Opting Out Of Christmas Consumption
For several years now we have been slowly cutting back on our consumption at Christmas. Every year we have managed to reduce the amount we spend and the garbage we create. Did you know that the average person creates 25% more waste during the Christmas season?
This year, aside from my annual family and friends photo calendars and some fancy chocolate, we won’t be buying any retail gifts. I’m quite proud of that fact.
Check out this list of Brilliant Christmas Gifts Under $20 or free that I guarantee people will love. Yeah, that’s right, FREE.
As one of my readers pointed out to me recently consumption is consumption, regardless if it is retail or secondhand, which is of course, true.
Ideally we would all be happy with what we have now and never buy anything again. Unfortunately that isn’t realistic.
The three Rs of the environment are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Reduction is our ultimate goal however reusing what is already on the planet is still better than buying new. Purchasing new always requires more energy and creates more waste than using something which already exists.
Secondhand does not mean second best. Shopping sustainably is good for our hearts, our wallets and most importantly, our only home, earth. Small choices amount to big changes for our world.
Opting Out Of Christmas Consumption
Opting out of the Christmas consumption means I can relax, not fight with the crowds and know that I’m not accumulating debt. Enjoying the season without the emphasis on spending money brings the focus back to spending time with those we love.
I haven’t given up everything. I can still be found baking a few Christmas cookies for the holidays but I have cut back on that too. It’s better for my waist and my health. It took me 52 years to understand the benefits of moderation.
I’m simplifying my holidays without losing the spirit of the season.
Do you find the holidays a stressful time of the year?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
Wonderful post, Suzanne. We opted out too, and haven’t done retail gifts for years. I think your Christmas cookies are a tradition that must be continued, however; a pug does not live by kibble alone! : >
Love your leather midi and G-belt and gorgeous bag, xox.
Yes, some cookies will continue to be part of our holidays : ) And you know know Zoë very well, she hardly lives on kibble alone! Ha!
I’ve been out for a long time. I think not having children, at least for me, plays a big factor in how much holiday-making goes on. I like strolling downtown when there are few people around and stores are all closed – the quiet is wonderful and rare – except for two or three stalwart cafes where I can pop in for coffee and a light decadent breakfast, which is one indulgence I still cling to. Happy non-holidays, Suzanne. You look festive, but we try to every day, right?
I agree when you don’t have kids you don’t feel the pressure as much. We do try every day : ) Hope and optimism is what I’m living on right now.
I agree. Most consumer purchases are mindless. We need to be more deliberate about how we use/waste our resources, both personal and environmental. I like how you frequently raise awareness of this. Too often people proceed without thought.
Thanks Ally : )
A tradition of seasonal overconsumption… This is a meaningful place to start.
It’s tragic that we haven’t modified our behavior long ago and frightening to think it may be too late.
Honestly much of my own holiday buying, behavior change is due to having less people to buy gifts for. Children grow older, parents are gone, friends are further away and seeing bunches of presents beneath the tree lacks the charm it once had.
It doesn’t feel difficult and I can’t be too righteous.
It’s clear we’ve reached a crucial stage.
I agree that as times have change and our lives evolve we realize that those old memories of Christmas past are never to be repeated.
I fear we are beyond saving ourselves and it is hard to maintain hope. I keep trying though.
I am all for making the holiday season as simple and enjoyable as possible. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of stress and over consumption that the season generates. We do buy small gifts , often books or a special treat . Time spent together is so much more important than overpriced gifts.
As I get older time becomes even more valuable.
I went to the mall yesterday (which is a little shocking, since I’m in France, where malls are few and shops usually are closed on Sundays, but just before Christmas they open 7/7). I was really disappointed in the fast fashion shops; in fact, that’s all there were. Places like Guess and Tommy Hilfiger (yes, in France) put on higher prices than Zara or H&M but the quality is still not great. Everything felt so flimsy. Also, polyester in everything; after hearing a podcast about how it decomposes about as well as a plastic bottle, I’ve sworn off it and will buy only 100% natural fibers…buy for others–I have enough clothes.
