The holidays are known to be filled with joy and cheer to bond with the ones you love, unfortunately over the years, commercialization from companies has taken away from the true meaning of the holiday season. 

Companies produce large amounts of decorations and create commercials that are meant to grab people’s attention. Since there is such a large production of holiday advertising, more and more money is being spent year by year.

According to the National Retail Federation, Holiday spending has increased by 45% over the last decade. Over the course of the 2019 holiday season, the U.S. spent $729.1 billion.

Overproduction from holiday companies has manipulated customers into buying their products. Holiday sales are a huge part of the season such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Because these sales are always available, people start buying these cheaper gifts because they are out for a short amount of time.

”I definitely think corporations intend to manipulate people to buy their holiday items by putting out different types of sales. I know bogo sales are always a huge hit,” said senior Celia Palamalayil. 

Since companies manipulate and overproduce, their consumers feel inclined to buy gifts because of the sales the company advertises.

“People overbuy gifts or buy them just for the sake of getting a gift,” said senior Claire Hickson.

Over the years, holiday gifts have been over-advertised for companies’ financial gain. Many are found focusing on their gift-giving during the season to please the ones they love with gifts they think they will enjoy. Gift-giving is loved by many during the season and allows family and friends to show their appreciation for each other. Companies are found taking advantage of this enjoyment, and it causes consumers to buy buy buy, so the company is left with more money in their pocket.

“I do think the idea of gifts, in general, is part of the meaning of Christmas because it’s showing others they’re important to you. Stores and companies definitely do take advantage of that, though, and try to make a profit off of it and make it more about the price and quantity than the quality or meaning behind it,” Hickson said.

Many find joy in buying and receiving gifts during the season from multiple different companies, but these companies can also increase people’s need for more. 

“I think materialism has grown over the years around the holidays since people prioritize having the newest clothes and items to stay socially accepted,” Palamalayil said.

With  the large production of holiday advertising, increasing holiday sales and the love of gift giving, companies tactics to manipulate consumers and they are taking away from the true meaning of the holiday season.