The holidays often bring a mix of joy, traditions, and connection, but they're also closely tied to consumerism. Consumerism during this time is marked by an increase in spending, advertising, and the cultural push to equate material gifts with expressions of love and celebration. While a good portion of the joy lies in splurging on your loved ones, there are some negative impacts that come with overconsumption during the holiday season. 

The most prominent reason is that these gifts purchased and gifted throughout the holidays only trigger short-term happiness. The gratification of buying or receiving gifts lasts a short while and seldom results in long-term pleasure. The ultimate stress of finding the perfect gift therefore is never worth the detraction from one's joy. As a whole, society decides that these gifts received and given throughout the holidays should be a definer as to whether or not we should be appreciated or valued. Pressures of making every holiday perfect leads to significant mental and psychological impacts that are unnecessary during a time characterized by love and gratitude. Scrambling to find the most glamorous, expensive, awe-inspiring gifts should never be the only goal around the holidays.

Overconsumption around the holidays also has a significant environmental and economic impact. The average person may be experiencing external pressures to constantly spend throughout the holidays. Social expectations to give lavish gifts or host extravagant events can cause individuals to exceed their budgets, creating long-term financial difficulties. Consumers may end up overspending on gifts, accumulating large amounts of unnecessary debt, leading to the post-holiday financial stress of wanting to “get back on track” once again. Lastly, the manufacturing, packaging, and transportation of goods during this time causes increased carbon emissions, depleted natural resources, and generated vast amounts of waste, including non-recyclable wrapping paper, single-use decorations, and discarded gifts. 

Focusing less on spending during the holiday season allows for a shift toward more meaningful connections and sustainable traditions. Prioritizing experiences, handmade gifts, or acts of kindness over material purchases can reduce financial stress and environmental impact while fostering deeper relationships and a greater sense of fulfillment.