Would Christmas be better without presents? After the busiest shopping weekend of the year, experts warn that too much gift giving could be bad for us and the planet.
X
Next
The day that Britons spend £2m every minute
Would Christmas be better without presents? After the busiest shopping weekend of the year, experts warn that too much gift giving could be bad for us and the planet.
X
PreviousNext
What's happening?
Six o'clock on Black FridayThe day after US Thanksgiving, when lots of shops offer discounts on goods for Christmas shopping. morning. Shoppers are waiting outside their favourite stores. As soon as the doors open, they run in to get the best deal.
The weekend after ThanksgivingThe holiday is traditionally a time to come together with family and give thanks for the year. in the USA marks the start of Christmas shopping. Often companies put on deals and special offers to make people want to buy now. Billions of pounds are spent all around the world.
But not everyone thinks it is a good idea. Money expertSomeone who knows a lot about a particular subject. Martin Lewis wants to "ban unnecessaryNot needed. Christmas presents".
In a video, he says people are buying "gifts for others that they know they won't use with money they don't have, causing stressFeelings of worry or pressure. they don't need".
Find out more
Gift giving is unlikely to stop anytime soon. Even before Christmas, winter festivals often involved giving gifts. Some experts think giving and receiving presents helps groups and societies stay together as one.
It is also very good for the economyThe way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.. Many companies stay in business due to the money spent at Christmas.
But not everyone agrees. The economist Joel Waldfogel argues that present-giving is wasteful. In the UK, £733m is spent on unwanted Christmas gifts for children.
Instead of Black Friday, some mark Buy Nothing Day - a day for thinking about the stuff you already have.
X
Previous
Would Christmas be better without presents?
Yes! All the time, we buy things we do not need and do not have the money for. We should spend time with our friends and family, rather than spend money on them.
No! Gift giving is a huge part of human relationships. Giving each other gifts helps us stay together as groups.
Keywords
Black Friday - The day after US Thanksgiving, when lots of shops offer discounts on goods for Christmas shopping.
Thanksgiving - The holiday is traditionally a time to come together with family and give thanks for the year.
Expert - Someone who knows a lot about a particular subject.
Unnecessary - Not needed.
Stress - Feelings of worry or pressure.
Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.
The day that Britons spend £2m every minute
Deal or no deal: If you had no need to buy anything, you still lose out in the Black Friday sale say experts. Glossary
Black Friday - The day after US Thanksgiving, when lots of shops offer discounts on goods for Christmas shopping.
Thanksgiving - The holiday is traditionally a time to come together with family and give thanks for the year.
Expert - Someone who knows a lot about a particular subject.
Unnecessary - Not needed.
Stress - Feelings of worry or pressure.
Economy - The way that money flows through a country, which affects wages and the cost of living.