🎁 A thrifty tactic for the holidays | Morning Newsletter

This is Sunday.

Our main story highlights how consumers across Philadelphia are switching up their spending habits to avoid breaking the bank this holiday season.

Further down, read a Philadelphia school police officer’s tale of survival after nearly losing his life to a driver with road rage and a gun.

— Paola Pérez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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This year, U.S. adults are expected to shell out $628 on average on gifts. Overall spending is anticipated to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, according to the National Retail Federation.

In the Philly area, many shoppers are resisting consumerist pressures by capping spending and embracing the “Thriftmas” trend, where one buys secondhand presents or opts for homemade gifts.

For Kacii Hamer, a participant of the low-buy challenge that took off this year, a frugal approach means staving off financial stress. And while it may be hard to cut back at first, seasoned low-buyers say it’s freeing.

Some shoppers told The Inquirer they are spending no more than $150 this season. That includes parents, who have found that Santa can be thrifty, too.

In Hamer’s own words: “Push through the fear. It feels nice going into the holidays with such a positive attitude.”

Read consumer reporter Erin McCarthy’s latest for tips to spend less.

🎤 Allow me to pass the mic to Philly schools reporter Kristen Graham.

Craig Romanczuk’s voice barely gets above a whisper these days.

But speaking at all, he said, feels like a miracle.

Five months ago, the 68-year-old retired Philadelphia police officer, a Philadelphia School District safety officer of nearly 20 years, was shot 11 times while driving in a marked patrol car. He almost died.

Life is crowded with medical appointments, surgeries, and therapies now. But Romanczuk takes it in stride, with the kind of gruff and jovial banter born of his one-of-nine-kids-growing-up-in-Kensington roots and the near-death experience that still feels very close.

After almost dying, “you appreciate your family, your brothers and your sisters,” Romanczuk said, pausing. ”Even though they’re still jerks. Now you get a chance to tell them that they’re jerks and you still love them." — Kristen Graham

Here’s what Romanczuk wants people to know about his near-death experience.

Which of the following will headline a slate of World Cup games in Philadelphia next summer? (Hint: They are two of the soccer world’s greatest powers.)

A) France and Argentina

B) Brazil and France

C) Brazil and England

D) England and France

Think you know? Check your answer.

Hint: South Philadelphia crime drama, now on Amazon Prime

FORT NIGHT NOON

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to John Piernikowski, who correctly guessed Saturday’s answer: Matt Campbell. Pending board approval, Campbell will be Penn State’s next head coach.

🎶 Today’s track goes like this: “Not everything in this magical world is quite what it seems.”

👋🏽 Thank you for reading. May the rest of your Sunday be easy.