The holidays are that joyous time of the year where everything is covered in green & red, menorahs are being lit, lights are strung on every corner, churches are full of prayers and believers, and hope is in the air.

Something that I have acknowledged about the holidays with age is the large market for purchasing. Purchasing presents, food, decorations, scents, alcohol, and more. The holidays are the biggest sales any company sees, and there is no statistics needed for that.

As the years have gone by, materialism and consumerism are surrounding the holiday spirit. On television, in the malls, in our emails, and in ads on our everyday websites.

With sales, clearances, and deals it's impossible not to get so many items for so little money. Black Fridays and Cyber Monday opened and lasted longer than any year prior to 2018.

Gordon Kelly, Senior contributor at Forbes said "Black Friday 2018 will take place on November 23rd this year, which is the day after Thanksgiving. While that is the official start date of Black Friday, many deals will actually begin in early November. Additionally, Black Friday's date is much earlier in November than usual (it will take place on November 29th next year), so all of the 2018 leaks and store news will come sooner as well."

The big-ticket items were TV's, $400 off iPhone V at Verizon, game consoles, and so much more.

I just don't understand why it's like this, why society is like this.

Parents, including my own, are stressed year after year about children's wish list and they want to make sure to include every item and get it at the best deal possible. I myself am guilty. I write a list every year for my parents. With age that list decreases in cost and items.

I just am acknowledging from watching people in our malls and observing how my emails have increased by 50% in that weekend of thanksgiving every year. Society's wants for miscellaneous items are increasing and it just boggles my mind why we, as a society, need all of this stuff!

Showing my gratitude for my boyfriend shouldn't just be stuff I got on sale.

The worse part I acknowledged this year is how much stuff people got for themselves on that Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend.

This is the season of giving, not to yourself. Just because H&M has five dollar tee shirts, doesn't mean who should buy one in every color for yourself. It's wasteful and unnecessary.

I am a strong believer in not buying anything for yourself around the holidays. I am all about treating yourself but the holiday season is, once again, the season of giving.

Consumerism and Christmas are so connected now it sickens me. Stuff, stuff, stuff! Stuff shouldn't create the holiday spirit, being with loved ones should. Getting together with relatives from other cities, states, countries.

We don't need stuff for ourselves. If you're giving something to a loved one this holiday season, it doesn't need to be bought or anything that was just a "good deal."

Some of the most thoughtful things can be a vinyl of someone's favorite artist or a movie soundtrack, books, pictures, and art. Things that can be meaningful between you and your loved one.

I am all for gift giving, it really showcases my appreciation for my loved ones. I love seeing what they get me as well because it shows how much they care about me. It's wonderful to exchange, with anyone. I just don't understand why the holidays are being more "you want a thing, I'll get that thing, and then get that thing at 3 A.M. and 20% off."

If gift giving entirely was a way to end the greediness, consumerism, and materialism, I'd do it. I just want the holidays to be what it really is. Sharing your beliefs with loved ones.