The vibrant colours of the retail seasons

Many people who know me, or who perhaps read my previous post, will know that I have an aversion to the commercialization and materialism of the Christmas season. I am well aware that retail outlets would suffer greatly if more people approached buying with my need-versus-want mentality. However, after reading that on Boxing Day police closed the exit ramp of our major highway for four hours due to the backup of traffic attempting to enter an outlet mall, I have no doubt that I’m in the minority when it comes to shopping aversion. My days of Boxing Day shopping are thankfully a vague memory.

Outside Michael Kors store – Kris Dube, The Welland Tribune

‘Tis that time of year again

At the start of December, I had two close friends comment that they don’t particularly like December. One did add that the anxiety lessened as the month progressed, whereas I know that the other chooses to avoid people on Christmas Day. From my personal experience, I can vouch for the fact that many people don’t connect with the trappings of Christmas witnessed almost anywhere in December in developed countries. In Canada, the season starts commercially even earlier; the day after Halloween the candy is cleared and the Christmas merchandise takes its place.