The gifts I appreciate most, as a receiver, are homemade. A hand-knitted scarf, a box of homemade chocolates.
I love seeing your outfits. Second-hand consumption might indeed still be consumption; on the other hand, you are helping create a market for goods that would otherwise go into a landfill. And stylish people like you also make it cool to wear vintage and second-hand.
It is difficult to find pieces that don’t have some polyester mixed into them. Even vintage items from the late 50s onward are often made out of polyester.
Did you know that every piece of plastic that was ever made in the world still exists today in some form? Too often it is as micro plastics being ingested by fish and in turn by us. We have poisoned the world and ourselves.
I do try to make vintage look cool : ) , so thanks for noticing! My goal is to rescue pieces from landfills and give them a second chance. Sometimes people can’t see the potential that still remains until they see it in a shop or on someone else.
Production of new is draining our last resources. A shift in consciousness is required if we are to save our planet.
If you’re wearing vintage polyester, then it isn’t being broken down into micro plastic and going into our water. But if you can wear cotton or wool, that composts!
Do you know the podcast 99 Percent Invisible? It’s all about design, and they did a miniseries, Articles of Interest, about clothing. Last Friday, there was a bonus episode in which the reporter of Articles of Interest talks about what she learned. She has sworn off fast fashion and vows to buy only second hand.
you look fabulous in your leather skirt and colorful shirt, I love this outfit!
Some time ago, we decided not to give nor receive presents (no children, so it was easy to do!) and it was best decission ever!. Everybody is happier and more relaxed, our family and friends enjoy a quality time chatting and having fun together!. And we’ve also cut the food overload which is so traditional and so stupid. I’m not going to spend hours cooking some expensive and exotic plates instead of having fun with people. Finally, everybody likes a simple, healthy and tasty food (or they pretend well!)
besos
I agree, having no kids makes it easier to step away from consumption.
Recognizing that the most important moments in our lives are those we spend quality time with each other is huge.
Love the leather skirt and the groovy shirt!
I’m sure you already know my thoughts and feelings on Xmas and my hatred of the rampant consumerism – I’ve banged on about it on my blog for the last ten years.
Other than my brother, Jon and I have no family, just friends. We do exchange gifts but, as our friends are of the same mindset as us, they’re handmade or vintage. Needless to say, our gifts are wrapped in brown paper and tied string – most Xmas wrapping paper isn’t recyclable due to the foil content and the un-environmentally friendly glitter same with the sticky tape.
We don’t eat or drink any more than we usually do – no cakes, no sweets, no chocolate, no party nibbles. As far as we’re concerned Xmas is for one day. We – and the rest of the Dead Relatives Society – go to the local Indian restaurant for lunch then it’s business as usual. I’ll be back on the Wii Fit on Boxing Day.
I’ve got a bikini to get into in less than three weeks time, I don’t want to be harpooned on the beach!
I only found that out about metallic gift wrap this year. I feel that kind of information should come as a warning with the paper so people know about it, like the warnings you get on cigarette packaging. Companies should be held accountable for creating non recyclable, environmentally dangerous products.
I also learned how terrible glitter and sequins are for the environment. It was shocking to me. All these years I’ve been adding to the problem makes me ill.
Yes, I’m sure you’re in full-on vacation mode already : )
I haven’t participated in the Christmas Consumption-Fest for years. I send a few cards but that’s it. As Mel pointed out, it is much easier to do if you don’t have children. I am surrounded by people at work who find the season very stressful, and end up spending their holidays travelling to visit various friends and relatives. Many have told me they are envious of my quiet, stress-free holidays.
I do think that many people find this time of the year stressful, especially if you have to spend it with family members that don’t get along.
Cherishing some quiet, cozy time with Sylvester sounds lovely.
