Why Does Buy Nothing Day Occur After Thanksgiving?

Buy Nothing Day is a time for Americans to consider their consumption habits and reflect on how they spend their money. Some celebrate Buy Nothing Day to push back against excess consumerism, which can be pervasive during the holiday season and negatively impact various facets of life. For many people, promoting responsible consumption can be a way to help cultivate mental wellness and spread awareness of the importance of environmental responsibility. Below, we’re exploring the significance of Buy Nothing Day and discussing ways you can celebrate this year. 

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What is Buy Nothing Day? 

Buy Nothing Day was created by Canadian artist Ted Dave as an anti-holiday. On this day, participants are encouraged not to buy anything online or in person. People who observe Buy Nothing Day may choose to stock up on essentials the day before, pack a lunch for work, and even avoid getting a coffee in the morning. 

Buy Nothing Day is considered by many a day of protest against Black Friday, when stores offer significant discounts, encouraging shoppers to purchase goods and services for the holidays. On Buy Nothing Day, people can acknowledge and address the potential impacts of consumerism, which often promotes the acquisition of products, regardless of their added utility. There are several reasons individuals oppose the materialism that’s associated with Black Friday. Many people eschew consumerism in favor of causes they support (e.g., environmentalism or minimalism). In some cases, individuals oppose excess consumption because of its association with mental health challenges, such as shopping addiction. 

When does Buy Nothing Day occur? 

Buy Nothing Day occurs the day after Thanksgiving each year. In 2024, it will fall on November 29th. Because Buy Nothing Day occurs on the same day as Black Friday, the busiest day of the year in retail, participants can avoid making purchases at a time when consumption is being celebrated by others. Some people try to organize movements on Buy Nothing Day to help offset the potential environmental and social effects of Black Friday. 

How do you celebrate Buy Nothing Day? 

You can celebrate Buy Nothing Day in many ways. Below are some options for those looking to foster financial wellness and promote responsible consumption. 

Avoid online and in-person shopping 

The primary purpose of this holiday is to help reduce the environmental damage caused by overconsumption by not shopping. For this reason, all you have to do to celebrate is not make a purchase. It may help to buy necessities beforehand and avoid looking at stores online. You can also eat leftovers from Thanksgiving, make your own coffee, pack a lunch for work, and leave important purchases for the next day. Some people may take shopping carts around a store but not buy anything as a form of protest. 

Get rid of old credit cards

You can also protest consumerism by cutting up credit cards you no longer need or wish to cancel. (Consider recycling them when you’re done.) Additionally, most banks allow you to switch to paperless billing, which can help conserve paper. 

Organize a group event

One way you can protest consumerism and foster environmental responsibility is by organizing a group event. Consider researching an environmental issue that you’d like to address, then gathering support through a petition or other means of community organizing. Group events—such as peaceful sit-ins or marches—can be effective ways of bringing awareness to an important cause. 

Learn about budgeting and organize your finances

Consumerism can also be harmful to financial health. If you struggle to control your spending, consider sitting down on Buy Nothing Day to set up a budget. If you’d like help managing your finances, you can download an app on your phone that connects with your bank and shows you how much you spend in each life category. You may find areas where you can cut down on expenditures. 

Make a positive impact on the environment

Climate change and ecological degradation are serious issues that impact people across the globe. And overconsumption is only one of several factors contributing to the environmental challenges humans face. However, there are several steps that we can take to positively impact the environment, including: 

• Use artificial intelligence less (AI is responsible for the use of significant quantities of natural water)
• Recycle when you can 
• Consume less meat 
• Take shorter showers
• Spend more time outside
• Compost your natural waste
• Spend less money on non-essentials
• When possible, walk, bike, or use public transport 
• Support environmentally conscious companies 
• Plant more trees
• Protect bees so that they can protect the environment (you can call bee removal services to extricate them from your home safely) 

