It goes without saying that things have been pretty grim economically over the past year – millions of people have been laid off or restructured, while consumer spending has plummeted as people decide to hold off purchases after a decade-long shopping spree.

But there appears to be a few signs the recession is starting to disappear.

One indication is the re-emergence of demo opportunities. Over the past few months, I’ve been lucky to have been given the opportunity to evaluate a lot of new products and services. Some of this activity may have to do with the fact companies and PR firms are paying more attention to bloggers, but I think it also has to do with marketing budgets being expanded after nearly disappearing for the past year.

Another sign is the return of the holiday party. Last year, most holiday parties were abruptly canceled because no one wanted to be seen as being ostentatious at a time when people were losing their jobs. The parties that happened were low-key affairs with many of the frills taken out of the mix.

Recently, however, I’ve received invitations to several holiday parties. It may be that companies are feeling more optimistic or perhaps the doom and gloom that dominated the holiday season last year no longer exists. Nevertheless, it looks like the holiday party season is alive and well.

And it may just be that these are signs the recessions is starting to go away, if ever so slowly.

What do you think?