Right, let’s get this straight. It’s nearly that time of year again—the dreaded Black Friday and the equally stressful Christmas shopping frenzy. While some folks are frothing at the mouth at the thought of snagging a bargain (or ten), I’m over here clutching my mug of tea and saying, “Hold your reindeer, people!”
Now, before I dive into this festive rant, let me answer the question I get asked all the time: “Do you celebrate Christmas?” My answer? Yes and no. Let me explain.
I don’t go to church or belt out carols in the town square (though I’d crush Jingle Bells on karaoke, just saying). For me, Christmas is less about religious rituals and more about quality time. It’s our chance to hit pause, gather around the table, and bask in the warm glow of family chaos and too much dessert.
Growing up in Nairobi (my birthplace!), the big festive showstopper wasn’t Christmas—it was Diwali. Oh, and what a spectacle it was! Diwali was the event, complete with national holidays, dazzling lights, epic feasts, and a flurry of gift-giving. It was like Christmas, but with fireworks that made New Year’s Eve look like a practice run.
Then came my move to London, and later Canada. The full-throttle Diwali celebrations became tricky to pull off, what with busy schedules and the small matter of living a million miles from extended family. These days, we do a more low-key version—lighting up the path to our door with candles and rangoli to welcome prosperity, joy, and abundance.
But guess what? Christmas is just a couple of months away from Diwali, so we’ve kind of mashed the two together into our own magical hybrid. Do we go to church, temple, or gurdwara? Not really. But we open our hearts, sprinkle a little joy, and spread the 
festive love with family and friends. No matter what you call it, isn’t that what the season’s all about?
Now, back to the matter at hand: the madness that is Black Friday and over-the-top Christmas. Is it just me, or has the holiday season become less about joy and more about who’s got the shiniest baubles and the priciest gifts? It’s high time we gave consumerism the boot and brought the heart back to the holidays. Shall we?
A Cautionary Christmas Tale
Let me take you back to one particular Christmas. We were newlyweds, all starry-eyed and full of dreams, with a squishy little newborn in tow. Feeling the pressure to be the perfect family, we went all out buying gifts for everyone. I’m talking a borderline Santa’s workshop-level haul.
The result? An eye-watering credit card bill that haunted us well into summer! Did it spark joy? Not a smidge. By Boxing Day, the novelty had worn off, the baby was more interested in the wrapping paper than the actual toys, and I was left wondering, “What on earth was the point of all that?”
So, the following year, we hatched a plan: draw names and stick to one gift per person within a price range that we agreed upon! Game-changer! Suddenly, Christmas wasn’t about quantity—it was about the thought behind each gift. Who knew less could be so much more?
Traditions Schmraditions
Here’s the deal: you’re not obligated to uphold traditions that make you feel miserable, broke, or both. If your festive rituals have morphed into a source of stress, it’s time for a rethink. Your mental health matters more than the latest gadget or an Instagram-worthy Christmas tree.
As my kids are all grown up, I try to keep the magic alive without draining my wallet—or my sanity. Instead of splurging on overpriced advent calendars, I made my own. Use of my fabulous Cricut machine, and their favourite sweets. Voilà—Mum’s Advent Masterpiece! It wasn’t Pinterest-perfect, but it was filled with love, and memories.
When they were little, I went all out but I’ve shifted focus from gifts to moments. A homemade card, a silly photo from our matching Christmas pyjama tradition, or simply a day spent together is infinitely more meaningful than the latest must-have gadget.
Bah Humbug to Consumerism
If I had a pound for every “Black Friday Mega Deal” email clogging up my inbox right now, I could probably fund Christmas for the entire neighbourhood! The problem is, we’ve all been conditioned to think that buying stuff equals happiness. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
So, this year, why not try something different? Let’s focus on mindful gifting. What’s that, you ask? It’s the art of giving with thought, intention, and a pinch of creativity. Here’s how to nail it:
- Give Experiences, Not Things: Theatre tickets, a cooking class, or even a quirky day out can create memories that last far longer than any physical gift.
