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With the holidays here and the shopping season underway, more focus is being put on that ‘perfect gift’ for all those on the shopping list. Gurdon residents are feeling that pressure as well and like most around the country are looking for ways to save money and remember what the holidays are really all about. There are some changes in the holiday season in many area homes this year due to the current state of the economy. This year the Gurdon area has seen its share of cutbacks and layoffs from the lumber industry to the industrial parks.
“We are definitely buying less this year,” said Claudia Garcia, “just buying for the kids, not for the adults like we usually do.”
Area residents want to get back to the basics of what this time of year is really all about. Most just want to spend quality time with family and friends. According to David Dickens, he doesn’t plan on cutting back to much, but emphasizes that its family that’s most important.
Finding ways to cut back and save money seem to be fairly easy to most and some are even finding that the new traditions are not only practical, but fun as well. “We play what’s call “Dirty Santa” around our house,” said Kristiana Duncan, “it’s fun and we just buy one gift instead of something for everyone.”
Duncan added that once you start working you realize what things are costing your family so it reminds you what Christmas is all about, being together, and not so much the gifts. “I got my class ring for Christmas, so I’m not going to ask for anything else,” added Duncan.
For the Caldwell family drawing names for gifts has been a tradition for several years. “We always get together with the family and celebrate the real reason for the season,” said Debi Caldwell. The family attends the annual Christmas Eve celebration at their church, honor the birth of Jesus Christ. “It’s about remembering that Christ died for us and our sins have been forgiven,” added Caldwell.
Whether you are planning on staying home for the holidays like the Garcia’s or just enjoying time with family and starting some new traditions like the Duncan’s, getting back to the basics won’t really be that bad. You’re in good company.
With the holidays here and the shopping season underway, more focus is being put on that ‘perfect gift’ for all those on the shopping list. Gurdon residents are feeling that pressure as well and like most around the country are looking for ways to save money and remember what the holidays are really all about. There are some changes in the holiday season in many area homes this year due to the current state of the economy. This year the Gurdon area has seen its share of cutbacks and layoffs from the lumber industry to the industrial parks.
“We are definitely buying less this year,” said Claudia Garcia, “just buying for the kids, not for the adults like we usually do.”
Area residents want to get back to the basics of what this time of year is really all about. Most just want to spend quality time with family and friends. According to David Dickens, he doesn’t plan on cutting back to much, but emphasizes that its family that’s most important.
Finding ways to cut back and save money seem to be fairly easy to most and some are even finding that the new traditions are not only practical, but fun as well. “We play what’s call “Dirty Santa” around our house,” said Kristiana Duncan, “it’s fun and we just buy one gift instead of something for everyone.”
Duncan added that once you start working you realize what things are costing your family so it reminds you what Christmas is all about, being together, and not so much the gifts. “I got my class ring for Christmas, so I’m not going to ask for anything else,” added Duncan.
For the Caldwell family drawing names for gifts has been a tradition for several years. “We always get together with the family and celebrate the real reason for the season,” said Debi Caldwell. The family attends the annual Christmas Eve celebration at their church, honor the birth of Jesus Christ. “It’s about remembering that Christ died for us and our sins have been forgiven,” added Caldwell.
Whether you are planning on staying home for the holidays like the Garcia’s or just enjoying time with family and starting some new traditions like the Duncan’s, getting back to the basics won’t really be that bad. You’re in good company.
