christmas tiktok is out of control

Introduction

As we approach the holiday season, TikTok is flooded with videos highlighting the extravagance of Christmas preparations. It’s hard not to notice the growing trend of early holiday decorations and excessive consumerism portrayed on the platform. In this article, we'll explore some of the most outrageous holiday TikToks that reflect the shifting norms around what constitutes a “reasonable” holiday celebration.

One TikTok caught my eye in early September, prompting a reflexive reaction about the timing of holiday posts. September 3rd is far too early to be discussing Christmas, considering the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays that are inherently part of the seasonal transition for many Americans. It’s difficult to comprehend how holiday cheer has become normalized before we even enter fall.

Moving on to more luxurious trends, one particular TikTok showcased a “Christmas tree closet,” where a family had dedicated a space specifically for storing holiday decorations. This trend raises concerns about consumerism and the message it sends about holiday celebrations needing to come with ample stylish decor. While many viewers expressed envy over such a closet, I found it unnecessary—a reflection of a culture that celebrates overconsumption by normalizing peculiar storage needs for decorations.

Another TikTok featuring a peculiar advent calendar from a popular gaming company fell flat. Instead of exciting surprises behind each door, it delivered gameplay ideas and vague codes. Many users lamented that this could have simply been an email—highlighting a waste of resources and further emphasizing the desire for marketing gimmicks rather than substantive gifts.

In another video, a sister passionately begged her mom for an outfit from a luxury collaboration. Prices for such items included a $ 580 jacket and $ 415 snow pants, starkly contrasting with her claim that her existing outfit looked like it came from Goodwill. This begs the question: when did it become acceptable to dismiss thrift shopping while aspiring for exclusive, high-priced items? Such attitudes may be indicative of privilege and a culture fixated on superficial aesthetics.

A standout among these TikToks was an extravagant showcase of gifts received by children during Christmas morning. One creator mentioned buying each child approximately 17 gifts and dismissed the idea of that being excessive. This laid bare the chasm between those who decorated their lives with abundance, compared to those who celebrate the season simply and intentionally.

Staying on the subject of aesthetics, a "decorate with me" Christmas tree video emphasized the romanticization of holiday preparations. While visually stunning, it showcased a notion that one must present their life in picturesque moments for social validation—a trope echoed by countless influencers. This raises the issue of how much of our holiday celebrations have become performative displays rather than genuine acts of camaraderie or giving.

The acceleration of Christmas posting, beginning as early as September, also bears consideration. Not everyone experiences four seasons, yet this commodification underscores a culture eager to leap over seasons in pursuit of the next consumer goal. As we admire and embrace the holidays through our screens, it’s vital to tread lightly, avoiding the traps of excessive consumption and superficiality.

Ultimately, these trends prompt wider discussions about our relationships with material goods and the pressures they impose on the holiday season. Celebrations shouldn’t solely revolve around aesthetics or abundance; the essence should center on connection, appreciation, and intentionality.

Keyword

• Christmas TikTok
• Holiday consumerism
• Christmas tree closet
• Luxury fashion
• Aestheticization
• Overconsumption
• September decorations
• Performative actions

FAQ

Q: Why do many influencers start posting Christmas content in September?
A: Early holiday posting has become increasingly normalized, allowing brands to market holiday items well ahead of the season and amplifying consumeristic behavior.

Q: What is a Christmas tree closet?
A: A Christmas tree closet is a designated space in a home where holiday decorations are stored away, often suggesting an overabundance of festive decor.

Q: Are there concerns about the sustainability of holiday celebrations evidenced in TikToks?
A: Yes, many trends reflect excessive consumerism and waste, leading to concerns about overstating the need for material goods during the holiday season.

Q: How can we enjoy holidays without falling into the traps of excessive consumerism?
A: Focus on intentional giving, expressing gratitude, and creating meaningful connections rather than participating in trends that encourage overconsumption.

Q: Why is the portrayal of luxury fashion concerning in holiday TikToks?
A: It often reinforces unattainable standards and privilege, suggesting that happiness and fulfillment come from purchasing expensive items rather than enjoying simpler moments.