Consumerism has reshaped Christmas and its impact on our lives, wallets, and the planet. How can we resist it?

Every year, millions of Canadians look forward to the holiday season. This time of year is synonymous with joy, festivities and giving. However, underneath this guise is a less jolly side of Christmas. The commercialization of Christmas has brought stress and pressure to spend and it’s not inherently your fault, but by design.

Historically, Christmas has generally been defined as the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. With time, the meaning of Christmas has deviated from a religious holiday into something more secular. Across the country, Christmas is widely celebrated, with a survey revealing that 87% of Canadians celebrate the holiday. Just 35% celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, while 52% of Canadians celebrate the holiday secularly. So what exactly is more than half of Canadians celebrating?

For many, Christmas has evolved into a cultural event rather than a religious one, rooted in shared traditions, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. While these customs foster connection and joy, consumerism has also heavily influenced them. Retailers have successfully reframed Christmas as a season of giving through material goods, emphasizing shopping and spending to drive business revenue. Iconic figures like Santa Claus are featured in advertising campaigns, transforming him into a central symbol of commercialism. This is far removed from St. Nicholas, the figure of religious charity and humility on whom he is based. 

Holiday shopping, rather than an act of appreciation, has become a burden and stressful activity for many. People feel the pressure of buying someone a gift, even if they don’t need anything and a gift’s value is often equated to its monetary worth. This materialistic approach has fostered a society where financial pressure and excessive consumption overshadow the season’s joy.

It doesn’t help that stores constantly have sales and the convenient timing of Black Friday, which plays a factor in rationalizing our purchases as we look to take advantage of a good deal. But this only leads to buying more things and spending more money. 

Despite the promise of happiness, studies consistently show that accumulating more material goods does not lead to long-term fulfillment. In fact, materialism has been linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and insecurity. Beyond personal finances, the planet also bears the weight of holiday overconsumption.

The environmental impact of the holiday season is profound. The National Environmental Education Foundation reports that waste production increases by 1 million tons per week between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Furthermore, around $500 billion worth of items are bought and returned each year. 

The recent surge in online shopping contributes significantly to carbon emissions, as increased transportation demand and energy-intensive data centers amplify the carbon footprint. For example, during 2022 Black Friday in Europe, transportation-related emissions rose to 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide—94% higher than an average week.

The human cost of holiday consumerism is equally concerning. Workers involved in packaging, shipping, and delivering goods face immense pressure and long hours, particularly at companies like Amazon. Many employees have reported grueling working conditions, and this holiday season, thousands of Amazon workers across more than 20 countries are demanding better rights and climate accountability from the company.

Admittedly, this is only the negative side of Christmas. Many people spend their holidays doing good by donating, volunteering and spending quality time with loved ones. However, the holidays are still undoubtedly shaped by consumerism. Instead, Christmas should encourage society to envision a world less reliant on materialism and more focused on sustainability and meaningful connection that transcends material possessions.

To combat consumerism during the holidays, consider these alternative gift ideas. 

Experiences and Quality Time

Gifting an experience such as a meal at a local restaurant, a class to learn a new skill or even suggesting a simple walk in nature with the recipient creates opportunities for quality time, which is often more valuable than physical possessions.

Secondhand items

Secondhand gifts are a sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to new purchases. Lots of the time, a good gift has already been purchased once and is out there. There’s no need to encourage more production. 

Local products

You hear it every year, but supporting local businesses does truly make a difference in the community. Corporations such as Amazon and Walmart will be perfectly fine without your purchases, but local businesses will feel and appreciate every dollar they receive. Although it may cost a bit more, you’re making a much bigger difference in the local economy and likely getting a higher-quality product in return. 

Some local businesses to support in the city that offer a variety of gift options are Alt Haus, Hen & Chick Studios, SaskMade Marketplace and The Better Good.

Local art

Unlike many material gifts, art is timeless—it lasts forever and can be appreciated constantly. By purchasing local art, you also contribute to the livelihood of local artists and lower emissions with a unique and meaningful gift.

Donating in the recipient’s name

If the intended recipient doesn’t need anything, then consider giving to someone who does need something in their name. Local organizations such as Prairie Harm Reduction, the Friendship Inn and the Saskatoon Food Bank are some worthy causes that are actively helping those in need this holiday season and rely on the community’s dollar.  

Homemade treats or goods

Gifting homemade treats and goods is a heartfelt and personal way to show appreciation during the holidays. These gifts reflect the time, effort, and care you put into creating something unique and tailored to the recipient. Plus, who wouldn’t appreciate a delicious sweet treat?

A meaningful card

Honestly, nothing beats a meaningful card. Although it may cost little to no money, making a card for someone with a meaningful message takes time which can show even more appreciation than something material. 

I hope these ideas inspire you to embrace a holiday season that values connection over consumption and meaning over materialism. Happy holidays!