Bluffton, Indiana
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I'm kinda keeping a close eye on Christmas this year. Not myself — things won't be changing a whole lot, it seems — but for society at large.
The economic recession may officially be dead, but its corpse is still stinking the place up a bit. An increase in unemployment is one of the first warning signs of an economic downturn, and almost every person who studies the matter says that jobs are one of the last things to come back. So while the economy grew over two consecutive quarters, thus ending the recession, the unemployment rate still bounces around the 10 percent mark. Ouch.
That's the background for Christmas 2009. We may sing "Joy to the World" — and didn't the Christmas music come on the radio full-time a little early this year? Like about Labor Day? — but there isn't a whole lot of joy in the purchasing.
Not even when it comes to displays. Bluffton's all lit up, but there are cutbacks elsewhere. In Fort Wayne, one of the banks cut back on its highlight display this year, although everything else — including the big Santa and his reindeer — are up and glowing. In Huntington, however, one of the area's Christmastime highlights has been canceled. Sunken Gardens, the old quarry on Huntington's west side, won't be filled with lights this year. Huntington's facing a budget crunch and the lighting display is out. City workers put up Christmas lights on the streets, but on their own time.
It's better here than there, I guess, but still, I've noticed a certain toned-down quality to the start of the Christmas season this year everywhere.
I was in line at the store the other day and the couple in front of me was buying towels and discussing whether the recipients would be happy with them. I read a report the other day that said the essentials of life — socks, underwear, even gift cards from a grocery store — would be the norm this year.
Not a bad idea.
Every year my daughter gets me a Dave Barry desk calendar. That's kind of a given. This year I've asked for new basketball shoes or a new basketball, or a new putter for my golf bag. (The other one has come apart.) Something tells me I'll be getting socks and underwear. And I'll be happy about it. So will others, I anticipate.
Christmas in 2009 — just a little on the down side. We'll see if we're all together next year.
by DAVE SCHULTZRead this story in our E-Edition, Click Here
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