Reclaiming Xmas from Consumerism :
As the holiday season unfolds and the streets glow with ever festive lights, the stores (including Amazon) hum with busy shoppers. Yet, beneath that shimmering facade, many of us quietly acknowledge an uncomfortable truth – that Christmas, as often celebrated today, has strayed far from the benevolent ideal or religious roots it once had.
This isn’t a criticism of joy, tradition, or celebration.
And gift giving either (I like to receive thoughtful gifts, just like everyone)! 🙂
But rather, it’s an invitation to reflect a little bit.
Could Christmas become something more – something driven less by materialism and more focused on compassion, connection, and caring for others in need?
I hope so.
A Season No Longer About Christ
For centuries, Christmas has been tied to the story of Christ’s birth, a symbol of hope, love, and selflessness.
Yet, as society has evolved, so too has that holiday. Today, Christmas is a blend of ancient pagan traditions, cultural customs, and marketing opportunities. Santa Claus often takes the advertising spotlight, gift-giving overshadows spiritual reflection, and elaborate decorations become holiday status symbols.
While some may lament this shift, it’s important to acknowledge that holidays are living, breathing entities – they transform alongside society. Christmas no longer belongs solely to Christians, nor to any singular philosophy. It’s a global event, celebrated across different cultures, often stripped of religious significanc, entirely.
That evolution doesn’t diminish its value – but it does beg the question: What values are we prioritizing?
The Hidden Toll of the Holidays
While many people love the holiday cheer, others face a much darker reality.
Financial stress skyrockets for families who feel pressured to meet the expectations of extravagant gift exchanges. Mental health suffers as isolation deepens for those without their loved ones nearby. Parents struggle to provide the “perfect” Christmas experience, while those grieving or in difficult life circumstances feel alienated by a season that constantly insists on a perfect TV or internet joy.
Studies show that the rates of depression and anxiety spike during the holidays.
The commercialization of Christmas can unintentionally highlight inequality also, making the less fortunate feel more invisible than ever.
For many, Christmas becomes a reminder of what they don’t have – not just materially, but emotionally and socially as well.
(Remember when the Christmas Lexus car commercial began showing on TV? Many people were flabberghasted that someone would buy someone else a Lexus – a luxury automobile costing about $60,000 – as a Christmas gift. Today, those type of commercials don’t have the same shock effect, unfortunately).
The Financial Weight of the Festive Season
The holiday season has certainly become synonymous with spending.
In 2024, U.S. holiday retail sales were projected to reach new highs of $973 billion.
And the average American consumer is expected to spend over $1,000 on holiday gifts, marking it the first time that per capita spending has reached four digits.
The surge in spending isn’t limited to the United States, either. In Australia, shoppers are expected to spend $70 billion in the lead-up to Christmas, a 2.7% increase over last year.
While those values highlight economic activity, they also underscore the immense pressure on individuals and families to meet escalating expectations – which often leads to financial strain and debt, including with credit cards.
Volunteering: Spreading Joy Beyond the Holidays
Reimagining Christmas instead – at least, partially – as a season of giving and compassion can start with small acts of service. Volunteering is one such option, which not only uplifts others, but also enriches our own holiday experience, reminding us of the true spirit of community and caring.
(Helping others, helps yourself also – – – that is just the way the world works).
Here Are a Few Ways That You Can Volunteer During The Holidays:
- Serve at Food Banks and Shelters
- Why it Matters: Food insecurity spikes during the winter, and many families rely on food banks to make ends meet. Shelters often experience overcrowding, with more individuals seeking warmth and safety.
- How to Help:
- Volunteer to distribute meals at a local food bank or soup kitchen.
- Participate in food drives, or organize one in your own neighborhood.
- Offer your time at homeless shelters; help with day-to-day operations or simply engaging in conversation.
- Visit Nursing Homes and Care Facilities
- Why it Matters: Many elderly people experience isolation – especially during the holidays. A visit from you can really brighten their day and provide a sense of companionship.
- How to Help:
- Coordinate with local nursing homes to spend time with their residents.
- Organize small performances, craft activities, or storytelling sessions.
- Send holiday cards or gifts to those without family nearby.
- Organize Toy and Clothing Drives
- Why it Matters: Families struggling financially may not have the means to buy gifts or even warm clothing for their children.
- How to Help:
- Set up donation drives for toys, coats, and blankets in collaboration with schools, churches, or local businesses.
- Partner with organizations like Toys for Tots or The Salvation Army.
- Deliver donations directly to families in need, or through community programs.
- Support Mental Health Hotlines and Services
- Why it Matters: Mental health challenges peak during the holidays. Many crisis centers experience a surge in calls during that time.
- How to Help:
- Volunteer as a support line operator (training is often provided).
- Promote awareness of mental health resources in your community.
- Offer to facilitate group support sessions or simply lend a listening ear to friends and neighbors in need.
- Clean Up and Rejuvenate Public Spaces
- Why it Matters: Public parks and community spaces are essential to local well-being, but are often overlooked after the holidays.
- How to Help:
- Organize a post-holiday cleanup for parks, beaches, and community areas.
- Involve children and families to make it a fun, outdoor, collective event.
- Consider planting trees or starting a community garden to bring new life into public spaces.
- Volunteer for New Year Initiatives
- Why it Matters: The momentum of goodwill often fades after December, but communities certainly need ongoing support.
- How to Help:
- Volunteer for New Year’s resolution workshops or mentoring programs.
- Assist local schools or literacy programs in the months following the holidays.
- Join local organizations focused on long-term community development and advocacy.
- Foster or Adopt a Pet in Need
- Why it Matters: Animal shelters become overcrowded during the holidays, and many animals are in desperate need of even basic care.
- How to Help:
- Foster a pet temporarily or adopt one if you’re able, to provide a forever home.
- Volunteer at shelters, helping with feeding, walking, and caring for the animals.
- Organize pet supply drives for shelters or rescue organizations.
- Offer Your Skills
- Why it Matters: Many nonprofits lack resources, and benefit greatly from donated skills and expertise.
- How to Help:
- Use your professional skills (writing, marketing, teaching, etc.) to assist local charities.
- Offer free classes, workshops, or consultations to those underserved communities.
- Mentor youth or students in need of academic or career guidance.
Carry the Spirit Beyond December
The beauty of volunteering is that it doesn’t have to end when the holidays do. By fostering a habit of service, we not only uplift our communities, but also build a more compassionate, connected society also. Let the goodwill of the holiday season be the SPARK that ignites a sentiment of year-round generosity and kindness.
A Christmas of Collective Joy
By transforming Christmas into a celebration of collective well-being, we create ripple effects that extend far beyond the holidays. We can foster communities rooted in care, kindness, and a shared humanity – values that align far closer to the original spirit of Christmas, more than any commercial version ever could.
Christmas doesn’t need to “return” to its religious roots to find meaning today – it just needs to evolve into a celebration that reflects the best of us, regardless of faith or philosophy.
This season, let’s plant the seeds for that future – and next year, let’s watch them flourish. You will be surprised at what you can do, if you just try. 🙂
Reclaiming Xmas from Consumerism .
Want to learn more about the history of Christmas? here is a Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
Try out The Life Writer App with a 30 day money back guarantee here:
https://www.thelifewriter.com/product/the-life-writer-app/
Do you need a gift certificate? This is what they look like:
