This commercial day of over-consumption seems to be spreading worldwide, and it's the day to mark the first day of the Christmas shopping season. Apparently, it's so popular, that some places in the USA make it an official holiday, while some stores open their doors at 5am (yes, in the morning!) to the frenzied public. Hoards of people storm into their favourite shops, and you can imagine the chaos that ensues - injuries, check, stampedes, check. Do you really want to be there?
#1 It Will All Go To Waste
There might be a thrill in going to the shops in the wee hours of the morning just to grab a lot of things, but do you really need it? The euphoria of having purchased so many items would just die off.....and you will be left with..... emptiness. It's true. Remember this slide from Lucy Siegel's presentation at the Asia Fashion Future? And where will all the stuff that you bought eventually go? The bin.
#2 Does Christmas Have to Cost the Earth?
Creating My Way to Success has a great list of craft and sewing tutorials to show you how Christmas should NOT cost the Earth, and many of her ideas are created from things in the house. People appreciate a gift that is handmade and, usually they are well thought out. Jill started out on her DIY early and she's made lots of upcycled gifts now!
#3 Accumulate Memories, Not Things
How do you want to remember your Christmas (or any other holiday season)? Being with family and friends, or going shopping and receiving lots of presents? Why not accumulate memories and good times shared with a loved one - bake a cake with your partner, have a coffee with your bestie, or take a walk in the park with your child, and talk to each other (I think I know some of you will be glued to your gadgets, so put those to one side). These are the moments that you will remember the people closest to you, and not the present.
Don't give in to the pressure, avoid Black Friday!
I do not shop on Black Friday. I stay home and sleep.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way :-)
DeleteWe don't have 'black Friday' sales here in Australia. It's a strange concept to me.
ReplyDeleteI wish it would remain a strange concept here too, but because of social media our local retailers are catching on!
DeleteIt stems from the learned definition of "living the good life" and a sense of entitlement. "If I only had this one more thing, it would prove my value." Or "I deserve x because I work hard." Makes me embarrassed (I too get caught up in this circle :(. )and sad. Would rather focus on Jesus, peace, and good will towards mankind and instead do a "make it and take it" party. How do we shift whole societies' concepts of gift giving and receiving?
ReplyDelete