An Antifa Guide to the Holidays


The holiday season in November and December is one of the most essential periods of the year for retailers, airlines, and more. Between flights, hotels, and gift shopping, US consumers are expected to spend around $500 BILLION dollars during the holiday season.

We have a strong opportunity to send a message to the oligarchs in power– that we are opting out. Here are a few ways to celebrate the holiday season without supporting those who support the fascist takeover of the United States of America. 

  1. If your employer is planning a holiday party, volunteer to be on the planning committee. Steer planning decisions and spending to small, local businesses that do not support the regime. For example: If your employer gives out Starbucks gift cards, encourage them to give out cards to a local coffee shop instead. If your company offers a catered meal, steer them toward a small, immigrant-owned restaurant. Influence from within wherever you can without bringing up that it is for political reasons (unless your employer is already openly against fascism). 

  2. Scale back on the number of gifts you give, plan your gift lists in advance, and order early so small businesses have plenty of time for fulfillment. Support local makers at craft and holiday markets.Some gift ideas are: books (especially queer indie books!), art & decor, tickets or memberships to your local museums/zoos/aquariums/playhouses/theaters, luxury consumables like fancy chocolate or coffee from a small, ethical producer, and gifts that support greater causes like those from shoppalestine.org. If your local options are limited, www.littlebluecart.com offers a directory of progressive small businesses. Don’t shop at big box or major online retailers, especially those under active boycott.

  3. Get crafty. Instead of spending on decor, break out the popcorn and cranberries and make garlands that can be composted after the season or fed to the birds. Make bird feeders with pinecones and peanut butter and bird seeds. Make ornaments from salt dough. Make wrapping paper from brown paper bags. 

  4. Start new holiday traditions centered around community-building. Volunteer as a family for a cause that matters to you. Have a holiday potluck instead of meeting friends out somewhere. If you do white elephant/secret santa gift exchanges, require the gifts be thrifted.  

  5. Stay home. Hundreds of billions of dollars are spent on travel during the holiday season, and opting out sends a message that we cannot go on with business as usual. If you have MAGA relatives, don’t attend their holiday gatherings. If it is truly unavoidable, challenge their beliefs when it is safe to. Leave if your boundaries are not respected.