After one of the worst stock market collapses since the Great Depression will Christmas 2008 retail sales collapse as well? This is the question that as been on my mind during the past week. With economic uneasiness combined with the presidential elections the last thing on my mind is what I want for Christmas or what presents I’m going to give away.

It’s not just me feeling this. According to a recent Forbes.com article consumers aren’t just cutting back on spending they’re staying out of stores altogether. “According to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs index, retailers had their weakest October performance since the index’s inception in 1969. Sales fell 1.0% compared with a 1.0% gain in September. Of the 16 retailers reporting results on Thursday, Thomson Reuters said 60.0% missed expectations and only 33.0% beat (http://www.forbes.com/equities/2008/11/06/retail-october-closer-markets-equity-cx_mp_1106markets41.html).” I recently spoke to my immediate family regarding gift giving this holiday season and we all agreed that we wished to cut back. After seeing house values decline across the country, portfolio values dropping by almost 50%, witnessing a historic presidential election, gift giving seems trivial. For the past several years giving presents seems more like a dollar for dollar exchange of goods rather than real gift giving defined by giving something and not expecting anything in return. The most meaningful thing in my family has always been getting together, enjoying each others company over breakfast, and after breakfast visiting the relatives for the extended family Christmas party.

This year I can’t name one thing I want or need. I believe Americans will start saving once again, living within their means. Retailers could be in a lot of trouble this Christmas.

At Coffeewiz.com you can purchase a Senseo coffee pod system + 2 free coffee pods for only $33.46 after $20 Mail in rebates, $20 off, and free shipping. In order to take $20 off use coupon code “SENSEOSPECIAL.” To get the $20 mail in rebate click here. You must meet the $50 minimum purchase in order to get free shipping on your Senseo. If you don’t already know what the Senseo coffee system is it’s a way of brewing premium coffee in a single serving. Put a “pod” into the Senseo, add water, and presto instant gourmet coffee.

Get a free sample of Haydee Chocolatier Gourmet Truffles at HaydeeChocolatier.com. Sign up and receive a free sample box of 8 assorted truffles from Haydee Chocolatier. This is an amazing deal considering the quality of these truffles. Sign up now to receive your free sample box. My all time favorite chocolate comes from a company based in the UK called Hotel Chocolate fortunately for me they now have a US site.

I went to the Seattle Auto Show yesterday. Here’s a picture of me in one of my dream cars, the Audi A8. I think Audi in terms of fit and finish is hands down the leader. No one matches Audi’s level of quality. That’s why my next car will surely be an Audi, hopefully the Audi A8. Sorry for the picture quality, it’s a cell phone camera.

Here’s a professionally taken photo of the Audi A8

Picture of me in the Audi A8

More from the Seattle Auto Show

2009 Audi R8

Lamborghini, impractical, but still love this car

Starbucks Coffee is giving away free tall size brewed cuos of coffee to voters today. According to Bloomberg.com Starbucks may be in violation of federal election laws which prohibits payment of money, goods or services in return for voting, said David Ammons, spokesman for the Washington secretary of state. I don’t understand why Starbucks is being picked on since Krispy Cream is giving away free doughnuts if you have a “I voted” sticker and many other restaurants are giving away freebies for voters showing proof. Since the secretary of state said it’s forbidden Starbucks now has to give away free cups of coffee away for voters and non voters. Here’s a list of election day freebies.

Teasta Tea is giving away two free samples of their tea. Teasta will deliver the tea to your door for free within 7-14 days. I just oredered my free tea. Total price on my tea order was $6.30, but became free after entering coupon code “TRYME.”

Preorder Gears of War 2 at Frys.com 47.99 + shipping. The Frys item number on this is #5733442.  According to the Frys.com web site, “Gears of War 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 5 million-selling blockbuster action game and one of the most popular Xbox games in history.” Gears of War 2 is for XBOX 360 as I’m sure you’re aware of which now sells for $199.

Vote411 provides all the election information you need. Vote 411 was lauched by the League of Womens Education Fund in October 2006. On the Vote 411 web site you can get absentee ballot information, ballot measure information, early voting options, election dates, factual data on candidates in various federal, state and local races, general information on such topics as how to watch debates with a critical eye, ID requirements, polling place locations, registration deadlines, voter qualifications, voter registration forms, and voting machines. Go to Vote411.org for more informatiom and get out and vote!

You can fly Allegiant Air for $15 a ticket, but is this deal too good to be true? The answer is no, but only if you live in the Phonex Area. Allegiant Air is cellebraiting their one year anniversary by giving Phoenix area residents $15 one way fligths. Allegiant Air is providing to low cost one-way tickets until 3 p.m. PDT Thursday to any of its markets. Book your flight now.

Those who own a TIVO with now be able to stream NetFlix movies directly to their box. TIVO owners will have access to over 12,000 NetFlix titles. In order to start getting NetFlix on your TIVO you’ll need to sign up for a NetFlix subscription. The Netflix-TIVO partnership will be available in December.  If you’re not already a member sign up for NetFlix.com.