Features

It’s that time of year again. For some, it’s time to buy presents. Deals are popping up everywhere and it’s a wonder companies can provide for such a high demand, yet sell products at such low prices.

According to Gregory Elich, author and frequent contributor to globalresearch.ca, the answer to this riddle is sweatshops.

Cookies, cakes, chocolates, pies, pudding, eggnog and turkey — all of these foods are enjoyed by families during the holiday season.

For many, the holiday wouldn’t be complete without a bird on the table, a glass full of eggnog, a large gingerbread house and a mountain of food on their plates to enjoy with friends and families. While these treats are popular this time of year, there can be consequences to eating so many fatty and sweet foods in such a short period of time.

This holiday season, consumerism returns in full force, complete with hectic malls, wild customers and bargain hunting families in search of the perfect presents for everyone on their list.

However, this year it will be met with growing reserve to the crazed buying that is synonymous with Christmas.

According to 2006 Statistics Canada data, retail sales in December represented 11.2 per cent of the total money spent in that year.

It’s 9:30 a.m. and the mall has just opened. Despite the early hour, there is already a steady stream of customers pouring in through the entrance, wallets ready.

Overhead are wreaths of green plastic pinned to the ceiling, lit by tiny white lights. The faint melodies of holiday songs can be heard playing from stores on either side of the building. It is Christmas season at the Rideau Centre.

First-year journalism student Dalton Derkson said he hates Facebook.

“It just seems really, well, conceited to think that other people care about your Twitpics and Tweets and whatever it’s called,” Derkson said.

That being said, Derkson doesn’t stray away from all social networking.

His one weakness seems to be Facebook, but Derkson said he refuses to enjoy the experience.