11 Dec Retail, Retail, Retail

Christmas is supposed to be a time of giving, loving and sharing memories of the years past. I think many people have lost sight of what the term “giving” really means. As an employee in the retail world, I experience this first hand. I see the hustle and bustle of the malls at Christmas time, where families are running around searching for the best deal and the lowest price tag. It is a rush of just trying to get it done, because ‘everyone hates Christmas shopping’. And we make lists for what we want, because all we want is more more more. We are a money hungry generation, and if there is something that we can get for free, let’s make sure grandma knows what we want. Rewind 100 years, “presents” were handmade crafts that were made one of a kind for each person. They weren’t what you asked for, but there was no such thing ask making a list. You were thankful because it came from someone special. There were no gift receipts and no choice of return.

It has turned into a game of money and competition. Retailers are trying to achieve the highest sales, with the biggest markdowns. Each store with a slightly lower markdown each door you pass. In a time where money is getting harder and harder to come by, I think we all need to take a step back and see the bigger picture in the holidays. It’s not about the biggest price tag with the smallest number on the bottom of the receipt. Look for experiences to spend time together. Think of creative things that have meaning. Maybe they are homemade. Maybe it’s their favorite meal. Always remember that memories will last a lifetime, objects will not. Things like these will have bigger impacts than any object ever will.