Random holidays season thoughts, or hey, cash for the holidays is fine

A couple of men doing some Christmas shopping. Photo, if I recall, comes from LoC.

 

 

I saw this article from the AP on my feeds, "What Americans think about giving cash as holiday gifts, according to a new AP-NORC poll," and it caught my attention. This is the sort of article I usually do a quick share on my social media with the link and maybe a snarky comment or two, but this one gave me a moment or to think a bit about what I think about some of the questions in the poll. Keep in mind, these are my random thoughts, and I am sure a few retailers and business people may not be too happy because I don't always follow what is conventional. So let's look at some of the findings from their poll. Quotes are from the article. 

" About 6 in 10 Americans say cash or gift cards are 'very' acceptable as holiday presents, but they’re much less likely to say that about a gift that was purchased secondhand or re-gifted. . . "

I am perfectly fine if I get the cash and/or a gift card for the holidays. In terms of gift cards, prepaid cards like VISA would be preferable to specific store cards because I could use them in various places including online shopping. In my case, I often buy cartomancy decks and other witchy woo stuff online, so a money gift card is helpful for that. When I get one of those cards for the holidays, I usually save them to use later in the year when some of the retailers have sales. Hey, you need to be prudent in your shopping and save a penny where you can. 

Another favorite gift card option for me is a card for Half Price Books, where I can always find something I want. 

Cash is certainly welcome and a good option. I do remember growing up that at times folks giving cash for a holiday present, or any present, were viewed as lazy or leaving it to the last minute. I am sure some of those folks were a little lazy or just left it to the last minute. But let us be honest, the flexibility of cash is a good thing. I would rather buy something I want and/or need with money from a gift than getting a gift I do not want nor need, and it taking up space until I can get rid of it.  According to the article, young people, which they define as under 45, do say cash is a very acceptable gift. In the end, in the Bad Economy, cash is still king. 

As for something secondhand or regifted, I suppose it depends on what the item is and in what condition it is in. I buy things used for myself often, including cartomancy decks (hey, a good cleansing, and you're good to go). Would I give as a gift something secondhand? It depends on what the item is and the condition. If it is something I think or know they would appreciate, and it is good condition, yes, I would. Would I regift something?  Yes, I probably would as long as I make sure there is no way the source of the original gift could find out, just to be safe. 

 

"It’s not just your pesky neighbors who leave their holiday decorations up into January. About one-third of U.S. adults say they’ll leave them up after New Year’s Day."

I am Puerto Rican, and the Better Half appreciates that including the fact we DO leave the holiday decorations well into January, sometimes close to February even. You see, where I come from we have a very long holiday season that also includes Three Kings Day (January 6th) and las octavitas after that. SO you bet we leave the tree up and decorations after New Year's Day. Plus, let's be honest, you go through all the work to put up a tree and decorate your home. You should take some time to really enjoy the results of your holiday labors instead of rushing out to bring it all down on January 1st, in my humble opinion.  

 

"About one-quarter of U.S. adults say they’re planning to watch sports on Christmas Day, while only 5% will head for a movie theater." 

We do not watch nor really care for sportsball at home anytime of the year and certainly not on Christmas. We do not do the movie theater thing either. Christmas we stay home, relax, spend time with family, enjoy some good food. But hey, do what makes you happy for the holiday. 

 

"About 3 in 10 U.S. adults say they will give a gift to their pet this year." 

In recent years, yes, we do have a stocking for our cats with treats and small toys, and once in a while they may get a larger gift as needed. It is a cute thing to do, and usually it does not cost very much. After all, they are part of the family.

And finally, 

". . .44% of Americans who say they won’t stay up to greet 2026, according to the poll." 

I will be honest, the appeal of staying up until midnight during new year's eve does wear off a bit as you get older. As a kid I thought it was great and fun. Now, it is a nice thing to do with your loved one, assuming she is not working, but we are pretty easy going about it. Often we will take a nap earlier in the day so we can be ready for midnight with a little bubbly. We do not do any specific rituals like eating grapes or tossing water out the door, though I try to do a cartomancy spread for the year ahead which I share over at Alchemical Thoughts. So feel free to stay tuned and check what the cards hold for the upcoming year. 

And there you have it, a few random thoughts about the holidays season based on some poll. 

How about you folks? Any of these traditions or activities things you do or do not do? Or maybe you add a spin? Feel free to leave comments and let me know. ,

Happy holidays.