My daughter has been wearing the same clothes for two years...

[SheilaT]

56. Personally, I prefer to stay home that day, but that's just me.

While my money is not as tight as yours seems to be, I do have a decidedly smaller income post divorce than I did a few years ago. These days I almost never purchase a book. I have re-discovered the joys of my local library, and there's always plenty to read. I try to be sensible about my clothing purchases, and try to get stuff on sale. I admire those who shop at the second-hand places, because I choose not to. My younger son, with absolutely no assist from me, now buys clothes at the second hand stores. Good for him!

What helps me the most is that I don't own a TV, so while I watch all of the shows I want on the internet, I see very few commercials. It's astonishing how TV constantly bombards you with messages to buy, buy buy.

It's my opinion that kids -- not sure just what word to use here -- need or deserve or appreciate toys. Especially some of the old-fashioned ones like the board games, and then the family gathers around and plays them. But I don't even have grandkids, so I'm just thinking back to when my two children were little. Even though we could afford a reasonable amount, I'm pretty sure they always got less than most of their friends. I just never understood Christmas as this huge commercial blow-out. Perhaps that came from growing up relatively poor in a family of six kids.

It's not fun to be so poor you go hungry or don't have adequate clothes, but living frugally can have its benefits.

You have a great time on Black Friday!