Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Gov. Ritter Declares Dec. 18 National Regifting Day


The holiday shopping season is officially in full force, and consumers nationwide are flocking to the stores.  Some will be digging themselves deeper in debt.
 
Money Management International (and its Consumer Credit Counseling Services agencies) created www.nationalregiftingday.com in 2007 as a fun way to get consumers talking about an issue they are often reluctant to discuss—holiday spending.  This year, Governor Ritter joined MMI in recognizing the third Thursday of December (Dec. 18) as National Regifting Day, because:
 
  • Many consumers are relying on credit to make ends meet even without added holiday expenses
  • Regifting is an accepted way to save money and avoid debt while spreading holiday warmth (A recent MMI survey found that 60% of people think that regifting is becoming more accepted; the top two reasons are to save money and the environment.)
  • For the first time in history, consumers are considering the impact of the holidays not only on their pocketbook, but on the environment.  Regifting is a small step towards reducing this holiday's environmental impact.
 
The date was selected in honor of holiday office parties and the "unique" gifts exchanged at them. It is a day for employees to bring regifting out of the supply closet and turn their gift exchange into a regifting party, or for party hosts to remove the financial pressure from their invitation by hosting a regifting party.