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Christmas, consumerism should not go together |
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Tuesday, 04 December 2007 |
‘Tis the season to be jolly…
Or is it more like ‘tis the season to be spending? If you’re an average American, the holidays are more about consuming and less about being jovial.
A typical American citizen will spend $816.69 specifically on holiday gifts this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2007 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions survey.
In
addition to gifts, Americans will spend $106.67 on non-gift items like
decorations, food and sales for themselves they just “can’t pass up.”
That brings a grand total of $923.36 in holiday spending.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but regardless of which holiday you decide to
celebrate, the splendor of the season is about spending quality time
with your family, friends, and helping those who are less fortunate,
not spending every dime you’ve ever saved.
Nevertheless, when I hear my peers talking about their plans for winter
break, it’s never about how excited they are to see their crazy aunt
Joe, but about the new iPhone or snowboard they hope to see under the
tree.
Money is the only bell ringing loud enough for anyone to hear. America
may be a society characterized by consumerism, but robbing the piggy
bank isn’t the best way to spread holiday cheer.
There are much better uses for $923 than wrapping it up and hoping to get something equal, or better, in return.
If you donated $923, you could partner with the Salvation Army and
clothe 18 less-fortunate children for the winter season and give them
the only gift they’ll receive the entire next year.
Or you could sponsor three international children through the Christian
Children’s Fund for an entire year- giving them food, shelter,
education and attire.
Thirty-seven animals can receive proper care, be spayed or neutered,
and have the chance to find happy homes for only $923 through the
National Humane Society.
Holiday gift spending can be used to help national and local
non-profits, but volunteering your time to their efforts is priceless.
Instead of giving your parents or your sister or your significant other
a ridiculously-priced gift, why not volunteer together to serve dinner
at a homeless shelter on Christmas day?
Or go to a nursing home and spend time with someone who has no family to spend Christmas with?
Or spend even one day over break volunteering somewhere to help someone?
The spirit of the holiday season can also be improved on the home front.
If you celebrate Christmas, the holiday represents the birth of Jesus
and encourages believing in miracles and valuing those around you.
If you celebrate Hanukkah, you give small gifts for eight days and you
celebrate the marvel of oil burning longer than the suffering of the
Jewish nation.
Although these are just two examples, almost every holiday celebrates miracles.
And isn’t it a miracle that a group of people can be together at the
same place, at the same time, and just enjoy one another’s company?
Families across the globe are split up because of war, tragedy, or
trivial disputes, and having the opportunity to be together, decked out
with gifts or not, is a blessing.
If you insist on giving gifts for the holiday season, try toning it
down. It’s not about quantity and, really, it’s not about quality. It’s
about consideration.
Sometimes homemade gifts, going to dinner instead of exchanging, or
taking a trip instead of gift giving is more meaningful than any
present could ever be.
If someone believes the way to show they care is through gifts or
money, they really don’t care about you in the way you deserve.
The proof of gratitude is in actions and words, not in Nordstrom receipts.
Consumerism may define the culture we live in, but at least for one
day, eight days, or one season out of the entire year, trying
remembering the purpose behind holidays.
‘Tis the season to be together. ‘Tis the season to be thankful. ‘Tis the season to be different.
Lindsay Tigar, a sophomore journalism and public relations major from Asheville, is the lifestyles desk editor.
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