Enjoy free time with people you love

If you’d like to focus on the positive while avoiding spending money, you can organize fun get-togethers with loved ones for free. The following are activities you can participate in with family and friends: 

• Going for a hike or walk in nature
• Swimming 
• Watching a movie at home 
• Learning a new recipe 
• Reading 
• Writing 
• Drawing 
• Singing 
• Attending a free local event (that doesn’t involve buying anything)
• Having a conversation about environmental conservation
• Going to a free museum 
• Spending time at the park 
• Walking around the mall without buying anything 
• Volunteering to help others

The mental health impacts of consumerism

Consumerism has been linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, decreased life satisfaction, stress, and conflict. In addition, overconsumption can lead to clutter in the home, which may increase the risk of certain mental health concerns. Additionally, valuing experiences, connection, and community over consumerism can contribute to feelings of fulfillment and overall wellness. For example, social connection, exercise, and travel have all been associated with improved mental well-being. 

How to declutter your material life 

Owning excess possessions can be stressful, particularly for those who struggle to control their consumption habits. If you’re looking to declutter your space, consider the following tips: 

• Pick up and throw out any trash in your home 
• Buy bins, label them, and then use them to organize loose items 
• Create a cleaning schedule 
• Make a box called a “maybe box”, in which you put possessions you aren’t sure you want—after six months, donate or give away the items in the box you haven’t used 
• Donate unwanted clothes 
• Limit the amount of new clothes you buy each year
• Create a cleaning system, such as cleaning by color of item or cleaning by theme (cleaning handheld objects first, soft objects second, books third) 

Coping with financial distress 

Linked to mental health challenges, financial worries can significantly impact our well-being, potentially contributing to depression and anxiety. To cope with financial distress, consider the following strategies: 

• Create a budget for yourself 
• Ask someone you trust for financial guidance 
• Find side jobs 
• Build an emergency savings fund 
• Talk to a therapist about your concerns
• Apply for benefits 
• Look for resources in your area, or seek help at 211.org

How to celebrate the holiday season without much money

The holidays often involve shopping for presents and spending time with family. For this reason, many people do their shopping on Black Friday. However, there are ways of giving thoughtful gifts while also observing Buy Nothing Day. Below are a few ways to celebrate the holidays without spending a significant amount on gifts: 

• Handmake gifts with low-cost materials 
• Write letters 
• Try a free activity with your family, such as going to a park or having a picnic 
• Volunteer to help others 
• Go caroling 
• Make DIY holiday decorations 
• Try a homemade version of Secret Santa, in which everyone makes their gift from scratch
• Have a family game night or movie night 
• Buy used presents 
• Host a potluck
• Make holiday crafts with loved ones
• Spend time with your pets
• Gift experiences instead of items

Work through the stress of financial challenges in therapy

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Professional mental health support options 

The holidays can be stressful, and financial challenges—or worries about the environment—may negatively impact mental health. If you’re seeking support, talking to a therapist can help. A qualified mental health professional can work with you to devise a budget, provide you with emotional support, and help you develop evidence-based coping techniques. 

If you face barriers to receiving in-person care, you can also try online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. With online therapy, you can receive support from home through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. In addition, you can attend sessions outside of standard business hours, potentially giving you more time to spend with loved ones during the holidays. 

Studies suggest that online therapy is an effective method of addressing mental health challenges that may arise during the holiday season. In one study, researchers found that an online intervention was more effective than in-person therapy in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. In addition, the study notes that online therapy was more cost-effective and increased the participants' quality of life. 

Takeaway 

Buy Nothing Day is an opportunity for people to acknowledge the potential negative effects of consumerism on mental health and the environment. You can celebrate Buy Nothing Day this year (on November 29th) by choosing not to buy anything and spending time with loved ones instead. If you’re stressed about the holidays, your consumption habits, or other challenges, consider contacting a therapist online or in your area. With the right support, you can focus on your financial, mental, and emotional health during the holidays.