JAMAAL WAIREGI, Staff writer —

I’ve always been the type of person to get elated during the holiday season: family comes over, meals galore, and, most importantly (to me), the presents. The suspense of tearing apart the wrapping to uncover a potentially shiny new electronic device or box of desserts will always be gratifying. 

But as time goes on, I’ve found myself increasingly upset with the materialistic aspects of this time of year. The wasteful decoration, the pressure of getting loved ones spectacular gifts: these all detract from the more incorporeal aspects of these times, such as togetherness and reflection.

The commercialization of the holidays threatens our full enjoyment of the holiday season. Most evidently, commercialization takes away from the meaning of these holidays. One day, families will be enjoying turkey and stuffing on Thanksgiving day, and the next people are tearing each other apart for that half off sale on Black Friday.

Other holidays and observances are affected by commercialization. You can find flower bouquets and boxed chocolates galore during Valentines Day. Companies will drape their mascots and logos with rainbows during Pride Month only to switch back by the end. And you best bet that McDonald’s will be dishing out their fish sandwiches during Easter. At every opportunity, commercialization will consume a holiday. 

The focus on consumerism rather than looking at what you have is because of companies’ insistence on putting the pressure on buying during these times. So, the only solution, really, is to say no.

But how can I deny that laptop on sale, or that shiny new video game console that’s just begging to be bought? Especially as a thrifty college student, it’d be hard to deny all these deals.

I’d like to be the one to get all Thoreauvian and explain the authenticity that comes with distancing yourself from the materialistic aspects of society, but I’d be one to talk. I can’t deny the excitement that comes from unbounded yet frugal spending.

So, what do we do? How do we resist indulging in commercialization? Easy: we don’t. Indulging in commercialization isn’t the problem. Focusing on indulging in commercialization is. Neglecting the values which we are supposed to reflect on this one time of year, where we can convene with our families and take a break from responsibilities, is what threatens the “true spirit of the holidays.”

Last Christmas, my family and I decided to do things differently. Instead of buying grand presents to try to surprise one another, we all bought relatively smaller presents, like a Secret Santa. We also decided to give our presents on Christmas Eve, so that Christmas Day wouldn’t be filled with any excitement or disappointment from gifts: just quality time with family.

Find ways to filter out any materialism and selfishness. Indulge, but give yourself some time to relax from the pressures of consumerist culture and be happy with what you have. Attempt to separate your consumer life from your actual life, and be more aware of how you spend your time this holiday season.

Make more of the “happy” in “Happy Holidays” this year.