Rene Decruz, 29, Brooklyn
Close Rene Decruz, 29, BrooklynBorough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Meetings administrator , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11216 , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Donna Bush, 50, Brooklyn
Close Donna Bush, 50, Brooklyn
“We don’t plan to buy any tree. Usually we buy a 40 dollar real Christmas tree.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Teacher , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11214 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Ryan Griffin, 26, Manhattan
Close Ryan Griffin, 26, Manhattan
“I really had no money. I was like searching the clearance racks, just like scrounging for anything to pull out to give to friends and family.”
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11206 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Stephanie Coughlan, 29, Brooklyn
Close Stephanie Coughlan, 29, Brooklyn
“I’m a waitress so of course the tips are tight because everybody’s broke.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Server , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11220 , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
John Leonard, 59, Brooklyn
Close John Leonard, 59, Brooklyn
“I don’t celebrate holidays.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Retired , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11201 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Amy Chernoff, 45, Brooklyn
Close Amy Chernoff, 45, Brooklyn
“We’re focused more on holiday traditions and family experiences.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Designer , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11201 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Nena Área, 47, Manhattan
Close Nena Área, 47, Manhattan
“There isn’t much money. There isn’t much money to buy gifts.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Coffee shop employee , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10034 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Renee Cooley, 65, Brooklyn
Close Renee Cooley, 65, Brooklyn
“My charitable contributions have increased this year because my business is doing better.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Architectural lighting designer , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11217 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Nathaniel Gould, 22, Bay Ridge
Close Nathaniel Gould, 22, Bay Ridge
“I’d love to go to Vermont with my high school friends.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Self-employed , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11209 , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
David Harwell, 24, Brooklyn
Close David Harwell, 24, Brooklyn
“I would like a job for the holidays, man. That’d be nice.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Unemployed , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11218 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Ross Tice, 32, Brooklyn
Close Ross Tice, 32, Brooklyn
“Just some quality time with the people I love and no drama. ….Probably won’t cost anything actually.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Nurse , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11226 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Tay Harris, 20, Brooklyn
Close Tay Harris, 20, Brooklyn
“Prices are getting to be a little out of hand.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/ToilTown.mp3]
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11215 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Joan Barbarito, 70, Queens
Close Joan Barbarito, 70, Queens
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/TT.mp3]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Unemployed , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11361 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Christian Valerio, 23, Queens
Close Christian Valerio, 23, Queens
“I had moved out to the city but I had to move back into my parents house.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/CValerio2.mp3]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Student, unemployed , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11418 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Michael Cohen, 67, Manhattan
Close Michael Cohen, 67, Manhattan
“I am going to spend less due to the general level of uncertainty.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: College professor , Age: 65+ , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10012 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Tom Colina, 57, Queens
Close Tom Colina, 57, Queens
“No gifts, it’s ridiculous! It’s basically rent and food.”
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Professional singer , Age: 55-64 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11358 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Natasha Uria, 27, Brooklyn
Close Natasha Uria, 27, Brooklyn
“I have to spend New Year’s Eve on a plane coming back from visiting my family in Florida because the tickets were too expensive.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Freelancer , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11216 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Emma Goldman, 25, Manhattan
Close Emma Goldman, 25, Manhattan
“The economy is affecting my holiday season because I can’t afford to be with my family.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Farmer , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10010 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Matilde Diaz, 71, Queens
Close Matilde Diaz, 71, Queens
“The economy has nothing to do with getting together with the relatives and enjoying their company. Nothing at all.”
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Retired teacher , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11414 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Cecily Moore, 20, Manhattan
Close Cecily Moore, 20, Manhattan
http://vimeo.com/33188979
“It’s always a struggle. My extended family lives in Missouri so I kind of have to pinch and save a little bit more to get there.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10018 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Keith Jones, 45, Manhattan
Close Keith Jones, 45, Manhattan
“It’s making me consolidate everything.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Call center representative , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10128 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Digeorgia Biz, 36, Queens
Close Digeorgia Biz, 36, Queens
“Honestly, it’s even better than last year. Maybe, I’m an exception.”
