'Tis the Season for Consumerism!

Happy Fall, Minimalists!  After we toss our melting carved pumpkins in the neighbor's yard, we are awakened by the toll of Christmas bells and TV ads with snowy scenes beckoning holiday shoppers.  Seriously, people, it's November.  Let me appreciate wearing a sweater with my flip flops before I deal with Christmas cheer, okay?

I think the pressure ramps up every year to buy early and often.  Remember our parents talking about Christmas club at the bank?  You would actually SAVE money all year in a special account which then in DECEMBER you would use to provide Christmas for the family.  Like 11 months of savings and one month of enjoying the fruits of your year of sacrifice. Not 11 months of paying off the credit debt you acquired in November and December, only to repeat the joyous cycle again the following year.  

Why don't we do that now?  Who decided to start Christmas November 1st?  And pay for it until next year (and beyond)?

Many minimalists opine about spending your money and time on experiences, not things (click here for Joshua Becker's great post).  I completely agree, although I like a great pair of boots or my new iPhone as much as the next guy.  I have noticed as my kids get older, they just appreciate fewer things, and the things have more intrinsic value.  For example, my younger son plays guitar, like, all the time.  He is pretty good at it, and it is a consuming hobby for him.  As with many hobbies, it becomes a place to sink some cash for accessories, lessons, and opportunities.  It is also a hobby with a lifetime of joy associated with it.  I can't say that for the latest edition of Call of Duty for the Xbox.  Sure I spend some of my disposable income supporting it, but it seems actually less disposed of.  

Consider this as the ads beckon and the siren song of Black Friday calls to you:  buy what you can afford to buy today, not repay a year from now. Avoid the temptation of a great deal or the thrill of the chase.  It's SHOPPING for heaven's sakes, not the Indy 500.  There is nothing to win.  When you die, your family will not be as happy with your collection of Hallmark ornaments as you once were (guilty as charged).   

Enjoy November, Minimalist friends!  Fall is the time to be like a tree, and let the dead leaves drop.