I'm working on an argument paper for my writing class and I would like some feedback from friends and family. Here are a few facts to get you thinking:
- Americans throw away about 25 million tons of trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. This is about 25 percent more than normal, or roughly 1 million extra tons of garbage per week.
- If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.
- It takes an average of six months for a credit card user to pay off their holiday debt.
- Americans buy enough greeting cards to fill a football stadium 10 stories high!
My thesis is that by reducing the craze of holiday consumption we could reinvigorate the original intent of the holiday season as a time of family togetherness and spiritual connectedness. By replacing store bought, mass produced, over packaged goods with handmade items, or giving time instead of stuff, we could significantly lower consumer debt and eliminate the environmental impact of old holiday cards, wrapping paper, gifts that end up in the trash, and the gas we use to drive around shopping.
As some of you know, I have not been a huge fan of the holidays since I started working for the "Plastic Palace" when I was 22. Working for Toys R Us for 13 years traumatized me, leaving me permanently scarred, cynical, and soured on a time of year that I loved as a kid.
Working in retail management meant that "the season" was all about selling enough plastic trinkets to turn a profit before the year ended. It meant working 70 to 80 hour work weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
It meant seeing the ugliest side of consumerism year after year as drunk, dead beat dads yelled at me for not having the hot toy of the year on Christmas Eve when they actually remembered that they had fathered a child and decided to go shopping.
It meant watching people overindulging their hyper-materialistic spawn with cartloads of crap that they heard them whining for since Halloween ended and the holiday toy ads started running relentlessly during children's 28 hours of weekly TV watching (yes that is the American average).
It meant watching a parent pull multiple maxed out credit cards from their wallet to pay for the carts of future landfill that would soothe their guilty conscience for the time they didn't spend with them. I couldn't help but wonder how many of these parents were bankrupting their children's education funds by digging themselves too deep in the hole of credit debt for the sake of keeping up with the Jones' kids.
Why do we do this? Has it always been this way? What does Christmas have to do with going into debt to buy gifts for people that are not in need of much of anything at all? What about the environmental impact of all the stuff that we get and give?
In researching these questions I found several movements that are into alternative ideas for holiday gift giving:
There is the "Buy Nothing Christmas" which, as their name states, believes in giving gifts that do not require buying anything. http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/
There is the "Hundred Dollar Holiday" where you spend no more than a hundred bucks total on the holidays. http://www.newdream.org/newsletter/100holiday.php
There is the "Simplify your Holiday" idea that has great alternative gift ideas and tools to help reevaluate what the holidays mean for you or your family. http://www.newdream.org/holiday/simplify.pdf
Buy Nothing Day (http://adbusters.org/metas/eco/bnd/) is a boycott of Black Friday and they do some fun things to raise awareness about over consumption. Here is a CNN interview of the founder of Adbusters magazine talking about why Buy Nothing Day exists.
Americans consume a huge majority of the resources from the world while we comprise only a small fraction of the total population. Each item that we purchase has a hidden cost in terms of environmental damage. Future generations may not be able to afford the debt which we are incurring right now. We are voraciously consuming the planet's resources at a rate which was unsustainable a long time ago and which becomes even more unsustainable as the global population continues to soar.
So, what can I do? I don't really know where to begin. I feel guilty and helpless. I feel overwhelmed. I've read a little bit here and there on this topic over the last few years and I've avoided dealing with it head on. I call it a case of long term denial. It's easy to push away when the price most likely won't have to be paid in my lifetime. Or will it?
I'm starting small. I have converted to 100% renewable sourced electricity in our apartment. I recycle (sometimes). After researching my paper I have decided to join New American Dream. It is an organization that
"exists to create that positive impact. We work with individuals, institutions, communities, and businesses to conserve natural resources, counter the commercialization of our culture, and change the way goods are produced and consumed. As for the "new" in New American Dream, we help people live the dream, but in a way that ensures a livable planet for current and future generations. Our message isn't about deprivation. It's about getting more of what really matters—more time, more nature, more fairness, and more fun. "
What do you think about all this? Any counter arguments? Can the holidays be meaningful and fun without the buying? I want to hear your opinions?
