If anyone has ever spent the Christmas period with friends or someone else's family they'll know that everyone has their own festive traditions, which might seem bizarre from an outsider's point of view.
One man taking Christmas activities to the extreme is Maks, @thatguymaks on TikTok, who wrote in a social media post: "20 hours and a lot of wrapping later I'm finally done! Early Merry Christmas...now just need some sleep."
In a video posted to his account with over 11.7 million views, Maks can be seen wrapping absolutely everything in his sister's room in festive wrapping paper, down to the very last detail.
@thatguymaks 20 hours and alot of wrapping later I’m finally done! Early Merry Christmas…now just need some sleep.
♬ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Covering the walls in wrapping paper, Maks also wraps up every individual book, the bookshelves themselves, bed cushions, the television, and even the piano.
One TikTok user, while impressed, couldn't help thinking about the potential waste of paper.
"It's good but I felt bad about the papersss," they wrote.
It's estimated that an extra 5 million tons of waste is generated over the Christmas period in the U.S., much of it wrapping paper and bags. To put it into perspective, that's the equivalent of about 108 Titanics. Tens of thousands of trees are cut down to make the gift paper.
Many people get themselves into debt over the Christmas period in the U.S., with roughly 25 percent of Americans still paying off holiday debt from 2022, according to WalletHub's November shopping survey.
The survey also found that more than 30 percent of people are foregoing gift giving this year because of inflation.
With purses tightening, and waste increasing at this time of year, why not reduce waste and cost this year with some handy hacks?
Why not try sending e-cards to save yourself developing carpal tunnel syndrome this year, or decorate your home and tree with edible, natural or biodegradable ingredients, such as "cranberries, popcorn, or live flowers and greenery," suggests the Clean Air Partnership, a non-profit environmental organization.
Users on TikTok were generally impressed with the effort, with most requesting a reaction video of the sister.
"omw,....is this a prank? I need to see her reaction," said one user on TikTok. "As someone who likes opening gifts, this is heaven," said another.
Others were less impressed.
"I'll be upset. I'm not cleaning that one. I'm gonna live in the living room," said one user, and "so glad we don't have a brother haha," agreed another.
Newsweek has reached out to Maks via email for comment.
Have you had a Christmas dilemma? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money, and work, and your story could be featured on Newsweek's "What Should I Do? section.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Leonie Helm is a Newsweek Life Reporter and is based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on all things ... Read more
