Say goodbye to the overcommercialized Christmas

[Black Hills Santa]

Say goodbye to the overcommercialized Christmas: Pandemic-weary shoppers want a meaningful holiday

CNBC
Melissa Rapko
OCT 1, 2020

EXCERPT

Most consumers said they plan to minimize in-store shopping to reduce health risks to essential workers and would like retailers to stay shut on Thanksgiving Day, according to a survey of more than 1,500 U.S. consumers by Accenture.

On average, consumers told Accenture that they plan to spend about $540 on holiday shopping this year — a nearly $100 drop from last year.

“We’ve all been in lockdown, and with our families, and school and home and work all collide,” said Jill Standish, who leads Accenture’s retail practice. “Holiday is just another extension of that. And yet it’s made us all a little bit more tolerant, a little bit more human.”

 

 

SOURCE: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/01/pandemic-weary-shoppers-want-a-meaningful-holiday-season.html

[Drosselmeyer]

I have seen discussions on several forums that many are planning to "get back to simple" this year - traditional Christmas with family - closer to home and more personal . . . that would be nice

[Santa Bruce Geron]

Hallelujah!

Now in all seriousness, I've noticed more attention to moving back to what is important in our lives. Myself for example, during this pandemic I've often questioned how or will I chose to go back to the constant or non-stop schedule I had. I'm enjoying being home in the evenings and feeling rushed after teaching to go to evening rehearsals and meetings.

It will be interesting to see how many of us chose to prioritize our commitments after the pandemic is over.

[Jerry Nebel]

I was thinking about this today.  Three December weekends before Christmas. America waits until then to do their virtual chats Photo with Santa at the mall might be out because the mall has shut them down or Mom doesn't want to risk the exposure. 

It is going to be interesting for sure. Will there be a HUGE demand for virtual visits? Is there enough Santa's to handle the demand? Does Mom decide the convenience was so much worth it she does it again next year foregoing the mall and studio?

Stay tuned

[Black Hills Santa]

11 hours ago, Jerry Nebel said:

I was thinking about this today.  Three December weekends before Christmas. America waits until then to do their virtual chats Photo with Santa at the mall might be out because the mall has shut them down or Mom doesn't want to risk the exposure. 

It is going to be interesting for sure. Will there be a HUGE demand for virtual visits? Is there enough Santa's to handle the demand? Does Mom decide the convenience was so much worth it she does it again next year foregoing the mall and studio?

Stay tuned

I think the demand as well as the future of virtual visits will depend on the community. For example, the mindset of people in NYC vs folks in Tampa vs those here in Rapid City are very different. People want a nice, relaxing Christmas and I believe Santa coming to them, either virtually or physically is a part of that

[Santa Brian Campbell]

On 10/4/2020 at 9:29 AM, Black Hills Santa said:

I think the demand as well as the future of virtual visits will depend on the community. For example, the mindset of people in NYC vs folks in Tampa vs those here in Rapid City are very different. People want a nice, relaxing Christmas and I believe Santa coming to them, either virtually or physically is a part of that

i would have to agree here. I believe that either way it goes that we as Santa will roll with it and deliver come what may

 

[Rob Thompson]

I agree, Covid has brought with it a renewed sense of 'Basic', lots of families being forced to spend time together which may otherwise have not been the case, weekends a couple of hours in the evening with the children if they were lucky. I know from my experience this year lots of families have reconnected in the traditional sense, creating play, walking out on the one hour exercise window etc. For this that took the opportunity do to this, has been rewarding, hopefully this will continue post covid whenever that may be.

On the flip side, during the course of my 'day job', there has been a significant increase in respect of mental health and well being, particularly among children and young people, this is likely to be replicated globally. Certainly in the UK childrens lives have been tipped upside down. Having to make drastic changes in their routines, education socializing with friendships groups etc...

Many have experienced the loss of family members, being unable to begin closure as a result of limited attendees to funerals etc. If this isn't concerning enough, add all of this to those who are already disadvantaged and marginalized members of our communities, one can only imagine the sense of despair and trauma experienced. Huge increases of domestic violence, child abuse, elderly isolation...loss of employment, the list is endless in respect of the impact....

and as many Santa's have said, Christmas is going to be a different experience this year, and I feel a duty to ensure and employ what ever safe methods available to spread the Christmas joy with a view to bringing even the slightest ray of happiness.

I thank God for the life and opportunities my life has been given I will try and make the most of them and share where ever possible

Keep Christmas Safe