Close your eyes and recall a gift you received last holiday season. How about two years ago? Three? What about five? Chances are, if you’re a bit older like us, you may have remembered a present you opened last year but after that it becomes hazy.
Now, do the same with the people who you spent those holidays with. We’re guessing that you remember the people far better than the gifts.
Today is Black Friday, the post-Thanksgiving kickoff to the holiday shopping season. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday shopping is already underway, with 61% of shoppers reporting they’d started buying gifts by early November—up by more than 50% as compared to 2011.
The federation also reported that the number of those who plan to shop this weekend is up over last year but still not at pre-pandemic levels.
It makes sense. With ongoing talks about the global supply chain crisis (a series of issues preventing the flow of foreign goods into the U.S.), many are getting an early jump on their holiday shopping to reduce their stress and make sure they’ve got this year’s hot item. Even turkeys were scarcer this year due to disruptions in the supply chain. Gobble, gulp.
Have we been hoisted by our own merchandise packed petard?
We think it’s reasonable to label us a consumerism society. How can you blame us? We’re a country that measures success by an ever-rising (but sustainable?) gross domestic product. We can push a button on our phones and a package arrives at our doorstep. Let’s not forget, we’ve been bombarded with holiday ads since before Halloween, and there’s no greater marketing team than Santa and his elves—on shelves or elsewhere.
Yet where others see a problem, we see an opportunity. Perhaps issues with the supply chain provide a great reason to focus on the people, not the presents, this Christmas. Think of it as a George Costanza donation to “The Human Fund”excuse. Studies have shown that materialism can cause emotional, even physical, problems. Frame it as an early start to your New Year’s fitness resolutions.
We know that giving is a big part of the holidays. So if you really want to see your tree lined with gifts, we encourage you to shop local. Consider handmade items—either made by you or purchased from the many holiday boutiques that raise money for houses of worship, schools or other worthwhile nonprofits.
Consider gifts that provide an experience rather than an object. There are a number of local theaters that sell season tickets. This newspaper has online subscriptions (hint, hint). And there are an array of local concerts and daytime excursions that make great gifts, too.
This holiday season, let’s downplay the presents and play up those who are present. Thankfully, friends and family aren’t affected by the global supply chain crisis, and the memories we spend with them this time of year shouldn’t be either.
