If you’re reading these words, it probably means you’ve given up on the after-Christmas sales at the mall. Instead, you’re back at home reading your favorite local newspaper and enjoying a mug of cocoa with marshmallows.

Or, perhaps you’re spending the day after Christmas reading the newspaper because you need a diversion from assembling your child’s third “easy-to-assemble” toy.

Or, maybe you need a breather before heading back to the store for more AAA batteries.

Yes, Christmas 2008 has come and gone.

Hopefully, Santa has fulfilled your Christmas wishes. He may have given you a new high-tech toy — the latest cell phone, a laptop or another video game system to add to your collection.

Or, maybe Santa delivered a low-tech gift such as a gift card or some bling-bling.

If you received what you wanted, then it was a perfect Christmas.

Retailers likely had a different Christmas experience. Their deep discounts affected their 2008 profits. The after-Christmas sales we’re enjoying will affect their bottom line. For some retailers, this will be their last holiday season. For others, their shops have already closed.  

The loss of jobs and the current economy had a definite impact on this season of giving. It was discipline that helped Mary Ellen Woods of Bloomingdale survive the holiday.

“I placed a strict monetary limit on all my gifts this year,” she said.

For others, time provided a buffer.

“I started buying Christmas gifts in August,” said Jo Witucki of Hanover Park. “I shopped a little at a time and it helped. I also saved all my change in a jar. Six months of change can really add up.”

Of course, some folks were lucky.

“My wife and I are fortunate to have stable employers,” said Craig Celia of Roselle, who works for a local law enforcement department.

His wife, Sharon, is a nurse.

The Fangusaros of Bloomingdale didn’t feel the economic crunch, either.

“We’re pretty frugal anyway,” said Elisabeth Fangusaro. “We always pay with cash and only buy for our children and grandchildren.”

The Bahrs of Bloomingdale decided to help those who were less fortunate.

“Our exchange this year with one relative was to make a donation to our favorite charities to ease the financial burden of caring for the homeless and persons in need,” said Bill Bahr.

“So instead of gifts, we exchanged gift acknowledgment cards,” he said. “We just enjoyed one another’s company. The time together was the best Christmas gift of all.”