Ways to Avoid Commercialism This Christmas

Here are some ways you can avoid all the commercialism and focus on the true reason for the season this Christmas.

Focus

It all begins with your focus and being intentional. If you let yourself get swept away by all the commercials, promotions, advertisements, and sales you definitely can. Instead, take some time away from all the media for quiet reflection and prayer. Listen to classical music or Christian music instead of the holiday stations that are playing the same consumer-focused songs over and over again.

Take time to observe advent, the four weeks before Christmas. Instead of treating Christmas as a commercial holiday that begins the day after Thanksgiving, celebrate the joy and hope, the anticipation of a long-awaited savior that the world desperately needs. Don’t overload your schedule with all the things social media says you should do. Instead, make memories that will last far longer by volunteering at a charity, visiting an elderly neighbor, or going to a church service. Take time to be reflective and thankful, not busy and greedy.

Family and Friends

Gift giving is an area where you can show thoughtfulness without consumerism. Do away with lists, and don’t ask kids what they want. Lists create product-driven expectations and a self-centered mentality. Pay attention to what their needs are and try to meet them as you can. Keep gift giving simple, and support local artists, small businesses, and fair trade organizations as much as possible.

Spending time with family and friends is one of the best parts of the holiday season. Instead of focusing on what you will wear, or what they will give you, think about new traditions you can start together, stories to swap, activities to do, or a way you could serve them this year like watching pets so they can go on vacation, doing dishes after a big meal, or transporting relatives to the airport.

Faith

Mostly importantly Christmas should be a time to reflect on faith in Jesus, not faith in Santa. Take time to teach children about the real reason for the season. Choose not to participate in Santa-themed ideology, and watch family movies that celebrate faith and values rather than commercial movies that focus on reindeer and shopping. Some more ideas are to attend church services, start a new devotional, or participate in a Bible study.