Last Christmas
Santa's quitting Amazon, and I am, too.
Setting aside the PTSD from enduring the same-named Emma Thompson film, I’m bringing even more trauma: 2024 is the last Christmas I’ll be using Amazon. Prime. Amazon Prime. (Give me a touch more time to wean off Amazon.)
Not because it’ll hurt Jeff Bezos (it won’t).
Not because it’ll make my life easier (it won’t).
Not because it’s too expensive, costs Amazon workers too much, or is unethical (it’s all of those things).
When my preschool kid melted down after I told her the red (bright red) superhero gloves (must be wrist length) she’d chosen wouldn’t be here until after Christmas, I knew she wasn’t the only thing screaming at me. “What is she getting so upset about?” “You’re teaching your kid what?” “This is unsustainable!”
Similar to my sugar addictions, I love Amazon Prime. But it’s not a longevity strategy. Getting exactly what you want now-now-NOW is like putting candy at the top of the food pyramid.
Not good for anyone.
I have sold out for convenience, and if I don’t stop now, it won’t end well. Even if I continue to turn a blind eye to Amazon’s OSHA violations, 150% turnover, union busting, and dangerous billionaire monopoly and oligarchy, opting that I must make things easier for myself, it’s having a personal consequence. It’s canceling my patience. Teaching me I can’t wait— for things Controlling me. And my kid.
What’s this your last Christmas for?
I can relate to this completely... when my 6-year-old learns of a new widget he must have, the first thing he says (like clockwork) is "can we buy it on Amazon now?"