Can Second-Hand Gifts Contribute to a More Joyful Christmas?

Christmas and consumerism are frequently linked, yet a growing trend in second-hand gifting indicates a shift away from traditional practices. In the UK, over 100 million bags of waste are sent to landfills every Christmas. The demand to follow trends, such as Christmas Eve boxes and matching pyjamas, often results in excessive accumulation. This raises the question of whether a sustainable approach could, in fact, lead to a more joyful experience. Becky Davies, 29, a mother of two from Cardiff, purchases all her gifts second-hand, stating that this practice enhances her happiness. She attributes this to her belief that excessive consumption “takes the joy away from Christmas.” Davies, who is deeply concerned about climate change, noted that despite acknowledging she is “not perfect by any means,” she feels more content when shopping for “pre-loved” items. Davies explained, “You feel less stressed than being surrounded by all that over-consumption, it can make you feel guilty.” She further stated, “Ultimately, Christmas is about the memories and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to do that.” According to Davies, joy stems from simpler activities, such as attending the local Christmas light switch-on, preparing festive treats, or watching a classic holiday film. She allocates a budget of £80 per child for her six and four-year-old children, who are reportedly aware their gifts are second-hand and express pride in their participation. She added, “They learn about recycling in school, so understanding how we do our bit for the planet is important.” Sophie Jenkins, 31, from Swansea, has also embraced second-hand shopping. She initially began purchasing “pre-loved” items last year as a cost-saving measure but now opts for sustainable shopping regardless of the price. Jenkins stated, “My children don’t notice a difference between brand new or second-hand and I have saved hundreds.” She added, “You can find so much more or less brand new, it’s great, it’s repurposed.” Jenkins shares her thrifting experiences with her 17,900 TikTok followers, aiming to foster discussion, but noted that she has encountered negative comments. “I do feel like a change is coming, but some have called me a bad mother and said I’m taking the joy away, but the joy comes from so much more than things which are bought,” Jenkins remarked. Her awareness of holiday waste is so pronounced that she chooses not to wrap certain gifts. Jenkins explained, “The children are more interested in playing with the toys themselves.” She observed that social media can intensify the pressure to achieve an an ideal Christmas, a pressure she previously succumbed to by spending over £50 on matching pyjamas. She concluded, “It’s all surface level, it doesn’t mean people are happy.” Amy Greenfield, founder of Eto, a pre-loved children’s store, reported that her shop in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, has experienced an influx of customers purchasing Christmas gifts. Greenfield noted that acquiring second-hand items reduces feelings of guilt for shoppers. She further stated, “We want more people to shop pre-loved. Especially for children, they grow out of clothes and toys so quickly.” “It can be a hugely stressful time of year but some customers say shopping second-hand has saved it for them,” Greenfield commented. The ethical business owner also provides sustainable alternatives to popular trends, such as a Christmas Eve box that customers can fill with gifts for £5. The owner of Eto indicated that while some patrons choose second-hand shopping for financial savings, for numerous individuals, it represents an ethical decision. She advised, “Everyone should think carefully about what they’re spending their money on, you don’t have to buy the latest thing.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.