Event Details

Jingle Bells & Shopping Spells: Unpacking the Christmas Consumption Frenzy Join us for this in-person thought-provoking student/faculty roundtable discussion, hosted by the Centre for Consumption Insights (CCI)...

As the holiday season approaches, we know that Christmas is a time of celebration, joy, and tradition—but it is also the epicentre of an intense consumerist frenzy. From flash sales and holiday shopping sprees to around 125,000 tonnes of plastic wrapping used for food being discarded across the UK over the festive season, Christmas has become synonymous with largesse, hyper-consumption, intense marketing strategies, and waste. As we approach the holiday season, we ask: how much of our Christmas cheer is shaped by consumer culture?

Join us for a thought-provoking in-person student/faculty roundtable discussion, hosted by the Centre for Consumption Insights (CCI), as we explore the complex dynamics of Christmas consumption. We’ll unpack how Christmas has transformed from a religious and familial celebration to a global, commercial event that fuels economies and reflects consumer culture.

Key questions we will discuss include:

🎁 Has this Christian festival (and previously the Winter Solstice) become entirely secularised? Are there any social or cultural consequences of this? What is worshipped in lieu of deities and spirituality?

🎁 How does advertising and emotional marketing shape the way we view Christmas and influence our spending?

🎁 What is the environmental impact of our festive consumption patterns, from plastic packaging to overproduction?

🎁 Can we reimagine gift-giving in a way that balances tradition with sustainability?

🎁 Can we reclaim the holiday spirit beyond materialism, particularly when many are facing financial strain amidst a Cost of Living Crisis?

🎁 What does the future hold for sustainable holiday practices and is this viable?

🎁 How do cybersecurity risks and the growth of digital shopping impact Christmas consumption, and what can consumers do to protect themselves online during the holiday shopping rush?

This special in-person roundtable will foster a rich exchange of ideas and insights, bringing together diverse voices to critically examine the growing intersection of Christmas and consumerism. Whether you're an academic, industry professional, student, or someone with an interest in consumption culture, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on how we can navigate the complexities of the holiday season in more conscious ways.