How to make the most of your Friday without getting caught up in the chaos of shopping for things you don't need.
Are you one of the many Americans who dread this holiday week? Do you dread the mandatory time with dysfunctional families, the problematic fairy-tale Thanksgiving story, and the consumerist feeding frenzy of Black Friday?
The frenzy of Black Friday can feel overwhelming, especially if you're looking for a more meaningful way to spend the day. Between the stress of family gatherings, the commercialization of the holiday season, and the temptation to shop for things you don't actually need, it's easy to feel disconnected. But there's a better way! Here are ten inspiring alternatives to Black Friday consumerism that will leave you feeling fulfilled and connected to your community.
1. Re-Gift Thoughtfully
Instead of buying new items, look around your home and find five things you can re-gift to someone who would truly appreciate them. Re-gifting not only reduces waste but also offers a way to share something meaningful with friends, family, or neighbors. Passing on possessions you love can bring joy and deepen your connections.
2. Support Local Artists and Makers
Instead of heading to the mall, find out when your local craft center or artist collective is hosting their holiday sale. These unique, handmade gifts support local creatives and often carry more personal meaning than mass-produced items. Your purchase will help sustain artists who rely on their craft during the holiday season.
3. Hold a Pop-Up Freestore on Your Porch
Clear out unwanted items and create a free pop-up store on your front porch or lawn. Set out gently used clothes, books, toys, or household goods and offer them to passersby for free. Your neighbors' surprise and smiles will bring a sense of community, and the act of giving away what you no longer need can be incredibly rewarding.
4. Donate to Your Local "Little Library"
Little libraries are popping up in neighborhoods everywhere, offering a free exchange of books. If you have books collecting dust on your shelves, drop them off at a nearby Little Library. You might also discover something new to read and share in the joy of giving knowledge to others.
5. Go on a Trash Hike
Take a hike with a purpose—bring a bag to collect litter along your favorite trails. Not only will you be helping to keep the environment clean, but it's a chance to reconnect with nature and do something positive for your community. Invite friends or family to join you, making it a fun and rewarding group activity.
6. Swap Seeds with Neighbors
As the growing season winds down, gather seeds, nuts, or bulbs from your garden and swap them with neighbors. You can share the harvest from your own garden or trade for something new to grow next year. It's a great way to foster community spirit and prepare for spring gardening.
7. Host a Community Skill Share Day
Instead of shopping, why not gather with friends and neighbors to share skills and creativity? You could learn how to bake bread, sew, knit, or create art together. Not only will you develop new talents, but the sense of camaraderie and connection will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.
8. Organize a Re-Skilling Teach-In
With so many traditional skills being lost in the modern world, hosting a teach-in is a powerful way to bring your community together. Local experts can teach everything from canning to sustainable gardening, sewing, or DIY repairs. These valuable lessons help people reclaim autonomy and can serve as a form of resistance to the pressures of consumerism.
9. Host a Needs & Offers Exchange
Create a space where your friends and neighbors can share what they need and can offer. Whether it's a need for childcare or a spare winter coat, a Needs & Offers Exchange ensures that everyone's voice is heard. It's a beautiful way to build stronger, more supportive relationships within your community.
10. Plan a Potluck Dinner with Your Neighbors
Organize a potluck dinner to share a meal and spend time together with your neighbors. You can discuss future plans, share stories, and strengthen bonds with those who live nearby. In times of uncertainty, a strong, caring community is one of the most valuable things we can have.
Rather than focusing on material possessions, this year, take the opportunity to foster community, creativity, and connection. Finding new ways to celebrate the season, whether through acts of kindness or by supporting local collectives, can bring a sense of fulfillment that consumerism never can. This Black Friday, choose a path that nurtures your soul and helps you feel more connected to the people and the world around you.
To learn more about cultivating a local peace economy in your community year-round check out the following resources:
- Video introduction to the workbook
- Local Peace Economy Wiki
- CODEPINK Radio Ep. 242: The Local Peace Economy
- CODEPINK Radio Ep. 256: What is the root of peace?