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Pricing research analyst , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11103 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Tim Roper, 26, Manhattan
Close Tim Roper, 26, Manhattan
“It’s the first semester I’m in graduate school so…I’m going to spend less.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Graduate student, high school teacher , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10035 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Dennis Moore, 47, Brooklyn
Close Dennis Moore, 47, Brooklyn
“Major companies basically don’t hire people. They’re just looking to make a profit.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Postal worker , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11218 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Abra Moraweic, 25, Brooklyn
Close Abra Moraweic, 25, Brooklyn
“I would probably be making gifts for my friends, you know, something that I don’t have to spend a lot of money on, but, you know, it still comes from the heart and it still kind of reflects what Christmas or you know, the holidays are all about.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Social Service, Photographer, Small Business Owner , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11218 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Ethan Bull, 33, Brooklyn
Close Ethan Bull, 33, Brooklyn
“Well I had a good year this year, so… spread it around,” said Ethan Bull.
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Filmmaker/musician , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11238 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Vincent Marano, 50, Bronx
Close Vincent Marano, 50, Bronx
“My students… want to organize a Christmas party for homeless children, so they are much better than I am at this holiday season, let me tell you.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Assistant Principal , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10451 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Bill Power, 40, Brooklyn
Close Bill Power, 40, Brooklyn
“The economy has hurt me so bad that I am literally starting from scratch.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Carpenter, unemployed , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11215 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Ernest Acosta, 47, Brooklyn
Close Ernest Acosta, 47, BrooklynBorough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Legal Secretary/Screenwriter/Disc Jockey , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11205 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Richard Cancel, 59, Manhattan
Close Richard Cancel, 59, Manhattan
“I try to be happy here. Life is just too short. I appreciate what I have.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Unemployed , Age: 55-64 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10023 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Kesha Young, 37, Brooklyn
Close Kesha Young, 37, Brooklyn
‘I’ll be utilizing my imagination to create homemade gifts.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Teacher , Age: 35-54 , Zip code: 11216 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Anna Lioliou, 19, Brooklyn
Close Anna Lioliou, 19, Brooklyn
“In Christmas, even if I’m not good with money, I’m always going to spend the right amount in the right people.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11238 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Rick Dinaro, 28, Brooklyn
Close Rick Dinaro, 28, Brooklyn
“The bad economy isn’t going to keep me from getting anything more than I would normally.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Rick-Dinaro-Audio.mp3|titles=Rick Dinaro On How The Economy is Affecting His Holiday Plans ]
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11219 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Daniel Herrick, 26, Queens
Close Daniel Herrick, 26, Queens
“With me and my family we don’t really go all out…I guess we look at it as a spiritual kind of thing.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Dan-Herrick1.mp3|titles=Dan Herrick]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Real estate , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11355 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Billy Rohan, 30, Manhattan
Close Billy Rohan, 30, Manhattan
“My family’s from Florida, so it costs almost $1000 to go from here to there, round trip, if you don’t get your ticket in time…It makes you wonder, are you going to stay here in New York and not see your family, just to save money?”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Billy-Rohan-edited-vox.mp3|titles=Billy Rohan, 30]
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Retail worker , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10009 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Luis Gomez, 45, Queens
Close Luis Gomez, 45, Queens
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Audio_Luis.mp3|titles=Audio_Luis]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Teacher , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11368 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Patrick Langworthy, 28, Queens
Close Patrick Langworthy, 28, Queens
“Instead of buying everybody gifts individually what we decided to do was do a Secret Santa, so everybody only buys one gift and everybody ends up happy and spends less money.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Patrick-Langworthy.mp3|titles=Patrick Langworthy]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Pest control consultant , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11375 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Richard Delfino, 68, Queens
Close Richard Delfino, 68, Queens
“A good wife will know when a gift giving time is coming…”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/RichardInterviewFinal1.mp3|titles=Richard Delfino Interview]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Butcher , Age: 65+ , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11414 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Marco Quinones, 47, Bronx
Close Marco Quinones, 47, Bronx
“We might have been able to eat rice and beans and steak, but now it’s just rice and beans.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Unemployed (former bricklayer) , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10457 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Nyeisha Myers, 33, Brooklyn
Close Nyeisha Myers, 33, Brooklyn
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/NyeishaMyersInterviewFINAL1.mp3|titles=NyeishaMyersInterviewFINAL]
“I’m just happy that I have a job, to be out here with the people, to greet them and make a living day by day.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Salvation Army Bell Ringer , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11212 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Maria Weitman, 55, Brooklyn
Close Maria Weitman, 55, Brooklyn
“I don’t think people really notice (the cutting back), because you really get more into the spirit of Christmas.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Chef , Age: 55-64 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11201 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Latoya Kennedy, 23, Bronx
Close Latoya Kennedy, 23, Bronx
“The economy has a affected my holiday plans a little bit. I only work part-time I don’t have a full time job so I’m just working so I can have money to spend on my family and my daughter.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Teacher's assistant , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10406 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Emily Garcia, 21, Bronx
Close Emily Garcia, 21, Bronx
http://vimeo.com/33036763?
