Top 10 tips for a caring Christmas
Christmas is meant to be a time of cheer, and good will to all … but it’s increasingly the season of waste, pressure to consume, and extra money worries – right in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.
However, for most of us there are lots of ways to make sure the festive season is a time of joy, love and rest – without breaking the bank or the planet.
Take time to remember what really matters to you: chances are you’ll think of family, friends, health, happiness and community? For those that do celebrate Christmas, it’s the season to be jolly – not a retail festival, so here are our top 10 tips for a more caring festive period.
1. What’s really important to you?
Christmas can be stressful amid the consumerist barrage, so take time out to think about what really matters to you. Do nice things with the folk you love, your friends and neighbours – walks, playing games, community meals, catching up with old pals or checking in with someone who might be lonely or unsupported can make the festive period really special. Work out what it is that makes you and others happy and do more of it, all year round.
2. Eliminate packaging
Look for products and gifts that use reduced or no packaging. Wrap gifts with recycled paper if you have to, and avoid ribbons, foil-backed or glittery paper, and try out some tape-free wrapping techniques. Keep any gift wrapping you do receive and use it again next year.
3. Reduce plastic waste
Choose reusable containers and bags to reduce your waste footprint. Don’t be tempted by disposable utensils, containers or single-use items.
4. Use eco-friendly decorations
Store all your decorations for next year. Make your own using responsibly sourced seasonal foliage, upcycled fabric or organic materials. Use old Christmas cards to make individual place names for around the dinner table.
5. Tree cheers
Avoid buying a new artificial tree at all costs. If you can afford it, pick a real tree from a sustainable forest with a responsible forest management certification such as FSC. After Christmas, recycle your tree, turning it into wood chip or compost. You can also buy a tree in a growing pot and reuse it next year. Or if a secondhand artificial tree’s your best option, keep it and reuse it for years to come.
6. Dress to progress
Buy pre-loved clothes or from brands that make efforts to preserve nature and the well-being of all workers along the supply chain. Avoid fast fashion. Organise a clothes swap with your friends, get your Christmas jumper (if you must!) from a charity shop, or see what’s hiding in your wardrobe could be revamped for this year’s party season.
7. Festive food
Supermarkets actively encourage you to overdo it as it boosts their CEO’s bonus. So just buy what you can afford (ideally, local or seasonal produce), in sufficient quantities, and freeze any leftovers. And remember: turkeys, pigs or cows sure don’t vote for Christmas, so go plant-based where possible to cut the negative environmental and welfare impact of animal factory farming.
8. Choose quality over quantity
How often have you ended up gifts you didn’t need or want? When buying for others, think less but better – and encourage others to do the same. Set a sensible price limit on gifts (remember, it’s the thought that counts), or cut out gifts to your wider circle altogether, and just focus on the kids, remembering what’s affordable for you.
9. Travel greener
If you need to travel further afield for Christmas look at greener options such as taking the train instead of a plane. Walk or take the bike for shorter journeys, and use public transport where possible.
10. Better to give than receive
The run-up to Christmas can be a good time for a clear-out (or the chance to pick up something secondhand that’s still just what someone else would love). If you’ve got stuff in good condition that you no longer use, donate it to charities and help your local community or people in need. If you can, make a charitable donation as a gift on behalf of a loved one.
Find more hints and tips here