AMEN! 😀
long gone are the years of x-mas stress – for me. first: i do not celebrate x-mas at all. second: i cant stand consumerism – of every kind. even with my 2.hand buys & DIYs i draw a strict line “do i really need it???”
looove your look – especially the skirt! xxxxx
I love your attitude and I’m always impressed and inspired by your green living.
We’ve been doing this too although I like how you describe it better. I kept thinking we were just being bad friends, and being lazy. No but seriously…..don’t you get overwhelmed with all the buy, buy, buy?? It’s not the idea of Christmas, yet people get so frantic about it.
It’s only been in the last 5-7 years that we’ve been trying to have experiences together instead of gifts. Even if it’s just dinner and a movie, at least we are all together. Not that we can remember which movie we saw then the next year when we talk about it…LOL!!! But this year we all (meaning moms, Rob and I) are staying in an iconic hotel in the city and then going to see Mary Poppins on Christmas.
I love how you say it took you 52 years to figure that out…I’m the same way. See? We do get smarter as we have more birthdays!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Christmas has become much more a business than a holiday which is a shame.
Experiences are what we cherish most in life. I find that especially true the older I get. We have a limited amount of time, best be using it well.
I love your idea of spending the day in an iconic hotel! I’ve got to remember this for another year. It’d be like a mini holiday.
I am concentrating on moderation in many areas. I like celebrating, but I don’t like the modern mania of the holiday season.
I used to be a go big or go home gal but with every year that passes I’m realizing there is something to be said for simply showing up with a smile on your face.
I’ve never really been into Christmas. It wasn’t even overly celebrated when I was a child, but when I left home it really became a non-event. Ever since I met Jos, we’ve made our own tradition and called it Pyjama Day, where we basically lounge around in our PJ’s all day, and then dress up for a gourmet meal by dinner time. This is the one and only extravagance we allow ourselves. No present buying, no over-consumption. I work in the city centre and find it sickening to see the present buying masses (I call them the Christmas Zombies) spending their hard-earned money buying presents nobody really wants. I actually wish it was over already, but then again I am looking forward to the time off. xxx
We used to do PJ day too! We only got dressed when we went to my parent’s house for dinner. The luxury of lounging in PJs all day and reading or watching Netflix is delightful. My family now lives a 5 hour plane ride away so we haven’t spent a Christmas there in a very long time.
Suzanne – it’s so difficult to opt out of Christmas consumption when you have children and grandchildren!
My daughter, for example, simply adores Christmas and always has even when she was very tiny. Everyone in the family comes to us for Christmas and we have a great time BUT my dream is to go out for Christmas dinner one Christmas Day!
I used to get into debt for Christmas buying everything on a credit card and paying it off interest free over the year and then doing it all over again. I don’t do that anymore. I save for Christmas and this year set a strict budget which I’ve managed to stick to. I haven’t bought any wrapping paper but have used brown paper and used ribbons bought from charity shops to tie them up. I haven’t bought Christmas cards for years and am still working my way through what I bought years ago. I send very few Christmas cards.
I am hoping to make more hand made Christmas gifts next year, I only managed one this year…
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and don’t forget to treat the pug!
I’m sure it would be very tough when you have kids and grandkids. I love the idea of everyone pitching in and only buying one gift per child. I love that idea now, when I was a kid I’m not sure I would have been too keen on it.
It doesn’t surprise me learn you’re recycling your wrapping bows and using brown paper. Hooray! Every little bit counts.
It is harder with kids. That said, we have had a conversation with our teenage boys and have agreed on one big present each. The surprising thing is the fun we are having now the kids are buying gifts as well. They get almost more enjoyment over this than the prospect of receiving. Almost. I like how Christmas highlights giving and can make us more generous than usual. The trick is not to let it run away with us, but be intentional. I try not to judge those who have chosen to buy masses of gifts as it may be very intentional.
I find gift giving ultra stressful as I struggle with reading people. What I think they might like is often wide of the mark. ( Sooo many forced smiles.) So I ask for suggestions but my kids want it to be a surprise. We had to have a conversation about how stressful that is as well!
