‘We tick all seven deadly sins at Christmas time, and it’s time to stop’ – Giselle Borg Olivier

Zaar Crowdfunding Manager Giselle Borg Olivier expressed her frustration at how we seem to have lost the true sense of Christmas, so much so that “we tick all seven deadly sins” at this time of year, and it must stop.

While most people have been busy buying gifts for their friends and loved ones, sometimes “it’s just enough to be nicer to one another,” she stated noting how this comes out clearly in the religious story of the birth of Jesus who “was born in a stable and laid in a manger, highlighting just how little they had.”

Taking note of the social and economic difficulties the world has faced in recent months, such as inflation and increased prices, she observes that this could result in people having a different Christmas this year. “Maybe that will encourage people to waste less and only buy what is needed,” she said reminding us that the festive season is a time to take note of sustainability and do our bit for the environment.

“Perhaps people will rely less on single-use items by wrapping presents in gift bags or sacks, or just brown paper that can, at least, be recycled,” she affirmed.

Speaking of sustainability, Ms Borg Olivier sustained that she “would like to see [it] in practice, and not just theory across several sectors, but especially in those that deal with the mass market.”

“The hospitality industry is a key player here and they can take several steps to contribute to an eco-friendlier environment by implementing sustainability policies, and training and educating their staff to follow these policies while understanding the impact of the industry on the world,” she added.

Although Malta is also affected by the same challenges as other nations, Ms Borg Olivier feels that “we tend to be more protected against certain measures that are affecting other countries.”

However, “one of the biggest problems we face in Malta is the sheer brazenness by those businesspeople and politicians who don't abide by the ethical and moral rules that the regular man-on-the-street uses,” she exclaimed.

When people see “the rules and regulations being flaunted by some, with no regard for consequences or repercussions, it's only normal that the sense of injustice grows - and then it becomes a decision of whether you fight them or join them,” the Manager remarked.

“Hopefully this will change with people realising that leaving a legacy of goodwill, rather than a legacy of cash is more rewarding,” she conveyed.

The Zaar Manager believes that 2023 will be a year for several opportunities. “I would like to see people be more enterprising and take on new challenges that will stimulate their spirits,” she stated adding that “people need to feel a sense of purpose once again.”

“I think that this is the time for people to write that book, pitch their business idea to investors, volunteer for the cause that they believe in, travel and experience new cultures... ultimately, realign their sense of purpose,” she concluded.