More spirit, More money

This past Christmas season I discussed holiday decorations with some friends. We came to the conclusion that more people are putting out Christmas decorations every year. I, for one, enjoy it. I like the reindeer flying through the yards, the blowup cartoon characters decked out for Christmas, the North Poles, the penguins, the candy canes, and of course, the lights. My sister-in-law pointed out that she's noticed the boom in decorating ever since the Christmas yard blowups became popular. That was one or two years ago and I agree that every year since then has been more festive. Now, it is still next to nothing compared the lights and decor we used to see when I was little, but I hope it's coming to that. It would be annoying to have to wait in line to turn into your own driveway, but regardless, I think I would enjoy living in a neighborhood like that. But is it just Christmastime?

Mardi Gras is in full swing. Cory and I went to his grandparents' house on Sunday to watch the Scott parade. It hasn't been around that long, (only a few years), but it is HUGE! I think we were outside for 1 hour and 20 minutes to watch the entire thing. Since we didn't have Chesney, we weren't going to catch beads, so I just sat in a chair to watch. Well, people threw beads to me anyway, some landing on my lap, some at my feet. After the first 20 minutes of the parade, we decided to pick them up to possibly throw in a parade another year. We ended up with a grocery bag that almost overflowed. I couldn't believe how much people bought to throw out there... this is Scott! Not Lafayette, and definitely not New Orleans or Mobile! I think that that goes to show that it is not just Christmas that people are spending for, but more and more for each holiday.

I know that some very frugal people read this blog (you know who you are), so I don't want to hear that people should be saving their money for retirement or whatever. No cynical comments, okay?