As festive decorations fill Montreal stores, one local writer is making a conscious choice to step back from the seasonal frenzy of spending. Arron Neal, a communications strategist and mother of two, is starting her New Year's resolution early by committing to 'do less, but better,' beginning with opting out of Secret Santa gift exchanges.
The High Cost of Holiday Cheer
Neal emphasizes she is not a holiday grinch but is actively protecting herself and others from what she sees as immense pressure to purchase unnecessary gifts. She argues these presents are often forgotten by spring, when the last pine needle is swept away. Her stance comes as Canadians plan to spend significantly more this season. According to investment management company JLL, the average Canadian will spend approximately $1,646 on gifts, food, decorations, and entertainment this holiday season—a jump of about $122 from the previous year.
Neal also expresses reluctance to feed a holiday economy that, in her view, demands more from families while giving less back. She points to major corporations that have recently cut local jobs and services. In January 2025, Amazon announced the closure of all its facilities in Quebec, resulting in thousands of layoffs. While the company cited cost-saving, union representatives believed it was retaliation for unionization efforts. Amazon now has no operational facilities or employees in the province.
Shifting Costs and Customer Service Cuts
The trend of corporate streamlining at the consumer's expense doesn't stop there. Shortly after Amazon's move, Rogers confirmed layoffs of a 'small percentage' of customer service staff as it integrated more AI and digital tools. This followed significant cuts in 2023 and 2024. While efficient for the company, Neal notes this has led to longer wait times and frustration for customers dealing with 'heavy call volumes.'
The grocery sector is another focal point. Neal highlights the irony of soaring prices for essentials alongside record profits for chains. Québec solidaire reports that profit margins at major grocers have more than doubled since the pandemic, rising from about 1.5% to 3.5%. The November 2025 Canadian Food Sentiment Index Bi-Annual Insight Report found that 20% of individuals now spend over $600 monthly on groceries, with families spending far more. For Neal, a single Costco trip for her family of four can reach $400.
'When the price of butter and bacon inspires an in-store budget debate, the poinsettias and Christmas baskets don’t stand a chance,' Neal writes. They remain on the shelf as she heads to the checkout.
A Radical Reminder: Presence Over Presents
This perspective aligns with advice from personal finance experts. At the Washington Post Live Global Women’s Summit, columnist Michelle Singletary offered pointed guidance for the season. She urged audiences to 'hate debt like it’s Satan himself' and to resist consumer culture driven by tradition, guilt, or obligation. The core message was that time spent together holds far more value than material presents.
For Arron Neal, this holiday season is about redefining joy and rejecting financial pressure. It's a conscious shift towards mindfulness in a culture that constantly prompts more consumption, reminding Montrealers and Canadians that the best gifts often aren't found in a box.
