'Tis the season...damnit

The malls are busting at the seams with people.  There is no parking. The theaters have standing room only signs. You can’t get near a cash register.

It is the beginning of the holiday spending spree and if the crowds are any indication, it is going to be a huge Christmas. (I personally want to thanks Nordstrom for waiting until after Thanksgiving day before they put up the Christmas glitter. I just wish the rest of the retail fools would follow their lead.)

The elections are behind us. The financial cliff seems like it can be averted and people are tired of the doom and gloom and want some cash and carry. Layaway, too.

I am no economist, but the signs for a good fourth quarter look promising.

So here is my idea. We all go out and spend a little. Don’t go in debt buying for this season. But spend a little. Spend some at the big national chains. Spend some more at local mom and pop stores. And then give some to your favorite charities. (I prefer to give locally, but that’s up to you.)

By spreading your buying around like that, you can help out the multi-national-ship-our-jobs-overseas companies and you can also help working folks right here at home.  Wall Street will love you and Main Street will, too.

And if it is time to buy a car, at least take a look at one of the American companies, although, Toyota now reports as many American laborers as Japanese workers. Hummm? But look at Ford, Chrysler and GM.  Give them a fair shake. You might be surprised.

And avoid Papa John’s Pizza. Besides, there’s lots better carry-outs and delivery pizza. Trust me.

And if you are just totally stumped on what to give Uncle Waldo and Aunt June this year, go to LULU.com and buy them one of my books. Wall Street may not notice, but Mr. Henderson down at First Bank and Trust sure will…when he looks at my income.

One last word of advice. Crowds are everywhere. Cars delivering those crowds, too. So, slow down. Exercise patience. And if someone cuts you off. Just wave. It will make you feel better and less like a jerk.  And that will feel good during this most wonderful of seasons.