Has Christmas Become Too Commercialised? Have We Lost The Spirit Of Giving?

With a cost of living crisis-Has Christmas become too commercialised for families? Shakira Bruce-Abubaker looks at the commercialisation of Christmas.

The holiday season is finally upon us—a time when lights start to twinkle in every window, festive music fills the air, and cozy gatherings promise to warm even the coldest nights. It’s a season that’s supposed to be about joy, giving and spending time with loved ones, but somewhere along the way, I lost touch with what Christmas truly means.

It’s strange, really. Christmas used to be a time when I looked forward to the little things: sipping hot chocolate while watching classic holiday movies, making ornaments by hand and laughing with family over silly traditions. But somewhere, that simplicity got replaced with the endless drive to spend, a kind of commercial fever that seems to overshadow the season itself.

What was once a time for cozy gatherings and heartfelt traditions has now become an industry pushing us to buy more, give more and somehow prove our love with a price tag. Christmas no longer feels like a gentle reminder of what truly matters; instead, it’s become a rush to secure the latest gadgets, flashy decorations and over-the-top gifts, leaving families stretched thin, both financially and emotionally. Between the avalanche of advertisements, ever-growing wish lists and the seemingly endless “must-have” gifts, the essence of Christmas often seems buried beneath layers of glittering marketing campaigns and glossy packaging.

But what’s driving this shift? And how is it changing the way families experience and celebrate the season?

A Season of Giving or A Season of Spending?

Christmas is steeped in the tradition of giving, a time meant to be dedicated to family, love, and kindness. But with the surge of Black Friday deals, Boxing Day sales and constant advertisements, it feels as though Christmas has transformed from a season of giving to a season of spending.

Families find themselves facing an almost relentless pressure to deliver the “perfect” Christmas, complete with elaborate decorations, gourmet feasts and a pile of presents under the tree.According to a study in 2023, the average spending per person during the Christmas season is approximately £973 in London.

Everywhere you turn, there are reminders of what you “need” to create the “perfect” Christmas. Stores roll out massive sales as early as October, while ads and social media set impossible standards for gift-giving and décor. Parents feel pressured to provide the best of everything, not just for their kids but for every relative, teacher and neighbor. And kids, surrounded by endless advertisements and toy catalogs, often start to see Christmas as a holiday of wants rather than one of warmth.

This commercialisation weighs heavy on families, who are often left struggling to keep up with expectations that seem to grow every year. The holidays, rather than bringing peace, bring a flurry of spending and stress. It’s no longer about baking cookies together or watching a favorite holiday movie, but about managing the holiday budget, finding the newest toys and trying to make everything “perfect.” The result? The true magic of Christmas is buried under a mountain of marketing and consumer pressure.

When was the last time you spent Christmas decorating cookies, watching holiday movies, or simply enjoying each other’s company without the stress of shopping lists and shipping deadlines?

The magic of Christmas often lies in these small, intimate moments, yet families today are finding themselves lost in the hustle and bustle of buying rather than bonding.

For children especially, the season has taken on a new meaning. Advertisers target them with flashy commercials and endless toy catalogues, leaving kids eager for the latest gadgets or trending toys. While there’s nothing wrong with a child’s excitement for gifts, it can easily shift their focus from the joy of the season to the thrill of receiving.

Finding Balance Amid the Holiday Hype

Despite the commercial forces at play, there’s a growing movement among families to reclaim the essence of Christmas. Many are choosing to prioritise experiences over material gifts, opting for simple holiday activities like making crafts, baking, or volunteering together. Others are embracing minimalism, committing to just a few meaningful gifts rather than a mountain of presents.

For parents, explaining the importance of gratitude and togetherness can help children appreciate Christmas in a deeper way. Celebrating the values of generosity, love, and compassion—whether through homemade gifts or acts of kindness—can help reinforce the true spirit of the holiday season.

 Bringing the Meaning Back to Christmas

While it’s undeniable that commercial interests will continue to shape Christmas, families can still make choices that emphasise the heart of the holiday. Instead of being swept away by marketing and sales, they can find ways to bring the focus back to family, connection, and generosity.

This Christmas let’s consider what really makes the season special. It’s not the flashiest toys or the most elaborate decorations but the moments spent with loved ones, the memories made and the kindness shared. With a little mindfulness and intention, families can redefine Christmas for themselves, finding joy in simplicity and meaning in togetherness.

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