- Support Small Businesses: Shop local, buy handmade, and support the artisans pouring their hearts into their craft.
- DIY It: Whether it’s homemade chutney, candles, or a knitted scarf, nothing says “I care” quite like a gift you’ve created yourself.
- Charity Donations: Make a donation in someone’s name. A thoughtful gesture that can genuinely change lives.
- Give the Gift of Time: A day spent together, laughing over a board game or watching old Christmas movies, beats a flashy present any day.
The Planet’s Perspective
Let’s talk about the environmental impact of the festive season, shall we? Between mountains of plastic packaging, single-use decorations, and enough wasted wrapping paper to blanket the North Pole, it’s not exactly eco-friendly.
When I worked in retail (like a 100 years ago), I noticed how much waste there was from just displaying items – Let's take one item – a scented candle. There were maybe 24-36 packed in a box. Each candle was then packed in its own box, and once you open that, it's wrapped in plastic and bubble wrap and that’s just the candles. When someone purchases that candle, it will get wrapped in tissue or paper at the till which will most likely get thrown away as soon they get home. Just think of the environmental impact of that one item!
I want to do my thing towards saving the planet, our one and only home but consumerism is the opposite. But if each of us does our little thing, it makes a huge impact and difference. You can still have a fabulous Christmas and be kind to Mother Earth. Here’s how:
Rethink Wrapping:
Let's talk about wrapping paper. That shiny, glittery stuff that ends up in landfill after a few days? Not very sustainable, is it? This year, why not rethink your wrapping game? Don’t chuck that gift wrap in the bin—make sure it’s recyclable first
Go Reusable:
One fantastic idea is to opt for reusable fabric wraps. These can be used year after year, adding a touch of elegance to your gifts. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of Furoshiki, where beautiful fabrics are used to wrap gifts and then repurposed for various uses, you can create stunning gift presentations that are both stylish and eco-friendly.
Recycle and Repurpose:
If you're feeling creative, why not use recycled paper or even newspaper? Add a sprig of holly or a ribbon made from old scarves for a festive touch. You can also use old maps, sheet music, or even comic books for a unique and personal look.
By choosing sustainable wrapping options, you're not only reducing your environmental impact but also adding a unique and personal touch to your gifts. So, this holiday season, let's wrap with intention and make a difference.
Go for reusable fabric wraps, recycled paper, or even newspaper with a sprig of holly for flair.
Look for eco-conscious brands that prioritise ethical practices.
Offset Travel Emissions:
Whether it’s planting trees or donating to green initiatives, offsetting your carbon footprint is a thoughtful addition to your festive plans.
Protecting Your Peace
The holidays aren’t all tinsel and turkey dinners. For many, it’s a time of immense stress, whether it’s financial pressure, family tensions, or simply the overwhelming expectation to be merry 24/7. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to prioritise self-care.
Here’s your festive survival guide:
- Set Boundaries: You don’t need to attend every event or buy a gift for every distant cousin. A simple “no, thank you” is perfectly acceptable.
- Practice Mindfulness: Take a breather with yoga, meditation, or even a walk in nature.
- Delegate Duties: If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, don’t be a martyr—ask for help!
- Stick to a Budget: Overspending might feel good in the moment, but January will come knocking with its bank statements. Plan, budget, and stick to it.
- Reach Out: If the season’s pressures feel too heavy, don’t hesitate to talk to someone—a friend, family member, or professional.
Finding the Festive Spirit
Ultimately, Christmas isn’t about who has the flashiest decorations or the biggest pile of presents. It’s about connection, love, and shared joy. For me, that means gathering the family, playing daft games, and stuffing our faces with too many mince pies.
This year, I’ll be focusing on what really matters: time with loved ones, laughter echoing through the house, and the simple pleasure of being together. That’s what Christmas is about—not a shiny Black Friday bargain or a perfectly curated Instagram post.
So, here’s to a simpler, more joyful holiday season. Raise a glass of mulled wine, embrace the chaos, and remember: the best things in life can’t be bought.
Cheers to a very merry (and stress-free) Christmas!
