Turn shopping stress into purposeful gift giving by cultivating ‘consumer wisdom’ during the holidays

By: Michael Luchs, William & Mary, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 12, 2025

Words: 1,064

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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By Michael Luchs, William & Mary

Every fall I anticipate the winter holidays with almost childlike joy. I look forward to familiar traditions with friends and family, eggnog in my coffee, and the sense that everyone is feeling a little lighter and more connected.

At the same time, I feel anxious and annoyed by the manufactured sense of urgency around gift giving: the endless searching and second-guessing shaped by advertisers, retailers and cultural expectations.

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