Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday

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Christmas and Hannukah are, among other things, about deepening our connections to family, friends, and faith—but sometimes it can seem like the main focus of the season is shopping, stress, and stuff. Here we offer some ideas to cultivate appreciation this season, to celebrate in ways that are more sustainable for both you and the planet.

If you have suggestions for other ways to celebrate sustainably or resources to share, please e-mail Amanda to let us know!

Gift Ideas

  • Simple, thoughtful gifts from the heart are often the most meaningful gifts we can give to friends and family.
  • Consider giving gifts of your time or talent—babysitting or petsitting; promises of experiences together such as cooking or gardening; or gift certificates to museums, the zoo or the theater.
  • When buying gifts, consider buying local or fair-trade products when possible. Also, look for products that are made from durable or recycled materials, have minimal packaging, and are energy-efficient.
  • For those friends and family members who already have enough stuff, make a gift donation to a favorite charity. There are lots of great organizations and causes to support, including Texas Interfaith Power and Light!
  • When wrapping gifts, remember the three R’s: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. Reduce packaging and use of wrapping paper when possible. Re-use gift bags and wrap gifts with newsprint or cut out pictures from magazines. Recycle the wrapping paper from gifts you receive.

 

 

Holiday Food Choices

  • Host a holiday meal that focuses on sustainability using locally-grown produce, organic foods, and less meat.
  • Consider realistically the amount of food you will need to joyfully and simply celebrate.
  • Start a compost pile for vegetable and fruit scraps.

 

 

Celebrating with Children

  • Include children in your simplified holiday preparations, in everything from homemade decorations to homemade foods and gifts.
  • Give children gifts of time instead of things: time together cooking, gardening, doing art projects, going to parks and museums.
  • As a family, brainstorm holiday commitments to be more sustainable in the coming year. Some ideas include: using refillable water bottles rather than plastic water bottles, using cloth napkins and kitchen towels rather than paper napkins and paper towels, and pouring extra water from cups onto indoor and outdoor plants instead of pouring it down the drain.

 

Some Advent & Christmas Resources:

"Advent Lightbulb Study Guide," from Texas Interfaith Power & Light

“Ideas for Reclaiming Advent and Christmas,” from the Presbyterian Church USA

Some Hannukah Resources:

"One for Each Night: A Hannukah Study Guide for a Brighter Future," from Texas Interfaith Power & Light

“Chanukah Energy Program and Gift Guide,” from COEJL (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life)