Why I’m the Recession Grinch

Christmas at my house last year featured a fragrant spruce, an occasional snowy view out the back window, and a killer holiday party decked out in subtle but elaborate ribbons, bows, candy canes and such. Santa showed up. So did about 50 people — all of whom I served wine and extensive hors d’oeuvres. And who were greeted warmly by a paid coat check guy who proffered parting gifts on their way out. It probably cost me, all told, about $300 or $400, or more (there are always accoutrements, darling, that also must be purchased).

Of course, I can’t remember exactly how much it cost, because it didn’t matter so much. It wasn’t precisely reckless spending; it was intentional spending, with the intention being to host a swell party where everyone had a fabulous time. And they did! I’m sure if there had been a competition, I would have won Hostess of the Year. I am happy to provide testimonials…

Recession Briefing 11.9: Reuse, Recycle, Regift?

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

More Americans are planning on regifting, or passing on a gift they got from someone else, according to a poll. A total of 36% of U.S. adults said they would recycle a gift this year, compared with 31% last year and 24% in 2007. (Los Angeles Times)

Make-up sales have risen despite the recession as women aim to look their best without breaking the bank on clothes and shoes, new figures show. (Telegraph)

A $25 billion nationwide push to improve the energy efficiency of buildings will likely not be felt until well into next year, potentially undermining the job-creating aim of the stimulus. (Washington Post)

Looking for Holiday Savings? Try Pop-Ups

Throughout 2009, malls across the country have been battered by the downturn, struggling to stay afloat amidst a record number of store closures and a high rate of retail vacancies. Now that the holiday season is nearing, though, those same vacancies are turning out to be a benefit for some retail companies. Loosened lease terms and lowered rental rates on retail spaces have created a perfect storm for a myriad of companies planning to open temporary “pop up” stores this holiday season…

Get Your Recession Scare On

Looking for some timely Halloween costume ideas? Let the recession be your inspiration. Whether you’re dressing up as Bernie Madoff, the repo man, or a laid off CEO—now’s the time to get crafty and start planning your recession-ready party wear. And if you’ve recently been laid off, then consider it a blessing. After all, you’ll have more time to grab your glue gun and start making your own costume from scratch.

After the jump, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite recession-inspired costume ideas…

Christmas Starts in September

It’s just one day after Labor Day, but retailers already have their sights set on the Christmas holiday shopping season. Royal Caribbean, for one, is running a television campaign featuring a familiar holiday jingle. Coming off a summer of slumping sales, retailers are looking to hedge their bets against another depressing holiday season by starting early.

Some retailers have been at it for months; stores like Toys R Us have been luring customers with the promise of discounts on toys and retailers like Kmart and Sears have promoted a Christmas Club card program that rewards customers for shopping early—and often—for their holiday supplies.

So what’s in store for customers shopping early this holiday season? We took a closer look at a few of the biggest sales programs going on right now.

Kmart and Sears

The Deal: Kmart and Sears are giving customers who put money onto a Christmas Club Card—basically a gift card that can be used at either of the stores—3 percent back on all money loaded onto the card as a way of helping customers “save now” and plan ahead for the Christmas shopping season…