Holiday Spirit vs. Holiday Sale

Why does the holiday season feel like an annual tug-of-war between meaning and marketing?

December rolls around, and we’re bombarded with flashing discounts, cheery jingles, and a societal urge to consume. Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s something undeniably magical about this time of year. The twinkling lights, the crisp air, the unspoken hope of something better—it cuts through the noise.

Here’s the paradox: The commercial machine runs harder during the holidays than any other time. Yet, for all its faults, it somehow leaves room for connection. Families gather. Old friends resurface. Strangers smile just a little more.

Maybe it’s not about rejecting the materialism outright. Perhaps the secret lies in reclaiming it. Instead of letting sales define the season, let’s redefine what the “holiday spirit” means. Use it as a chance to unplug, reflect, and choose joy over obligation.

The holidays don’t have to be about the biggest gift or the most Insta-worthy tree. They can be about stillness, gratitude, and small moments that cost nothing.
This year, challenge yourself: can you find the magic without the frenzy?

What would the holidays look like if we let go of the expectations and embraced the essence instead?

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