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Don’t let the Scrooges of this world ruin your holiday

Updated: Dec 12, 2025


This year, we learned that Ebenezer Scrooge is more than a fictional character in Charles Dickens's 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is seen in corporate greed, defunding healthcare and SNAP benefits, fueling the government shutdown, laying off thousands, giving the rich more money - all for leadership to pocket more money, and the hard-working Americans suffer. 


The holidays are a great time to show corporate greed just where we believe our hard-earned dollars should go. 


We have provided alternative options to big-name companies that pocket egregious amounts of wealth, while rolling back DEI and progressive issues. We recommend local mom-and-pop stores and businesses that give back to the community. At Kitchen Table, we believe that together, we can make a difference. 


Companies on the nice list: Harbor Freight, Costco, Ross, Burlington, Five Below, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Marshalls, Kohls, Chewy


Companies on the naughty list: Home Depot, Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Spotify, Walmart, Live Nation, Harley-Davidson, Royal Caribbean, New York Jets


How to determine if a business is naughty or nice? 

Follow the money with help from Open Secrets (https://www.opensecrets.org/). You can search for companies to see which political party(s) they donated to, politicians they support, how much members, employees, and owners gave to each party, and how much the company spent on outside spending and lobbying. Some organizations, such as Pet Supplies Plus and ACE Hardware, are independently owned, so you would need to conduct further research to determine their stance. 


Please note that this list does not encompass products that give to the Israel/Palestine conflict. Many American companies that support DEI and left issues also support Israel. For more information on boycotting Israeli products, visit BDS Movement to learn more. 


Shop local 

One of the best ways not to support large business greed is to support your local community through smaller holiday markets and events. Here is a list of upcoming markets in the greater Denver, CO area:



Buy an experience

Instead of buying gifts, another great way to celebrate the holidays is to have an experience together. Some ideas include: 

  • Purchase tickets to an event, musical, or show

  • Splurging on a fancy new restaurant or cocktail bar

  • Go ice skating 

  • Go to a hot spring

  • Go dog sledding


Volunteer 

With Medicaid and SNAP benefits recently impacted, more neighbors are struggling this year to make ends meet. Donating your time, cash, or food are great options to give back to the community. Some local Denver opportunities include: 


Boycott 

More than ever, it’s important to go back to the true meaning of the holidays: a time to celebrate with loved ones, celebrate tradition, and count your blessings. Gifts are a fun way to celebrate the holidays, but they are unnecessary if you are surrounded by those you love and care for. Save up your money and spend the holidays together. 


How are you spending the holiday season? Are there any companies we should add to the nice/naughty list? Share your thoughts in the comments!


Happy holidays from the Kitchen Table family.


 
 
 

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