Lots of opportunities for connections.
I hope your Christmas is very special.
xo Jazzy Jack
I think just buying one gift per person is the BEST idea! It’ll be something the person wants and will use. Plus it will teach the kids to value that item more and appreciate what they have.
It is wonderful the kids are enjoying gift giving. I remember how excited I was as a kid to trying to figure out what to make or buy my Mom for Christmas.
We used to make Christmas lists and then the other people would know exactly what we wanted. No stress or forced smiles.
When your reader says “consumption is consumption, regardless if it is retail or secondhand” I see what they mean… in that we can have a consumption mindset of our own, which isn’t always good.
But the difference is the message it sends to companies who make too much stuff: which is nothing. If I buy almost all my goods second hand (I buy all clothes secondhand, and most other physical goods too, honestly) then manufacturers aren’t getting my dollar or my vote. And thus produce less stuff.
I agree with you. I don’t want to continue feeding money to companies that are destroying the earth. The only way we can make our voices heard is where we choose to spend our money.
Hi Suzanne
Leading up to Christmas, I had gone with my hubby on Black Friday to see about a computer deal. Long story short, I was pushed, bumped into etc, without a manner or excuse me in sight, I didn’t like the feeling that day. What is so urgent that you must have it??
Family is most important to me, and I’ll be visiting at my mom’s with all my siblings and new 1 yr old nephew Aedan, he can tear into gifts.
Happy Holiday
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Yikes! You went out on Black Friday? I’ve heard you need combat clothing in order to do that.
I’m guilty I’m afraid. Although this year we spend all the festivities out doors so we don’t buy anything actually! And for the dress…. I let one be made…..didn’t buy a retail one. Happy Christmas Suzanne!
I am good in this department. We never buy any presents for each other, although we did for a couple of years with Ron’s daughter Nicky. This year we struck that. The tree is always the same one as are the decorations. And food is modest. I am still cutting back on the spending, although I sometimes slip. The last slip is because I gave something away that I loved and needed replacing. Well.. needed is an overrated word, I grant you that.
Greetje
Many years ago my husband and I made a pact, no Christmas presents. Rather save the money for a fun trip or night out. We’ve also told family and friends not to get us anything. It has become too crazy with the Christmas season becoming a stressful, obligation filled time that many don’t even end up enjoying. So many people around me are complaining how stressed they are and most of it revolves around holiday traffic and shopping in crowded stores.
I do bake and give cookies away or sometimes make a little crafty thing. But most of all we just enjoy good food and cocktails with close friends and family during the holidays. Very laid back.
And hope you have a wonderful, relaxing Christmas too, Suzanne!
Wonderful timely post Suzanne.
Love your vintage blouse and gorgeous skirt.
I did not buy too much this season, only items that I know were needed, but yes I bought new.. for the men in my life.. my son and hubby who really needed some new shirts. All cotton and made to last. My daughter got gold hoop earrings. Handmade cards for all.
I also won’t buy polyester unless it is vintage. I wore old dresses for Christmas,and the holiday week, but I did buy one new one.. which I feel a bit guilty over, but my size is shifting and it fit well. [ steroids make my weight fluctuate) . New Year’s Eve will find me in something I already own.
Saving things from landfill is paramount. I travel with bags so I do not need the plastic ones.
Thanks for reinforcing this message. It is so important. I resuse ribbons for gifts..
This holiday, so far, has been pretty relaxing..
One of my pet peeves is faux fur which looks awful after a time .. I am definitely anti teddy bear coat! Unless it is vintage!
Enjoy!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
It took me years to convince my parents to stop overloading us (children and grandchildren) with (very expensive) gifts at Christmas. In the end I got my way.
Then I met Frits and he and his kids turned out to do the same with Christmas, so again I went on a quest to get everyone on board to break this habit. Last Christmas was the first time that we did NOT “do” ridiculously many and expensive gifts. Such a relief for me.