Paul, I think you have such a great argument. I personally would like the holidays to be focused on giving to others through service. I'm also big on spending it with family, but to be honest -- sometimes that's just emotionally draining on me. Holidays come with a lot of high expectations, especially for presents. My nieces and nephews start talking to me about Christmas presents in September. I'm glad they enjoy it, but it just seems excessive.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I say this without my own family, so I'm not sure how critical I can be. But it just seems bizarre.
I must add though... in your efforts to delve into the "holidays", are you including the actual beginnings? Meaning -- are you talking about Pagan soltice celebrations? To me, I think that's pretty interesting (but maybe that's just the Pagan in me). I love that the "Church" created Christmas around the solstice to draw attention away from the Pagan celebrations.
Hasn't Christmas always been kinda' "controversial?"
Just a thought.
Yours ideas are way more thought-out than mine.
Paul, I thought this was great. I don't enjoy Christmas and I find that most people don't get it, at all. I am grateful for a good partner that appreciates the gifts that do not cost money. The best part of your argument was the time you took to research resources and stats, gotta love it. Jessica does remind me however, that I have to be considerate of the beliefs of others. Not sure why, but it reminds me of when I worked for the Jewish Educational Alliance in Georgia and my Jewish colleagues volunteered to work in various health care positions during the holidays so Christians could be with their families. I have yet to see any of my Christian colleagues, myself included, volunteer for the Jews during Hannekah or anything else so they can be with their families. Regardless, your last few blogs have struck a chord with me in various different ways, and I appreciate that you take time to put these things in writing.
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteI love what you have so eloquently written. I couldn't agree more. I see my own family getting pulled in that direction as my husband's family is so deeply entrenched in all the materialism of the holidays. I, myself, love the simplicity of basics and the pureness of unspoiled children who delight in being read stories and playing tickle more than they love some meaningless piece of trash that WILL sit in some land fill giving off toxins for generations to come. That is certainly not the gift that keeps on giving, in a good way! You are so brilliant bro. I love how your mind works. Your integrity is to be admired. I love you and am proud of the man you are.
P.S. I read your blogs often and I enjoy the way you express yourself in ways that are so mind provoking and inspiring.
Funny--I read this post not an hour after James and I had a similar conversation. I don't go into it now (check MY post) but it seems like we're on the same page.
ReplyDeleteNo counter-arguments here. But then, when do I really disagree with you?
Oh, and none of my favorite holiday memories involve gifts. I think that's an adequate measure of how the holidays work for you--I mean, the first thing I think of when someone mentions Christmas is how, when I was little, every Christmas Eve we'd all pile in the blue Volkswagen van and look at Christmas lights. Such a silly, simple, and not necessarily spiritual activity--but it meant that we were a family, and tradition is tradition. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteVery insightful. Who would think that letting your children watch morning cartoons on every new toy available would lead to this? I knew how wrong it all seemed and felt drawn- kicking and screaming into it. Not that you couldn't tell your "little people" no, but then it was seeing the sad or angry and misunderstanding faces looking at you because all their friends had the "stuff" they saw on T.V. It was like being addicted to a drug everyone was using and you just couldn't say no to them. You felt like a cheap, unempathetic, and uncaring parent.
ReplyDeletePaul, I must confess. I sneak a peak at your blog. I so thoroughly enjoy how you state things and raise such interesting questions.
ReplyDeleteIn my family, the holidays were always more about the food than the gifts. As kids, we gave each other service activities that were written down in a box or were home made. Even now, most of my gifts involve time with another family member like golf excursions with dad, or massages with mom.
In my extended family, we draw names and give one gift that must be homemade. I like the idea that it has to be made from recycled or reused materials. Even my nieces and nephews get one collective gift from their aunts and uncles.
One year, we used the wrapping paper from the gifts to make paper pulp with dried flowers and made our own stationery for thank you cards.
Tamara, thanks for sharing about the winter solstice! I think I start sounding like a broken record because I tell people this all the time. But it is also why I insist on having greenery in my house. Keeps the rebel in me alive and kicking!
