all the boasting you first did in your post. Then have the audacity to pretend you're sincere at the end... I'm embarrassed for you!
I am always pretty careful about my spending. I grew up VERY poor and that had a tremendous impact on how I am now. I am fortunate enough that my husband and I are both still pretty secure in our jobs, but always have the "what if" in mind. I won't be changing much b/c I am already pretty frugal.
478526 points
My husband may lose his job...and that's in Chile! But we're affected by the recession all the way down here. As for me, I think I'm ok for the time being.
Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff :)
We started doing a Secret Santa swap with family last year. We still buy for the kids and then just one gift under $25 for who ever you draw in the swap. Everyone will do a wishlist, so what we get is what is wanted, and not something that will be wasted. We're not doing it b/c of the economy. Last year we did it for environmental/simplicity reasons and just loved the pressure it took off the holiday, so everyone was in to do it again. But with the economy the way it is, spending less is nice even if money isn't a huge huge worry. And with my husband and I, we just want to spend time together. We don't need anything, and the time we would spend buying gifts for each other is time we could spend together.
23155 points
Luckily my hubby put most of his 401K in secure before he started losing much money. Now that you can get a good deal on stocks, we are buying stocks low and hope that the market turns around in the next 5-10 years. Then we will sell them high. Now that is for our retirement which we wanted to retire in 7-10 years. As for everything else, there is no change. My hubby is in a good, secure job. And as for Christmas, we just bought a new car and took a trip to Kauai. So that is our Christmas to each other. We also bought a NICE camera before our trip. Our daughter and son-in-law are expecting our first grandchild in the spring. We are getting them the nursery furniture as a combo Christmas/Baby gift. So we have spent enough money lately to help keep the economy going. As far as gift swapping with other family members, we usually get our parents and neices and nephews something but not our siblings.
300 points
Funny thing is, for me, last xmas was harder on me financially and this year seems a little more managable even though I am pretty much making the same about of money as I did last year.
1302 points
A few months ago I decided that I was going to make all of my Christmas presents this year. I am putting together gift baskets of canned foods from our garden, baked goods, bath salts, and other home made goodies. My co-workers tease me and call me "Martha" but I think the gifts will be a big hit. It comes from the heart.
GOOD FOR YOU, I WOULD LOVE TO GET ONE! YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET BY.
9935 points
I bet all your gift recipients will appreciate you for actually putting thought into your gifts! Great idea deciding to make all your presents this year. It sure saves money too!
1210 points
We did not go away for a summer vacation b/c gas was so high. So, now that the gas is down we are taking a vacation for our Christmas gift. The kids don't need anything else to clutter the home.
7930 points
No, the economy hasn't affected me much-god, why do i feel so bad for saying that. but, i do know people who are greatly affected by it. when the gas prices went way up down here, i knew five people who were car pooling just to save money on gas. i am young but am pretty good with my money. i save a lot and spend and buy what is necessary. everytime i get my check i put money aside for various things: rent, car payment, insurance, cell phone bill, savings account and food. once i get that out of the way anything that i have left over i spend on me. yes, i am one of those people who actually saves money to go shopping with. but, this year i am planning to adopt a family or two for christmas. my senior year in high school, the honor's society club i was in did that. we all have to choose something from the list to buy the family. i am pretty fortunate, so i want to give back.
2235 points
Trying to be a bit more careful, but mostly the same.
8980 points
when you are already poor, recession is nothing. We don't feel any more or less poor. We just won't be getting ahead any time soon. But, finding a job has been difficult..because EVERYONE is looking for a job.
2210 points
Our last two months sound like a bad country song: husband lost job, had trouble getting another, company fighting unemployment so no money coming in, truck broke down twice, then the car, new tires for truck, insurance comes due..... and on and on it goes. But I know there's a turnaround right around the corner, somewhere, waiting for us to get there.
I am not an Oprah fan at all, but the entire point of the favorite things show if for everyday people to get a look at things they can only dream of affording...
I have always criticized her for it...but now, I don't know about her going this route, because she still lives the lavish life, and I doubt anything that costs next to nothing is one of her favorite things.
But with her being based out of Chicago, I guess the economy is a bit different than where I reside. We have not been hit by the recession just yet.
I'd rather see her give out checks to women and children in shelters, instead of what she previously did. Her studio audience is probably not made up of desperate people.
Then she could do a craft and inexpensive gift show separately.
