“Well, as a consequence, I did none.”

— Barbara Yoder, ESL teacher, Lawrence

“I made more gifts this year.”

— Rose Hilkemeyer, substitute teacher, Freeburg, Mo.

“I do not holiday shop, so it had no effect.”

— Jacob Nelson, unemployed, Kansas City, Mo.

“I waited ’til after the holidays to do my shopping.”

— Rej Rasing, electrician, Lawrence