Behind the Glitter: Commercialism, Loneliness, and Empathy at Christmas

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the familiar sights and sounds of family gatherings, festive lights, and cheerful carols. But beneath the glittery surface lies a complex web of emotions, pressures, and contradictions. In this episode of We Interrupt Your Programming, we delve into the realities of the season, from the commercialism that drives our traditions to the hidden struggles of those working tirelessly to keep the festivities running. We examine how marketing and consumer culture have reshaped Christmas, explore the growing number of people choosing to opt out, and confront the realities of exclusion, entitlement, and the so-called “War on Christmas.”

Yet the challenges don’t end there. The episode also highlights the quiet epidemic of loneliness that intensifies during the holidays, as cultural expectations amp ...