“The economy has affected my holiday plans this year not so bad since I’m working but a little bit shaggy, but so far so good for now.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Retail , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10456 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Michael Davidson, 45, Manhattan
Close Michael Davidson, 45, Manhattan
“Due to the economic conditions, and not being able to find work, I’m unable able to spend as much as I would during the holiday on a normal basis.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Davidson_Michael-audio1.mp3|titles=Davidson_Michael audio]
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Accountant , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10031 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Katie Mann, 24, Brooklyn
Close Katie Mann, 24, Brooklyn
“I’ll be staying here for Christmas and I’ll probably be making my gifts here as opposed to buying them.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/pylayev_mann-final.mp3|titles=pylayev_mann final]
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Retail , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11230 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Geraldo Sean Muniz, 35, Brooklyn
Close Geraldo Sean Muniz, 35, Brooklyn
“People just seem to be shopping… just on impulse. There needs to be some more personal responsibility.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/INTERACTIVE-SURVEY-PROJECT-REAPER-MUNIZ.mp3|titles=Economic SURVEY PROJECT Geraldo MUNIZ]
Gender: Male
Princella Jarrett, 46, Brooklyn
Close Princella Jarrett, 46, Brooklyn
“Whether you have the money or not, just celebrate.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Nurse technician , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11236 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Nick Lancetta, 22, Queens
Close Nick Lancetta, 22, Queens
“Usually we take a trip, me and my mother that is, to Florida to see our family there but actually this year money is a little short so we’re not going to take a trip to Florida.”
Borough: Queens , Occupation: U.S. Army , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Mark Viggiano, 21, Manhattan
Close Mark Viggiano, 21, Manhattan
“Previously, when I’ve had a job, I’ve been able to spend more money because I haven’t had any other expenses, until now. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to put money elsewhere.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Architect , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10013 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Lillian Lee, 66, Brooklyn
Close Lillian Lee, 66, Brooklyn
“I don’t plan to buy, perhaps, the adults any gifts in my family — just the kids.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Retired , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11207 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Jenny Ray, 19, Manhattan
Close Jenny Ray, 19, Manhattan
Jenny – ToilTown by Katie Chow
“As a student, I’m kind of broke anyways. So it’s looking for the best value and the cheapest on everything I can find. I think that’s everybody’s overall sentiment.”
Gender: Female
Maria T. Reyes, 80, Bronx
Close Maria T. Reyes, 80, Bronx
“These are the first holidays that I’m going to be by myself because of my health.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Retired , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10454 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Mark Brown, 42, Manhattan
Close Mark Brown, 42, Manhattan
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Audio.mp3|titles=Audio]
“It’s going to affect a lot of people this year. Not just me and my family – a lot of people. Especially in New York.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Chef , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10018 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Julie Scarola, 27, Brooklyn
Close Julie Scarola, 27, Brooklyn
http://vimeo.com/33002494?
