Veronica Chou, president of Novel Fashion Holdings, goes head-to-head with Sophia Hotung, writer, illustrator and digital artist, in this month’s great debate
Is consumerism ruining the true spirit of the holiday season?
Veronica Chou: YES
“Of course consumerism is ruining the true spirit of the holiday season. The holidays were originally a time for gathering, community and connection. Our modern-day holiday spirit was created and enhanced by marketing. Gifting culture, the massive Christmas buffets and competitive decorating are all created by marketers to encourage more consumption. One example is Coca-Cola’s advertising that played a big role in shaping Santa Claus as the attractive, jolly fella we know today.
When you have kids, the holidays are admittedly a very fun and magical time, and all these fables and presents bring immense excitement to the little ones. We can, though, choose to make the holidays more meaningful by choosing eco-friendly gifts with eco-packaging or non-toxic, organic and reusable decorations. We can vote with our dollars to support the brands that are really trying to do better. Or better yet, we can reduce some of our purchases or opt to donate to animal or biodiversity conservation projects.
We can bring the true meaning of the holiday spirit back if we choose to help and support those in need, or engage in community volunteering activities. There are ways to do things better [that will allow us to] move away from self-centred consumerism, so that we can all be more connected to others.”
Read more: The weigh-in: Should we only give donations as Christmas presents?
Sophia Hotung: NO
“Consumerism is like Christmas pudding: inadvisable to eat in excess alone but inimitable when shared with friends. And like Christmas pudding, consumerism—if done in good moderation and good company—raises rather than ruins the season’s true spirit.
I think of A Christmas Carol [the 19th-century Charles Dickens novella] when reflecting on the “true spirit” of the holidays. The story’s gist is that to celebrate Christmas, don’t be a penny-pinching Scrooge. Instead, throw yourself into the community, camaraderie and compassion of the holidays through generosity. In my experience, Hong Kong’s well-financed festive fanfare facilitates that.
The holidays can feel like stressful displays of materialism, but to me, the interactions that externalise from being that little bit lavish bring me closer to others. Meeting fellow creators at Christmas fairs, watching The Nutcracker, lighting menorahs and trees, stuffing lai see and stockings: sure, we’re consuming things we don’t need, but it’s worth it for the memories made and connections forged.”