Do you think you’ll be spending more or less on the holidays as compared to last year?

Stuart Schlesinger, Asbury Park – I will not be spending as much on the holiday this year as last. In fact, we decided that, instead of exchanging gifts, we’ll be donating money to some local Asbury Park charities. The Kula Cafe and Marilyn Schlossbach’s soup kitchen to help with Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Jerome Beckman, Beckman’s – I’ll spend more. As a small business owner, I didn’t spend much last year due to Hurricane Sandy. I was hurting last year at this time. This year I can breathe a little easier, and spend a little more.

Darlene & Tina Bradshaw, Neptune – We would say at least the same, if not a little more. Darlene just finished her Christmas list and had the same people to buy for. “I love to give. It’s worth spending the money.” Tina will be spending the same amount because “I’d rather give than receive. I like to put a smile on other people’s faces.”

Myron & Judi Kaller, Asbury Park – We will be spending as much because there are more people in need then ever before. We’ve been buying more items for our outreach programs, which is now going to be officially associated with Lunch Break in Red Bank.

Cindy Levine, Asbury Park – Definitely not. I don’t really have the cash. And we’re downsizing. We really don’t need a lot of things. We’re trying to simplify – make it simple. As far as I’m concerned, good cheer is plenty. Getting back to basics.

Maurice Lillard, Neptune – No. I don’t have that many people to buy for. Plus I think it’s a waste. I want to give more personal gifts instead of just buying to buy.

Elizabeth McAllister, Buttered Biscuit – I’ll definitely be spending more. I have a niece and nephew who are at the age where they like a lot of different toys they like to play and I want to spoil them. And I got my husband an amazing gift, but you can’t print that.

Dana Kaman-Pape, Kaitlynne, Grace, Kelly & Ken Pape, Neptune – We think, as a family, we’ll be spending more money this year. We’ve already matched what we spent last year, and we’re only half done. We did very well on Black Friday.

Amy Pizzulli & Ralph Villarola, Interlaken – Amy: Yes, I will be spending more. I buy for the same people and I buy about the same amount or a little more. Thank God I still have my job. Maybe not next year; I plan to retire. Ralph: I’m retired on Social Security. Everything I spend on went up. Everything I need went up. I have to cut somewhere.

Tom Rhodes, Ocean Grove -Yes, I have lots of young children relatives to give presents to. And a wife and family. And we all agreed to give one present each, again. Not!

Jim Rothe, Ocean Grove – About the same. I’m buying for the same people and I have the same amount of funds available. Last year I made some post Sandy contributions, This year I’ll probably do something similar.

Ryan Jones, Middletown – My Mom says: I think last year with Sandy, we didn’t spend much. It was a somber mood we didn’t have the money. The spirit was not what it should be at Christmas. So this year, I’ll be spending more.