Love & Capitalism
Image Courtesy: Getty Images
Why do people love holidays so much? The answer is easier than we may think. With the daily routine of work, school, errands, and more work, they simply give us something to look forward to. The predictability of the dates and the chance to reconnect with others provide a silver lining to our year. February, the season of love, is one people both love and dread. But despite the most love-hating individual out there, everyone can admit they look forward to possibly receiving some chocolates. Coincidentally, the holidays are when businesses look to generate the most money. Prices go up, Valentine’s sale emails go straight into the spam folder, and we can almost feel the subliminal messages on TV to buy more engagement rings. Sadly, this over-consumerism has been the main focus of many anti-holiday sentiments lately, and with good reason. When you realize that the few moments of happiness we get are all part of a greater marketing scheme, it makes sense to give up on putting in effort altogether. However, what must remain true is the initial values of why we celebrate these holidays to begin with, and why we look forward to them in the first place. We can still celebrate without commercialization.
Image Courtesy: Statista
The graph on the left shows how much money shoppers planned to spend on jewelry for Valentine’s Day. Overlooking the unusual spike in 2020, the graph seems to stay relatively steady. Once we get to more recent years, such as 2022, the amount has increased dramatically and is the highest in all the decade. Evidently, the jewelry market had done its job in reeling in clientele. The graph on the right shows holiday retail sales for the last 23 years. As we can see, they’ve done nothing but go straight up. Valentines isn’t the only victim of this, as it’s become a running joke that stores take out their Christmas inventory before Halloween has even begun. But is this all there is to holidays? There certainly was a time before TV commercials and influencers. There was a time when you’d write a note on a candy wrapper with a flower you found during recess.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Instead of falling into the despair of capitalism, the key is to focus on what you want to accomplish during the holidays. For some, it’s to create a connection, for others, it’s memories, and for some, they just want to have fun. Forget what the media tells you everyone needs, forget what’s trending or the shiny new product on the shelf. If you put in the effort to make that initial connection, then you’ll find there’s nothing else you need. Sure, one might argue that “holidays are made up to sell more.” And maybe it’s true. But the reality is, who doesn’t need a break? The initial intentions may have been skewed against us, but they don’t control us. So, this holiday instead of stressing yourself out by the price of your gift, instead focus on the person you’re giving it to. Love your friends, your family, and your neighbors. Bring back the sense of community that holidays once made us feel.
Strike Out,
Writer: Ana Guardado
Editor: Isabel Wilder
Tallahassee