Christmas is a time of celebration, togetherness, and giving. But as the holidays have grown more commercialized, the environmental cost of our festivities has also increased. From single-use decorations to wasteful packaging and long-distance shipping, the season’s traditions often clash with sustainability.
When one talks about sustainability, I have to give my 83-year old mother credit where it’s due. Since I have known her, my mother has been a loyal friend to the planet. Perhaps because of her upbringing on the farm, growing what they ate, and having a symbiotic relationship with the land, she has always been mindful of what we take from Mother Earth and what we give back to her. In that way, my mother has been ahead of her time where many of us are playing catch up to be environmentally friendly.
I remember one Christmas, my mother made large Christmas bags out of bright pink fabric she had in one of her sewing cabinets, and placed our gifts in them, tying the bag up with big plaid Christmas ribbon. It was a brilliant idea, not only saving money on giftwrap that we typically discarded after the unwrapping, but it was a small contribution towards creating less waste. We used those bags for years, and still use them.
This year, why not align your holiday spirit with care for the planet? Choosing eco-friendly decorations, reusable packaging, and locally sourced gifts—and even embracing regifting—can transform your Christmas into a celebration of mindfulness, joy, and sustainability.
Why Choose Sustainable Décor?
Traditional holiday decorations, often made of plastic and glitter, contribute to pollution and waste. Eco-friendly alternatives offer a greener way to deck the halls without sacrificing festivity.
Natural materials like wood, dried flowers, or fabric are biodegradable and leave a smaller carbon footprint, lowering the negative environmental impact. You can make these ornaments yourself, or seek out local craftspeople and artisans who have these skills.
I recall a friend’s mother who used to crochet beautiful angels and snowflakes that she would then dip in a starch (and maybe sugar) solution so they stayed sturdy. I have also created DIY ornaments such as pinecones, cinnamon sticks and string balls using balloons and paste on a few occasions, when I was going for a vintage decor.
Last year, I helped a friend make beautiful natural arrangements in the place of a tree, just from materials we foraged walking the forest around her cottage. A few pieces of greenery, red vines and branches, dried berries, and pine cones stuffed into containers found around the place gave the cottage a natural festive look for the holidays – at no cost.
Durable, high-quality decorations are also an eco-friendly way to create lasting memories, while reducing waste because they can be reused for years. Investing in LED lights, which use significantly less energy than traditional bulbs also helps lessen the environmental impact the holidays tend to create.
The Problem with Traditional Wrapping Paper
Most glossy, glittery wrapping paper isn’t recyclable and often ends up in landfills. The amount of waste generated from holiday packaging is staggering, with millions of tons discarded each year.
I remember one year, we fell prey to this shiny, glittery packaging…and we realized our mistake as soon as we started wrapping presents. The glitter stayed on our hands, table, and floor for weeks and it started all over again when we unwrapped the gifts. We took an oath to stay away from glitter forever. In fact the year after, I switched to plain, wrapping paper – the kind you pack dishes when moving – and adorned the gift with string and vintage looking gift tags. It was a remarkable improvement over the glitter disaster from the year before.
Why Reusable Options Are Better
Choosing reusable packaging like my mother’s shiny pink fabric bags saves money in the long run and eliminates single-use waste. Wrapping gifts in fabric, reusable bags, or kraft paper adds a personal, artistic touch.
Big hand of applause for those creative types who make the gift wrap part of the present! They will wrap with tea towels, table napkins, fashion scarves, or decorative boxes that become part of the gift itself!
Other Ideas for Sustainable Wrapping
- Use old newspapers or maps for a vintage look.
- Try the Japanese furoshiki method with cloth wraps.
- Add natural embellishments like sprigs of holly or dried oranges.
Here’s to a holiday season that leaves only footprints of kindness on our beautiful Earth.
Vivi Vibes
Shop Local
Buying locally sourced gifts reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping and supports small businesses and artisans in your area. I have relied too long on the convenience of online shopping, and admit it’s a hard habit to break.
This year, I made myself a promise to shop locally as much as I can. It requires a little more planning, but showing up at a local business means a lot to the owner. Plus, your purchase helps sustain jobs and keeps the money circulating in your community.
- Drop in at the neighbourhood bookstore and ask for a selection of local authors
- Consider locally made food items, like honey, jams, or wine.
- Gift certificates for local experiences, such as yoga classes, local theatre performances, or farm-to-table dining are good ways to support small entrepreneurs.
Why Is Regifting Gaining Popularity?
Once considered taboo, regifting has become an acceptable and even celebrated practice in the era of sustainability. Regifting challenges the notion that gifts must always be purchased and encourages us to think creatively. Passing on unused or gently loved items gives them a new life instead of letting them collect dust or go to waste.
A regifted item, chosen with care, can be just as meaningful as something brand-new. Here is how to regift thoughtfully:
- Be honest if appropriate; let the recipient know the item is being regifted for sustainability reasons.
- Choose items that align with the recipient’s tastes and needs.
- Ensure the gift is in excellent condition and presented beautifully.
- Consider adding something new to the gift to enhance it. For example, add some fresh coffee beans and perhaps some home-made cookies if gifting a gently used coffee pot, or coffee grinder.
Why a Sustainable Christmas Matters
The way we celebrate Christmas reflects our values. By choosing eco-friendly decorations, reusable packaging, locally sourced gifts, and embracing regifting, we honour the planet, support our communities, and promote a culture of gratitude and mindfulness.
A sustainable Christmas isn’t just better for the environment; it’s also richer in meaning. It allows us to reconnect with what truly matters—love, connection, and generosity—while reducing the strain on our planet’s resources.
This year, let’s embrace the magic of the season in a way that leaves a lighter footprint. Together, we can create a holiday that’s joyful, memorable, and kind to the Earth.
May your holiday be wrapped in recyclable love and tied with ribbons of renewable hope.