“Last year I was employed so it didn’t matter, but this year the economy has been hard and I can’t find a job.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Unemployed , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Tiffany Russo, 29, Manhattan
Close Tiffany Russo, 29, Manhattan
“As far as spending goes, I feel like a lot of my gift-buying is from, like, Groupon and Livingsocial and it’s more activities like magazine subscriptions that you get deals on.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Grover_East-Harlem_Holiday-Spending_1-2.mp3|titles=Grover_East Harlem_Holiday Spending]
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Teacher , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10035 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Benny Ehgman, 32, Brooklyn
Close Benny Ehgman, 32, Brooklyn
“Probably won’t do much travelling, because money is so tight. And presents won’t probably be as good this year, or as expensive.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Woodworker , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11206 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Marlon Manswell, 27, Brooklyn
Close Marlon Manswell, 27, Brooklyn
http://vimeo.com/33002757?
“I’ve already started spending more, I’m helping the economy. Anybody spending is helping the economy.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11238 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Kristina Milnor, 41, Manhattan
Close Kristina Milnor, 41, Manhattan
“I actually think it’s been a good thing that we’re all gonna scale back a little bit this year.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Teacher , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10027 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Lejaila Troi, 19, Brooklyn
Close Lejaila Troi, 19, Brooklyn
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Lejaila-Troi1.mp3|titles=Lejaila Troi]
“I feel like since the economy is so bad that I will want to spend less but I feel like I also have the urge to want to give more.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Part Time Student/Part Time Employee on Wall Street , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11201 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
David Santiago Jr., 20, Staten Island
Close David Santiago Jr., 20, Staten Island
“We really didn’t have money for Black Friday, when everything was discounted 70 percent.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/DavidSantiago.mp3|titles=David Santiago]
Borough: Staten Island , Occupation: New York Aquarium employee , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10303 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Sarah Stillman, 25, Brooklyn
Close Sarah Stillman, 25, Brooklyn
“[T]here were a ton of layoffs at my firm…so I really feel like I need to watch every penny in case I might be next.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/toiltown-live-audio.mp3|titles=Sarah Stillman]
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Copywriter , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11235 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Yarissa Soriano, 23, Manhattan
Close Yarissa Soriano, 23, Manhattan
“Last year, I probably spent about 300 bucks in gifts. This year, one gift will be $300.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Administrative assistant , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10035 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Dan Attridge, 23, Manhattan
Close Dan Attridge, 23, Manhattan
“I think I’ll have to go with sentimental presents, maybe more work involved in finding the right gift that won’t break my budget.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/12_12_1_ToilTown.mp3|titles=Dan]
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Teacher's aide with AmeriCorps , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10027 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Dominique Rambert, 22, Brooklyn
Close Dominique Rambert, 22, Brooklyn
“I would love to give my kids a big, big Christmas and buy lots of toys and all that stuff. But I just can’t.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Writer , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11217 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Jamie Kottis, 28, Brooklyn
Close Jamie Kottis, 28, Brooklyn
“People are going to get my love this year and maybe a free coke,” said Jamie Kottis.
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Flight attendant , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11237 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Jamal Wilson, 42, Manhattan
Close Jamal Wilson, 42, Manhattan
“I’m not I guess like the average American caught up in the materialism of the whole thing.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: UPS Employee , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10037 , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Nathan Smith, 25, Brooklyn
Close Nathan Smith, 25, Brooklyn
“I have a few more people I want to make sure to give some gifts.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Personal trainer , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11221 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Desiree Pregnolato, 38, Manhattan
Close Desiree Pregnolato, 38, Manhattan
“It’s just better to do something that you love, that you feel passionate about, and maybe make less money.”
