Would Christmas markets reduce consumerism?

Are you a fan of string lights, hot chocolate, and shopping for handmade items from small businesses? As with any basic millenial, us too. That's why this week we're talking about Christmas markets. You know, the ones that in your head are a stroll through a light snow fall with a warm drink in hand, but in reality are elbowing through a crowd to look at a lot of expensive things. Although, we are definitely willing to take a trip to an authentic market in Germany to see if these markets are just the cure to typical consumerism.... 

https://fiveminutehistory.com/a-brief-history-of-christmas-markets/

https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/holidays-and-celebrations/christmas/christmas-markets-in-germany/

https://visitcroatia.com/the-history-of-europes-christmas-markets/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1075514/preferred-purchase-locations-for-christmas-gifts-in-the-united-states/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190640/christmas-gifts-internet-france-containment-shopping-preference-online-offline/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/751223/christmas-markets-worldwide-by-country/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/368784/christmas-markets-europe-sales-value-by-country/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/503789/activities-planned-christmas-great-britain/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/950366/leading-15-christmas-markets-in-europe/

https://www.dangerous-business.com/german-christmas-market-musts/