The holidays are typically a time for families to celebrate traditions and rejoice with loved ones. However, it seems that the idea of holidays is becoming more and more money-oriented.
Companies take the sounds of bells and carving of pumpkins as their sign to wheel out their most expensive merchandise. When one of these business-booming periods is over, it’s immediately onto the next. At what point did these times of warmth and love become a time for corporations to present their gift of marketing expertise?
“Holidays are more about bragging about what you got nowadays,” said junior Marely Mendoza. “Ads on social media definitely make it worse.”
The commercialization of every holiday begins months in advance. Seasonal commercials begin weeks prior, and advertisements for the latest gifts and decor clog the channels. Consumers save up for these last few months every year, expecting to spend just as much or more than they did the year prior. According to a survey done by The Center of Biological Diversity in 2022, 90% of American surveyors wish holidays were less materialistic. This is up 12% from the last recorded statistic, which was collected in 2005. This proves that this matter is only getting worse over time.
“First the Halloween decorations come out, then forget about Thanksgiving,” said junior Jon Hewett. “Before you know it, it’s Christmas. and after that it’s time to buy Valentine’s Day candy.”
Companies must stay on a tight schedule when it comes to selling decorations. The problem is the fact this schedule starts months in advance. For example, you may notice Christmas trees and ornaments rolling out weeks before people have even carved their pumpkins. This is a marketing phenomenon known as “The Christmas Creep.” Coined in the 1980’s, this phrase describes retailers’ tendency to introduce Christmas items months in advance. While this phenomenon is most recognizable during the winter holiday season, it’s noticeable throughout the years during holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, and Halloween. Even days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday will catch you at your deal-hungriest times. This completely distracts from the true purpose of this period: spending time with your family.
“They put things out early to catch your eye,” said junior Kelsey Lykins. “They’re meant to make you want to spend your money on stupid stuff.”
At first glance, it may be hard to understand the real problem with this phenomenon. Sure, companies are trying their best to beat their competitors in this timed-race for holiday sprees, but how does this affect their customers? The reality is, there are several negatives. The National Retail Federation reports that about $902 are spent per person during the holidays on food, decor, and other seasonal items. Retailers and merchants are finding customers at their most vulnerable moments and causing them to excessively spend.
“Our family spends a ton of money during Christmas,” said junior Avery Babson. “Decorating is very important in my family, but we decorate 2 months earlier, so it’s worth it.”
Not only is this excessive spending hurting wallets across the country, but it’s also hurting our environment. Household waste increases 23% on average during the month of December. This is due to gift garbage, unwanted presents, and forgotten leftovers. Excessive fossil fuels and gasses are emitted during both the production and expulsion of these plastic gifts and decorations. The damage of these costs goes beyond bank accounts.
While avoiding this commercialized chaos is nearly impossible if you intend to celebrate any holiday, it’s important to keep in mind the ways you can help your funds and your surroundings. Try your best to make mindful purchases. Though impulsiveness can take control pretty easily, keep your budget and environment in mind. Is the purchase you are making truly necessary? If it is, is there a cheaper and more nature-friendly way to take care of it? Ask yourself if the cost of the product will be worth a year of its use. If it isn’t, try reconsidering. Holidays can be very stressful, which leaves people to make less thoughtful decisions. This year, make sure your holidays are as mindful as they are merry.
