Whilst many across the UK are merely removing the boughs of Holly from their decked halls and carefully placing the Angel from the top of the tree back in bubble-wrap, the supermarkets are already getting ready for Easter. It may only be the first few days into the new year, but it seems supermarkets and mini-marts across the country are already brandishing shelves stacked with the next festivity that is to come. And with this is mind, it really does pose the question:

Have holidays become too commercial?

The iconic Coca-Cola advert converted the traditions of Father Christmas’ gowns of green to an ensemble of red. Hot Cross Buns are more commonly considered to symbolise spring than the religious symbol they are supposed to represent. Yet, we see as the years pass on that each festive season becomes one of commercial exploitation, each holiday becoming a ‘Hallmark Holiday’. This year, the first 8 days of the year to be precise, has shown to be bad in two ways; 1) buying Cadbury’s Crème Eggs in bulk really puts any New Years Resolution to shame and 2) shops are selling Cadbury’s Crème Eggs in early January, when Easter isn’t to come until just over 3 months time. The UK has barely just gotten over the packing of leftover Turkey sandwiches and embarrassing videos from New Year’s Eve and it’s already making a start for the next food-filled festivity. However, it’s likely that those that have seen the shelves in the Co-operative filled with Easter Eggs have pondered the thought of getting those early-bird deals or those who have seen the deals on Cadbury’s Mini Eggs in Morrisons probably could not resist the temptations. Or maybe, just as the many men and women behind the check-outs have already jested when I purchase a Cadbury Crème Egg with my lunch, ‘bit early for these, isn’t it?’. Yes, 100% it is too early to be selling Easter products and sure, it is ridiculous and of course, it feeds into the commerce of holidays; but then again, ‘I would like a bag’ to carry those Easter eggs home in.

Emily Cook

Reigate College