What The Holiday Season Is Really About

Gingerbread houses, watching holiday movies and being kind was what the holiday season was all about. Now it’s more about what someone is getting for you as a gift.

Shopping has become the main priority during the holiday season and every year the amount people spend increases.

Senior Britany Balkissoon said, “For Christmas, I only got presents for my parents, brother, and sister.  I spent way more than I thought I would. Don’t judge me but I spent around $3,000. But honestly I don’t regret it too much because it was for my family and they always get me stuff that I need so I wanted to get them nice things.”

In a study done by the Stanford University’s Frank Flynn and London Business School, Gabrielle Adams did a survey on the relationship between how expensive a gift was and how much appreciation the giver got for it. She found that if the receivers thought the gift cost a lot of money, the more appreciation they gave the givers. People want to spend more on others so that they will receive more love and gratitude even though they can’t afford it.

Britany Balkissoon said she received “ Uggs, face masks and other skin care stuff, charms for my pandora bracelet, a jacket, jeans, jewelry, stuff like that,” Balkissoon continued, “Next year I’d tell myself to watch my spending.”

People are buying a lot of gifts for others during the holiday season and are stressing when the bills come.  Photo Credit: www.redwigwam.com

People are buying a lot of gifts for others during the holiday season and are stressing when the bills come.
Photo Credit: www.redwigwam.com

If you are someone who likes to give gifts, but doesn’t want to dig too deep in their wallets, here are some tips:

  1. Figure out who you are buy gifts for.
  2. Set a price limit.
  3. Try to think of your gifts early and buy them in advance.
  4. Check multiple websites and stores to price match items.

Safeeya Samad

Hi, I’m Safeeya and I write for the opinion section of the website. I chose the opinion section because I like to be open minded and hear about peoples’ opinions on all topics. I want to inform others about the different thoughts and ideas that are all in our school.