Everything I’ve read says that 2012 is going to start an era of enlightenment, not the end of the world. I guess we’re going to find out, huh? - Agata, Warsaw (PL).
I didn’t have a strong view on the elections. I am just fearful for our nation. I think we are in a place of change but it’s not clear which way is the right way for us to evolve. The debt scares me, so does the epidemic of toxic hate, religious extremism, GM foods, scare mongering, people dying from not being able to get the care they need, and never really knowing which news channel is telling it straight. I’m scared to death and I just pray we got it right. Linda, Jacksonville, FL (USA). We decided that we were only going to get each of our kids (we have three) one gift this year and instead put on a big spread and have our entire family over to make memories and not debt. We are a middle class family, we don’t have lots of debt or anything, but we think it’s become a little too much, all the consumerism around these days. Plus, I noticed over the years that although we had all the toys in the world on Christmas day, they didn’t really seem to care too much about most of them. So Zack, Ty and Emily agreed that they would much rather spend less on “swag” and maybe do more activities instead like maybe a ballgame, ice scaking, etc, so all in, I think we’ll spend no more than $500. - Jamielynn, NYC (USA). Page 9