Christmas shopping is here!

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Giving Tuesday, Cyber Monday, Super Saturday (and even Boxing Day, the day after Christmas).
Now some of these days have turned into weeks.
Take Black Friday (this year on 28 November) , one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
It has now become Black Friday Week.
On Amazon it started yesterday, 20 November, and it is extended to 11 days!
It claims to end on Cyber Monday (1 December), but it probably continues with Cyber Monday deals — so really, it goes on for weeks! 🤪

🏴 A bit of trivia about Black Friday

• The term originated in 1960s Philadelphia. People travelled to start Christmas shopping and to watch the Army–Navy football game. The police had to manage huge crowds and called it Black Friday.
• By the late 1980s, retailers started using the term commercially, spreading the bank-balance story — going from red to black on Black Friday!

Almost everyone shops more between now and Christmas. I do, I’m sure you do too.

🌠 But there are ways to make shopping more mindful.

🎁 Eco-shopping ideas to mix in with your usual shopping:

• Go shopping — support your local high street!
• Check out shops that are locally owned.
• If you buy from a chain, look for national brands.
• Visit stores that sell hand-made goods — often by local creators. Quality is higher, and prices can surprise you!
• Buy some gifts from second-hand shops. This is the most eco-friendly option and saves money. Just check the condition first.
  Think about giving an experience or activity instead of only “things.”
• Check where the products are made and look for sustainability labels (but watch for greenwashing).

Now that the festive season has fully begun, make it even more mindful by creating with your kids — from yummy food to cosy decorations.

Check out my Festive Eco-Guide for more sustainable holiday inspiration.

Sources: Britannica, UTPB, illumin