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Oversees operations at men's clothing line , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10023 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Sunil Radia, 33, Brooklyn
Close Sunil Radia, 33, Brooklyn
“For us the biggest impact has been on the price of the ticket to visit our families, which is not local here in New York.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Advertising executive , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 11201 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Tamison Doherty, 19, Brooklyn
Close Tamison Doherty, 19, Brooklyn
“So this one encapsulating Christmas event, [my mom] is going to switch us to Sprint, which actually costs less money, but she’s going to get us all iPhones.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11213 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Miguel Gomez, 24, Manhattan
Close Miguel Gomez, 24, Manhattan
– “I can tell you what I don’t want…”
Borough: Manhattan , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
“D” Mandell, 43, Bronx
Close “D” Mandell, 43, Bronx
http://vimeo.com/32990049
“We don’t even get a Christmas bonus at my job.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Transit worker , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10451 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Serge Rodriguez, 36, Bronx
Close Serge Rodriguez, 36, Bronx
“I’ve been laid off for about two, three months now.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Unemployed , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10459 , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Joanna Smith Rakoff, 39, Manhattan
Close Joanna Smith Rakoff, 39, Manhattan
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/rakoff.mp3|titles=rakoff]
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Author , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10022 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Naomi Bonneau, 27, Brooklyn
Close Naomi Bonneau, 27, Brooklyn
“I’m not a person who wants gifts. As far as material things, that’s done for. It’s not a priority.”
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Naomi_Bonneau.mp3|titles=Naomi Bonneau describes how she’s focusing on things that her family needs, not wants.]
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Phlebotomist , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11226 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Claudia Brathwaite, 67, Bronx
Close Claudia Brathwaite, 67, Bronx
“And when you retire … you’re used to getting paid every week and then the checks just come once a month and you’ve got to do everything with it.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Retired dietician , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10467 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Laura Iacono, 26, Queens
Close Laura Iacono, 26, Queens
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Toiltown-Project.mp3|titles=Toiltown Project]
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Stay at home mother , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11420 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend more this year compared to previous year.
Jaci Berwotek, 20, Brooklyn
Close Jaci Berwotek, 20, Brooklyn
“I’ve just come up with, like, one gift that I’m going to give to everyone, the same thing, but I’m trying to make it homemade.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11225 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Taylor Schon, 30, Manhattan
Close Taylor Schon, 30, Manhattan
[audio:http://cdn.journalism.cuny.edu/blogs.dir/390/files/2011/12/Taylor3.mp3|titles=Taylor Schon]
Borough: Manhattan , Occupation: Photojournalist , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10012 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Onazette Joshua, 19, Bronx
Close Onazette Joshua, 19, Bronx
http://vimeo.com/32990530
“Usually we help people on Christmas, but now we can’t even do that because we have to help ourselves. So when we had anything left over food-wise, we give it to pantries or whatever. This year, it’s not even happening. It’s sad, actually.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Student , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10455 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Ray Torres, 53, Bronx
Close Ray Torres, 53, Bronx
“A lot of work, not enough money, too many bills,… We are oppressed by this so-called government.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Maintenance worker , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10454 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Robert Verdugo, 52, Bronx
Close Robert Verdugo, 52, Bronx
http://vimeo.com/32994404
“There’s no more spirit in New York. ‘Cause I remember back in the 70s, you’d see all the windows filled with Christmas lights. There was holiday spirit.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Retail , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Male , Zip code: 10454 , Health Insurance: No , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
Cameron Miles, 30, Bronx
Close Cameron Miles, 30, Bronx
“I’m gonna try to make some stuff this year, just to save a little extra.”
Borough: Bronx , Occupation: Administrative assistant , Age: 18-34 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 10470 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Gladys Silver, 79, Queens
Close Gladys Silver, 79, Queens
“The economy is affecting me in a way where it may not affect many people, but my husband..we’re in the stock market and he is very concerned.”
Borough: Queens , Occupation: Retired , Age: 65+ , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11375 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend same this year compared to previous year.
Zaire Dinzey, 38, Brooklyn
Close Zaire Dinzey, 38, Brooklyn
“Definitely less money, less presents this year… Everything is more expensive, and money doesn’t pay as much as it did before.”
Borough: Brooklyn , Occupation: Academic professor of sociology , Age: 35-54 , Gender: Female , Zip code: 11233 , Health Insurance: Yes , Plans to spend less this year compared to previous year.
“I’m out of work three years and I’m not gonna spend anything for Christmas.”
“There’s not much money to spend.”
“I’ll be staying here for Christmas and I’ll probably be making my gifts here as opposed to buying them.”
“For us to fly down there would cost thousands of dollars. And we’ve been looking at fares since October.”
“This year I actually went shopping on Black Friday. It was disgusting. These two ladies were getting arrested for, like, shoplifting or beating each other up.”
