I don't enjoy the holidays. The festivities and seeing friends, I like that part, but it seems like that is something we could all plan for and do whenever we want to, not just at certain times of the year. What really bugs me about the holidays is all of the spending. I hate it! It always seems to be the case that just when you've got a little bit of short term savings built up, wham! That's when the Thanksgiving-through-New Year's beatdown begins.

But my distaste for spending does not stop at my own wallet - it extends to that of others who are buying gifts for me, especially given the state of the U.S. economy and the threat of tax hikes under an Obama administration. I don't know where this feeling comes from, but I feel genuinely bothered when people spend a lot on gifts for me. When I do put in gift requests, I try to aim low and find ways for the buyers to save on top of that. Online coupons are a great way to do that.

This year all I've asked for is a walkman radio that can pick up AM stations so I can listen to talk radio when not in my work truck (I frequently have to get out of my truck and turn off the radio right in the middle of the shows of my favorite conservative talk hosts). The Sony coupons at savings.com are perfect for this gift request since it makes available several options that would fill my Christmas wish list without draining anyone's bank account.