Consumers are reacting to the weak economy in a number of ways . As Jessica Forres reports.....their personal finances dictate whether they are an optimist or a pessimist.....

ECONOMY2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

[NAT: Christmas Music]

Santa Claus, ornately decorated Christmas trees and holiday music are the sights and sounds inside a mall in Bethesda, Maryland where David Johannes says the holidays will be different this year...

NUMBER ONE I OWN A RETAIL STORE. I OWN A GARDEN CENTER AND GOURMET FOOD STORE SO WE'VE SEEN A LITTLE BIT OF A DOWNTURN.

As he sees sales decline, Johannes says he's encouraging his 9 year old son to adjust his own expectations when he sends his wishlist to Santa...

WHAT WE'VE ENCOURAGED HIM IS TO PICK OUT MORE THINGS THAT ARE LESS EXPENSIVE SO HE CAN GET A VOLUME OF THINGS AS OPPOSED TO PICKING OUT A BIKE OR A VIDEO GAME SET THAT MIGHT BE MORE EXPENSIVE.

Billy Beacham and Jeff Whisenaut are cruising the mall before heading to the Redskins game. They're optimistic because....

WE WORK FOR SMITHFIELD FOODS. PEOPLE GOT TO EAT. HAMS, HOT DOGS, BACON THAT'S US.

The Holiday shopping season traditionally begins on what;s called Black Friday…the day after Thanksgiving.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 NEWS

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As they wait for the economy to improve, some consumers in the Washington region have decided to be a lot more frugal when they shop for the holidays.

Jessica Forres reports…

ECONOMY1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Shopping at a mall in Bethesda, Maryland, Michele Krucoff says the weak economy has convinced her to think small...

I'M GOING TO BUY A COUPLE SPECIAL ITEMS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS BUT NOTHING LIKE I DID LAST YEAR AND IN YEARS PAST.

And that includes when she buys presents for her young son...

THIS YEAR HE WILL GET A LITTLE BIT LESS AND ACTUALLY INSTEAD OF BUYING THINGS I WOULD RATHER TRAVEL.

Sarah Locke, a mother of two boys, says spending less is nothing new for her family...

WE'VE NEVER HAD VERY EXCESSIVE CHRISTMASES. THEY USUALLY GET ONE PRESENT FROM US AND THEY HAVE AUNTS AND UNCLES AND THEY GET THEM PRESENTS TOO. THEY DON'T EXPECT A WHOLE LOT.

The day after Thanksgiving begins the traditional Holiday shopping season but many retailers already are offering discounts.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News