With the continually increasing marketing of the holiday season, consumers must take a step back and acknowledge the real reason for the season.

According to Bloomberg View, since 1870, companies have used the holiday season to boost sales. This over-commercialization continually diverts our economically-driven society away from the true meaning of the season which is spending time with loved ones.

According to Coca Cola, the modern Santa Claus was first introduced in 1931 as a way to draw in sales. Ever since, these tactics demonstrated universally, have led the population to experience greed throughout the holidays.

The commercialization of the holidays causes Americans to think in a materialistic manner. While the holidays are meant for celebrating, greed has taken over in recent years. According to Star News, the average person will spend $805 during the holidays. Many people are so caught up in wishlists and shopping sprees that this time of year turns into a month of stress. What has traditionally been the season of giving has progressively become the season of receiving.

During this time, it is important to acknowledge friends and family and give thanks for what we have. The main purpose of the holidays is to unify people to celebrate aspects of life money cannot buy. The acknowledgement of one’s possessions can offset the materialistic theme that plagues the season.  

Although the holidays are economically beneficial, according to Business Insider, society should strive to not let this trend become an all-consuming matter. According to USA Today, after Thanksgiving dinner, many Americans go straight to the malls to get early bird Black Friday deals and ahead of other competing shoppers. This diminishes the meaning of the holiday and overturns the “thankfulness” attitude Thanksgiving should bring. As the holiday season continues, greed trumps all and remains a prevalent emotion. This is a distraction from valuable aspects of life such as family and good health.

Despite the sales and advertisement the holiday season can bring, it is important to recognize what we have rather than what we want. With a mindset focused on thankfulness, we  can override the effects over-commercialization can bring and remember why we are celebrating.