The year has barely started, so imagine my surprise when out shopping, I notice Easter eggs and cards already out!

This shock of noticing these products out to buy to early led me to question whether holidays and events have become too commercialised.

It is now not uncommon to see Easter decorations this early, or similarly to see Christmas decorations out as summer is ending. Shops are clearly putting these out as they want them to sell, and as these events are largely universal, they know that they’re appealing to a wide market who will buy.

In relation to Christmas especially, it is clear that public holidays have been commercialised, with almost everyone celebrating, not just Christians. Additionally, the focus has undoubtedly shifted to the presents which are being exchanged. Another holiday is Thanksgiving, which is currently only celebrated in the United States, yet the shops in the UK have Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which initially only came with the Thanksgiving holiday. The same can be said for Halloween, as although it originally started as a way to remember loved ones, many now associate it with horror or trick or treating.

On the other hand, one may argue that holidays have been this way for a while and thus the increased commercial aspects aren’t that big of an issue. If consumers didn’t buy these products this early, then companies wouldn’t sell them yet. Moreover, this commercialisation can be seen as more inclusive and encouraging of time with loved ones.

At Christmas, gifts are exchanged between friends and family, and time is spent together, which is clearly encouraged by the commercial aspects. Therefore, these holidays help to show our love and appreciation for each other.

When asked ‘Do you think public holidays have become too commercialised?’ this is what people said:

‘No because I think that when they become more commercialised it’s more inclusive, because those that aren't religious can also partake’. - Isabella Arrowsmith, aged 16

‘It doesn’t matter because they always have been’. - Lauren Smith, aged 17

To conclude, I think that public holidays are commercialised, but as long as the true meaning of these events is not lost, then the level we are at now will suffice. The commercialism of these holidays has existed for a while, and has never been a cause for concern.

By Molly Macfarlane, St. Philomena’s School