A Little Reminder this Festive Season

• Not everyone has the money for a big Christmas
• A lot of people have social anxiety or depression or are neurodivergent which makes it hard to be around others during what is supposed to be a joyful occasion
• Not everyone has family or friends to spend it with
• Many people will go hungry this Christmas
• Many people are triggered or anxious around events involving excessive alcohol or food consumption
• Wars don’t stop because it’s Christmas
• Landfill and oceans will be inundated with plastics and waste this Christmas – be a mindful consumer
• Children don’t need as much as you may think – rethink that plastic novelty gift that will be forgotten come January
• Not all cultures or religions celebrate this time of year, be aware and respectful of that
• Our desire for convenience (easy online shopping and fast delivery) may be harming the planet and putting money in the pockets of corrupt corporations and unethical billionaires (cough cough Amazon)
• You don’t have to overeat or overdrink just because it’s a public holiday
• Going into debt just to give someone “the perfect Christmas” isn’t worth it and if they knew about it, I’m sure they wouldn’t want you to
• Not everyone wants to be around family at Christmas because they make them feel bad about themselves
• People who work in retail are deserving of your respect; just because you’re stressed doesn’t mean you get to take it out on them while shopping for presents at the busiest time of the year
• Hosting and cooking for lots of people is stressful – help out and leave negative comments behind
• Some women will be abused for not providing what is expected of them this season – especially when their partner drinks too much with the excuse “it’s Christmas”
• Delivering parcels isn’t an easy job, it can be stressful and low pay, especially this time of year; thank your courier
• For some, this is the most awful time of year

Here’s an eye-opening documentary that my husband watched on mass overconsumption of goods, consumerism and capitalism:

Buy Now documentary on Netflix

Sincerely,

S. xx