From Boo baskets to Black Friday, overconsumption during fall holidays is growing into an increasingly detrimental trend as people feel pressured to conform to the fall aesthetic.
With both new and existing trends emerging in 2025, such as UGG slippers, the “toasty” makeup style and luxury loungewear, people find themselves blindly attracted to certain fashions and styles.
Advertisements encourage excess urgency, exclusivity and the fear of missing out, leading to a mass frenzy of fall shopping.
Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram amplify these efforts by promoting constant feeds of “must have” items, normalizing overspending and equating the possession of material goods with a sense of belonging.
This overconsumption revolves around the commercialization of “coziness.” Items such as candles, blankets, mugs and soft clothing promise a feeling of comfort, adding to the illusion that warmth and inner peace can be bought. Still, the more people buy into these trends, the farther they drift from the feeling of true comfort.
People foster an emotional dependence on consumption. Many feed into fall items to fill emotional gaps. For example, pumpkin spice scents and festive decor act as substitutes for connection, nostalgia and calm in a stressful world.
In addition to the psychological effects, this consumerism culture leaves scars on the planet. The use of disposable wrapping contributes to a massive increase in waste, with millions of extra tons of trash generated between October and November.
According to Seaside Sustainability, U.S. households discard an estimated 25% more waste during fall holidays, equating to 5 million extra tons of trash.
Spending during the fall holidays has doubled in the past 20 years. The culture around fall themed goods has become increasingly popularized, causing significant financial strain for individuals.
Additionally, the production and transportation of goods required for the holidays consume significant land, materials and water, creating a vast amount of waste.
Still, for many, autumn is an emotional season as the colors, scents and rituals provide comfort and connection in an increasingly digital world.
“I love the cozy feeling of fall decor and the flavors of the seasonal spices like apples, pumpkins and maple,” senior Marina Lopez said.
However, the warmth of fall does not need to come wrapped in a ribbon. Rather, contentment can be found in immaterial objects. Instead of focusing on material possessions, people should shift their focus on spending time with loved ones.
“During the fall holidays, I really try to prioritize baking with my grandparents and spending time with family I don’t always get to see,” senior Annika Ryerson said.
As the winter season approaches, with several holidays centered around gift-giving, fall should serve as a reminder to pause and celebrate gratitude, togetherness and the simple joys that require no purchase.
If decor is necessary to complete the autumn feel, there exist several options for sustainable decorations that vastly reduce waste, or people can simply make their own.
Ultimately, resisting the pull of fall consumerism is not about rejecting societal norms. It is about redefining what it means to celebrate the season and reclaiming fall as a time for reflection, not accumulation.
