Commercial Free Holidays

What is a "commercial free holiday?"

A Commercial Free Holiday is one that resists the holiday hype. 

How to have a commercial free holiday

1. Green your gifts!  There are lots of ways to green your gifts.  If you're going to be purchasing gifts, try to spread the joy with fair trade, local, and eco-friendly gifts.  Consider making your own gifts or gifting "experiences."
2. Turn off the TV.  We all know the TV is a major source of commercialism (and commercials themselves).  Spend some time with your family away from it.  You might even think about trying a Pioneer Day.

Resources for commercial free holidays

• Commercial Free Holiday Guide provided/written by the activists of Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood

Testimonials for commercial free holidays

"Growing up in a family that put SOOOO much emphasis on gift giving (to the point where it started to take the joy out of it), I am all about creating non-commercialized Christmas memories for my daughter.  My husband & I agreed that 1 gift each is more than enough for Christmas...after all, we get/give plenty of gifts for Birthday's...Birthday's are supposed to be all about the gifts because it's celebrating you...wonderful you!

I am also all about trying to make this year a Homemade Christmas.  (which I can elaborate on in another Wiki).  I recently obtained a bread machine from craigslist for only $5 and I recently started sewing.  So for the Secret Santa name we drew w/ my husbands family, I'm making an over-sized stocking filled with homemade bread, organic teas, my own pancake mix w/ directions, some organic syrup etc. 

Some of my favorite gifts are the ones that people took the time to make for me so I'm hoping to do the same for others.   Plus, making things is soooooo much more fun than going out of your mind in over-crowded shopping malls." -- Amanda Goldman