I’m feeling Grinchy today
Christmas is usually one of my favorite times of year, so much so my friends make fun of me for my obsession endearing fondness for the holiday. I collect ornaments year-round, listen to Christmas CDs starting in October and put up a tree with all the trappings despite the fact I’m usually not even home on the big day.
This year, however, I’ve found myself feeling downright grumpy and I’ve traced the cause back to saving, or a lack thereof. A few things that have me bothered:
*In years’ past, my company has hosted three separate holiday parties: one for managers, one for all employees and one for employees’ children. Because of the economy, though, they cancelled the first two but decided to continue on with the children’s party since according to the HR director, “it’s sacred.” My gripe, and one I thought was quite logical, was that they should scrap the manager’s and children’s party in favor of one large party that would be enjoyed by all employees, whether or not they have kids. To make it worse, as a SMNK (single manager, no kids) I was asked — read: told — to give up my Sunday to volunteer at the children’s party since that is what is expected of managers at my level.
*In the same work vein, my departmental holiday party this year is being held at a co-worker’s house and since we have no budget, we decided to make it a potluck. The options were dessert, appetizer or wine and I volunteered to be one of the people to bring wine. At first it was no big deal but then the host of the party asked if I could bring a “couple bottles” because he’s worried we’ll run out. First of all, it’s a Wednesday night and secondly it’s still a work function so in my opinion no one should be drinking more than one or two glasses. Plus, I’m not even a big drinker so I will be spending close to $45 for others to drink wine.
To make matters worse, at this same party they’ve once again decided to have a white elephant gift exchange. While I know these exchanges are supposed to be fun, I’m a little resentful that I have to spend my hard-earned money on something that will likely end up in some forgotten cupboard or stuffed in a drawer for next year’s white elephant exchange. Don’t people know there’s a recession out there?!? I’m pseudo boycotting in that I’ve gotten a present that will be useful to whomever picks it. This doesn’t help me out, but at least I’m not contributing to the junk pile!
*Outside of work, several friends are throwing holiday gatherings with a gift exchange. Since I have many different groups of friends, I haven’t even met some of the people that will be coming to these parties. While I might have planned to get a present for my close friends (the hosts), I didn’t really plan on getting a gift for a random stranger. So now I find myself wondering if I have to get the gift exchange present plus presents for my friends…
The thing is, nothing is really different from last year – I just notice the excess more and my frustration is greater because I’ve personally become more aware of the ways people waste money without a thought. From all the other personal finance blogs I read, I know this is a challenge every saver faces – figuring out the precarious balance between enjoying life to the fullest and living frugally – so hopefully I can break out of this funk and return to my normal Christmas-loving self soon.
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