But, let’s face it: Christmas is also one of the hardest times of the year to stay committed to being ‘green’. The rush of last minute shopping, preparing feasts for the family, and juggling a packed social calendar can even make the most eco-conscious among us take shortcuts that aren’t so kind to the planet.

With this in mind, it’s even more important to pause during the Christmas chaos and consider how we can care for creation during this special season. The good news is it’s surprisingly easy to make small changes for a more environmentally friendly Christmas.

Ideas for a Greener Christmas

Gifts

  1. E-Giftcards or Experiences: consider buying digital gift cards or memberships like cinema passes, experience days, restaurant vouchers or a subscription to an online service. These are often more appreciated and clutter-free.
  2. Recyclable Cards or E-Cards: make sure to buy cards made from recycled materials and recyclable ones. Many people are now opting for paperless e-cards too, which can also be great for multiple people to sign if not all together in person.
  3. Eco-Friendly Wrapping: buy recyclable paper, or even reuse old paper from presents you are given. A good rule of thumb is if the paper rips easily, or if you scrunch it into a ball and it stays – it can be recycled. Avoid glittery or shiny paper which can’t be recycled. Make sure to also remove sticky tape before recycling!
  4. Buy gifts that people want: every year, £700 million worth of unwanted presents are bought in the UK. Ask people what they want, and get things they will actually use rather than novelties.

Food

  1. Plant-based Options: incorporate more vegetarian and vegan dishes into your menu. Not only can these reduce your carbon footprint, but add some variety to your plate.
  2. Shop Local and Fairtrade: support your community by sourcing fresher ingredients from local farmers and shops, and opt for Fairtrade products where possible to support our neighbours globally.
  3. Minimise Food Waste: most of us overbuy (…and overeat). The equivalent of 4 million Christmas dinners are thrown away in Britain each year, creating a mountain of food waste. While Christmas is undeniably a time to feast, try and buy what you need and make use of leftovers. The BBC Food website has some great leftovers recipe suggestions for Boxing Day and beyond.

Decorations

  1. Eco-friendly Alternatives: swap out plastic tinsel for natural decorations like pinecones, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks. These add a rustic charm and are biodegradable. Avoid glitter – it’s microplastics, and an all round nightmare to get rid of!
  2. Switch to LED Christmas Lights: these use 95% less energy than traditional bulbs, are brighter and longer-lasting, and cost a fraction of the price to run – saving your wallet and the planet.
  3. Reuse and Make Your Own: try and reuse decorations from previous years to save money too, or make your own with materials you already have, like paper snowflakes. Here are some ideas for zero-waste DIY decorations. This can be a great activity for children to get creative with.
  4. Consider your Tree: buying an artificial tree is the most sustainable option if used for a minimum of 9 years – so opt for quality. If you choose a real tree, source it as locally as possible and make sure it is FSC-certified and correctly disposed of – many recycling centres accept trees. You could also rent a tree from a local garden centre, or buy a potted one and keep it outside the rest of the year if you have space.

Remember the True Gift

Christmas is a time to celebrate God’s immense love for the world – a love so strong He came down in the humblest way possible to become a part of His creation.

This Christmas, let’s tread more lightly on the earth, celebrate with intention, and honour the gift of creation.

Here’s to a joyful, peaceful, and greener Christmas!

Blog by Sophie Roberts, Diocesan Environmental Officer

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