As the Christmas holidays approach, most look forward to the festive gatherings and family meals, but many prioritize gifts. However, all the gift giving comes with a hefty price tag, especially with the growing trend of holiday consumerism, with people being encouraged to spend more and more by the advertisements, sales, and promotions. While gift-giving is a common and wonderful tradition, the pressure to buy excessively, which can often overshadow the true meaning of the holidays.
Through many forms of advertising, companies create a sense of urgency to spend, as holiday shopping has taken a path of becoming a competitive event, having people line up or scroll for hours seeking the best deals. The urge of families to spend during these times has become a priority, mainly driven by societal expectations, and not about finding the perfect gift. In 2023, the National Retail Federation estimated that Americans spent $950 billion during the holiday season.
With all the pressure being placed on finding the perfect gifts, this season often brings financial stress for many families. Advertisements present expensive gifts as symbols of love, leading to people thinking that their worth as a family member or friend is tied to how much they spend. The impact this has can result in overspending, credit card debt, and anxiety, taking an emotional toll over what should have been a simple and festive activity. Beyond money, consumerism has a huge impact on the planet. Many gifts are packaged in excessive material, and items are thrown away excessively. Multiple environmental reports state that waste increases by around 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, adding millions of tons to landfills.
Celebrating these happy times without falling into the consumerism trap can be hard, but here are some ways to repurpose your gifts:
Give experiences, not things: Instead of giving people material things, consider giving them experiences to remember like movie tickets, a cooking class, or even a handmade coupon for quality time together.
Support small or local businesses: Buying from small, local shops can help the community while providing mostly inexpensive, unique, and meaningful gifts.
Focus on what truly matters: Remember that the holidays are about spending time, not money. Spend time with your loved ones during these cheery times, making it a gift for both of you.
By shifting our views of the holidays being a time to spend money to a time to connect, it is possible to reclaim the origins of the joyous experiences and reflect on what truly matters. This season brings the love and connections that no material item can replace, making us reflect on what’s more important; is it what’s under the tree, or who’s around it?
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