As a side note: Good job with going 100% renewable. I did that a year ago and couldn't be happier. I am actually on 100% wind energy and got an added bonus of not having my energy rates increase for 5 years.
A couple of responses to comments made:
ReplyDeleteTamara, I looked into the solstice thing and thought that it was quite interesting. I could probably write a whole other paper/post about the origins of holidays. Christianity has done a fine job of taking existing holidays from pagan (and many other) traditions, adapting them a little, slapping on a new name, and calling it their own. Christmas is, of course, a prime example.
Gage, thanks for your thoughtful response. Tell Jessica that I agree with her call for respect. I used to hate the holidays completely but I realized that when I got into the real meaning of Christmas giving, I actually enjoyed it.
Dee Dee, thanks for reading, commenting, and all of your compliments. Good to see family comments on this blog!
Audrey, I hope you’re feeling better! Thanks for commenting. I love the picture you painted of you and James sitting there in Fred Meyer, confronted by cheese-ball holiday overload. My favorite memories of Christmas are of service oriented things that our family did and that I was able to do through different church organizations. I will never forget some of my presents that I got for Christmas as a kid though!! Six-million Dollar Man (Steve Austin) with Bionic Recharging Space Capsule and Planet of the Apes Treehouse with Trap Door Capture Net come to mind. Undoubtedly eternalized at the bottom of some 70’s landfill now. Dang it!
Mom, (Charlene) my heart leapt with joy to see that you have finally figured out how to comment on my blog! I know that the pressure for parents is intense to BUY! I think the real mistake was letting us watch TV at all. Of course we would have driven you crazy over that too.
Sara, thanks for your confession; I forgive you for your sin of reading my blog. Thanks for sharing some of your family traditions; pretty progressive. I love the PGE rate lock; we got that deal too!
Paul, I have a counter argument for you.
ReplyDeleteEvery year in India they celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Billions of people light thousands of firecrackers. It's gorgeous, it's wonderful, and it leaves a HUGE mess over the whole country.
Also, every year in India they celebrate Holi, the festival of color. They throw powdered color on themselves, on each other, on the streets, on houses, everywhere. This isn't biodegradable, earth friendly powder. People get skin rashes, they get it in their eyes, it sinks into the land...
These celebrations compare with our greeting cards and piles of Christmas wrapping paper in its harm of the earth. Where is the balance? Should we cancel these holidays because of the effect on the environment? I used to think so.
What we wouldn't be able to convert into earth-friendly numbers and statistics, however, is the emotional and spiritual excitement, importance, and anticipation of these special days, and the miserable disappointment if they were taken away.
So whether we like it or not, we will tread on this earth. The question is, then, the intelligence of our boot marks. Is it possible to lighten or alter our damaging treads to produce effective alternatives?
I believe so, and I also believe that's where we're going next as humankind.
Concerning consumerism at Christmas... I do agree with you. My family and I have started a tradition where we spend the whole month of December on "Christmas Experiences", not gifts. We go to the opera, the ballet, the mountains for snowtubing... we give days and evenings of the calendar to each other. And then on Christmas morning, we'll find nothing under the tree except another experience...(this year I believe we're making a music video together!)
But make no mistake, I'm pro-Santa. (I wrote this part first on Audrey's blog and decided to bring it over here for your "research".)
I have no problem with people believing in him, no problem with gaudy decorations, no probelm with people buying stuff for other people. There's so much that people don't choose to believe in that if this works for them, I say it's a score for our team. I believe everyone needs something to believe in, even if it's Wal Mart. (Who am I to use my prejudices to say you're wrong and I'm right?) The stories of WalMart, Jesus the Christ and Ganesh the Elephant God are just as ethereal and mythical and hard to believe as Santa.
And of course, all things in balance. I would have the same advice for both the Consumer and the Christian: Don't make yourself go crazy trying to spend or save thousands.
http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/
ReplyDeleteA good read and good resource
I love your thoughts on this and totally agree. Retail made me too very cynical about the holidays. this year I am trying to look at it from another perspective. I am excited about the "Buy Handmade Pledge" here: http://www.buyhandmade.org/.