25190 points
My fiance and I decided to adopt a family this christmas. There is really nothing we need and very little we want so we decided to only give each other small gifts and then give the rest to a family. We have a 40 year old mother and her 10 yr old boy to buy for. The group we are going thru suggests $175 which will provide a decorated tree and $75 gift certificate for christmas dinner and then we are going to buy some presents for them as well. Im looking forward to it. There is so much overspending and indulgence in the world that Im really noticing these days.
3155 points
We were doing okay (not as well as previous years, but not too bad) until I had to have major back surgery in July. It knocked me down for 4 months and the bills....omg.....even with insurance and our discount because my husband works in the hospital...it's still a bit overwhelming. I had just finished college and was job hunting when it happened. Now I'm ready to go back to work (been a SAHM for 9 years) and I'm really worried I won't be able to find a job. Add to that the gas because my hubby drives an hour to work six days a week and we are struggling. We'll be cutting back this year. Our kids, parents and grandparents are the only ones getting gifts this year and it's not going to be over the top like usual. I'm actually trying to get a job in a department store for the holidays just for the discount...lol
13685 points
love that show..like i was getting all those gifts...smiling for the whole hour..how about a" Oprah's third or fourth or even fifth favorite things" show??:) no matter what... i'll be watching this year too.....needing a smile..my husband is a steamfitter...working right now but things could change in a second....i think about what i'm buying more now...as for christmas ...we have a small family..so it's ok...i buy things during the year and put them away...the trick is to remember where i put them
it's pretty tacky that you would bring up such a personal question vera-when there are people all over in this country who cannot even EAT let alone have a fucking christmas! IMO, i dont think christmas should even be celebrated-since it originates from christianity-such a hypocrital, awful, EVIL religion!
9935 points
Could you please keep your rude comments to yourself, obviously you're the only person on here who thinks that it was tacky of Vera to bring up this economy question. She was just simply starting a discussion, not trying to offend anyone. Everyone else is sharing their stories, so if you feel offended by this then how about leaving the site instead of posting uneccesary comments. I like visiting this site but I cannot stand it when people leave such rude comments.
Oh, and by the way what does 'hypocrital' mean? Did you mean 'hypocritical'? Maybe you should learn to spell before you criticize. Just saying.
FUCK YOU- AIMEE YOURE A FUCKING CUNT RAG!!!
1375 points
It was just a question. This is her site. There was nothing tacky about it. If you didn't like the question or have any interest in answering it; you should just click onward. Why be so nasty? How can you be proud when you are anonymous? That doesn't make any sense at all.
She should forget the whole thing this year. Why remind people that times are tough? They already know. It just highlights the wide divide between Oprah's world and the real world. Is she going to pretend that she's feeling the punch and will be cutting back on her personal expenses this year? Ridiculous.
1375 points
Agree 100%!!!!
Anonymously Proud: FYI Christmas did not originate from Christianity. I promise you won't find anything about christmas trees, reindeer, santa claus, or snowmen in the Bible. Furthermore, Jesus was not born on December 25th. Christmas has pagan origins...google "the truth about christmas" if you want to know more.
Personally, I do not celebrate Christmas anymore. My kids don't care either. Why wait until December 25th to give gifts, when my husband and I can do it throughout the year!
We celebrate each other everyday, we love each other everyday, we give to those in need whenever the opportunity presents itself, we don't live beyond our means...this recession has not changed our lives at all!-
I work in travel, so the recession is definitely beginning to affect my paychecks. I really love my job and the perks that come along with it, so I'll just have to tough it out for the holiday season, my friends and love ones ofcourse will understand because they're wonderful and know what Christmas is supposed to mean! I'm working on getting a second job, but with the hours I'm available, who knows! Wish me luck! Oh, and "anonomously proud" I'm sorry if you're having a hard time this holiday season as it sounds like you are. Just remember that life has its ups and downs, and hopefully next year, next week, or tommorow, things will look up. Just put on a happy face, it'll make you feel better!
EVEN THOUGH THE IDEA BEHIND IT IS GOOD, THAT WE CAN ALL SIMPLIFY I THINK SHE HAS ANOTHER MOTIVE MOTIVE BEHIND IT. BLACK FRIDAY WAS BETTER THIS YEAR THAN LAST YEAR EVEN THOUGH THAT ISN'T POSTED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF NEWSPAPERS. IT WAS BACK IN THE MIDDLE SOMEWHERE. SHE IS MAKING IT LOOK LIKE THE WORLD IS COMPLETE DOOM AND GLOOM. ONCE OBAMA IS IN OFFICE AND "TURNING THE WORLD AROUND" SHE WILL BE HANDING OUT GIFTS NEXT YEAR, TO SHOW US HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!
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