As the cranberry sauce is a distant memory and the first door of the Advent calendar is opened, we’ve officially entered The Holiday Season. For many, this time of year revolves around Christmas—though, of course, other holidays are also celebrated across diverse faiths and cultures. Yet, Christmas undeniably claims much of the spotlight, and with it, a significant portion of our economic attention.
Let’s face it: Christmas is an economic juggernaut, driving spending on everything from decorations to extravagant gifts. According to data compiled by Exploding Topics, Americans shelled out $502.7 billion on Christmas in 2009—a staggering figure, but one that nearly doubled by 2022, reaching $936.3 billion.
To put that in perspective, the National Center for Educational Statistics reports that the U.S. spent $927 billion on public elementary and secondary schools for the 2020-2021 school year. That’s right—over $9 billion more was spent on one holiday than on the entire education system in the country. For those of us who value education, this is a sobering statistic.
The Irony of Over-the-Top Spending
It’s hard not to feel conflicted about the commercialization of Christmas, especially considering its religious origins. Christmas was meant to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, a figure who famously drove money changers from the temple and condemned the mixing of commerce with faith (Matthew 21:12-13). The irony isn’t lost on me that, in modern times, Christmas has become synonymous with commercial excess, with money flowing like never before.
Yet, as much as I may cringe at the spectacle of holiday spending, I also embrace the joy and cheer that come with it. I’m a big fan of the traditions—decking the halls, singing carols, and indulging in festive treats like crackers, eggnog, and chocolate oranges. In a year filled with news of political discord and global uncertainty, I find solace in these small, joyful moments.
Reimagining Gift Giving
Despite the commercial frenzy, I’ve found ways to make the holiday more meaningful. A few years ago, our family adopted the Icelandic tradition of gifting books and cocoa on Christmas Eve—a simple yet deeply satisfying ritual. For actual presents, we focus more on experiences than material items, prioritizing shared activities over objects. As our children have grown, we’ve empowered them to choose charities and causes to support with our family donations. This shift towards thoughtful giving has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the holiday season.
This year, I plan to continue this tradition, with an emphasis on causes close to our hearts. The political climate and threats to our community’s values have made me more determined than ever to give back. We’ll be compiling lists of issues we care about, from animal welfare and human rights to defending public trust institutions like a free press and public radio. We’ll evaluate the organizations we support through tools like Charity Navigator, ensuring our donations go to groups that truly make a difference. And, yes, our local libraries will likely receive a generous contribution this year as well.
Spending with Purpose
In a world where we spend more on Christmas than on the education of our children, I can’t help but feel the need to rebalance our priorities. I encourage others to consider the impact of their holiday spending and to reflect on how we can give thoughtfully and intentionally—whether through donations, experiences, or simply time spent with loved ones.
For now, though, let’s celebrate. The joy of the season has its purpose, and as we navigate through the winter months, I encourage you to light a candle, raise a glass of eggnog, and sing your way into the holidays with purpose and heart.
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