ReplyDelete-Chelsea
Paul, I got your last post, thanks! Audrey said she is trying to set something up for Friday the 21. See if you can be available, we will be there. I should have my licensure test out of the way by then, and we want you to come stay with us after that, we can plan the details, which will hopefully in turn convince the Wrights to come see us later too! I know you will love this little town even in the off season! I need someone to come sample by Chocolate French toast so I know if my wife is placating me or not, seriously though, get up here later this month or the first of the new year!
ReplyDeletei just have to say that while i agree with a lot of the philosophies, i just don't think i could give up gift giving!
ReplyDeletei DO remember tons of presents i've gotten, & i feel warm & special and loved when i think of those memories!
and i am SO excited about all the presents i got forrest! because i love him so much! i just want to GIVE to him! and it's the one time when you have the chance to completely throw away financial practicality-- utterly ignore the little voice that would normally say "yeah, that would be nice, but we really shouldn't..." it's CHRISTMAS! you can get your loved ones something really, really great! yesss!
okay, that said, we've also spent a LOT of time making things for our families. and we like that, too. and simplistic & less stressful are certainly directions i want to go with Christmas. but i just can't let go of the excitement of knowing i've gotten my sweetie something absolutely fantastic, & he has no idea...
{:D
I haven't read any of the comments, and it looks like there may be some quality responses here. It's taken me this long to get around to reading this post, because I was so thoroughly enjoying the one part of the holiday that still holds significant meaning for me: being with family.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have felt the way you do for a long time. I finally convinced my siblings to do without our gift exchange this year. (Of course, a few that believe that gift giving is what one MUST do did so anyway, but most obliged.) We have decided to continue with our gift of sharing memories/stories instead of objects. This year, we chose to share memories of our Grandmother, which was timely as she passed from this life on the 29th.
However, with several young children in my life I was conflicted. We often actually don't buy toys or things for our young siblings because there are SO many adults in their lives who do... including birth parents who show their love once a year through cheap plastic stuff. (We're the ones who secretly throw out any broken plastic stuff within their mountain of toys when no one is looking.)
Not to mention the recalls left and right of toys that have been manufactured below legal safety guidelines, poisoning our children with lead paints, not to mention the legal poisons in several plastics (BPAs and such) that are all over the place.
It becomes more difficult when you have a child of your own. Suddenly, you notice toys you loved as a child and want to pass that same joy on... or you see something you know your kid will love... or you know that toy cell phone will allow you the opportunity to talk on your real phone without the toddler grabbing it from your hands. We didn't think we would buy our kid any toys, as he'd have so many hand-me-downs, plus grandparents and aunts and uncles who love to give stuff. However, sometimes it cannot be resisted.
The key, for me, is moderation. Gifting IS a part of the holiday, but when it gets to the point of expectation, competition, or compensation it loses value.
Expectation: When I took my little sis-in-law to the store with me, I warned her she could only use words like "I like this" but if she said anything close to "buy me this" we would leave immediately. Too bad I couldn't enforce the rule at home with commercials.
Competition: I have a SIL that seems to compete for "favorite aunt/sister" and her method is by gifting. Not just at Christmas, either, but any time she comes over. She has even accused Erik and I of not caring for the kids, partially because we don't give them STUFF. This, to me, is very ugly... especially when I know she's been out of work for a while.
Compensation: You've already covered in your post. No need.
As far as environmental impact: I did make a change this year that I'm excited about. Instead of wrapping paper, I used cloth scraps to sew reusable bags that I have now stored with the holiday things so I can rewrap with them next year. I credit my sister for this idea, as she has been using it for several years now.
Thank you for giving me a place to rant a little about some Christmas related things. The religious angle is something I can save for another day.
Also, I found this article very interesting: "Four things kids really want for Christmas."
ReplyDeletePaul. Valued Argument and i agree. In our family we don't really buy gifts, although I do buy some supplies so that I can make the gifts. This years gift were hand made picture/art frames. I used wood that we had from from old floors, planned them and they were like new!~ Not only did I spend the time to make them, it gave me the time reflect about the people that I was giving them. Although I did buy a present for my niece ad nephew, but couldn't resist the firetruck puzzle. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeletepascal