Imagine a Christmas that's lower stress, more budget-friendly, and kinder to the planet.
That’s my wish this year, and I'm determined to make it happen! If you're anything like me, you want to enjoy the magic of the festive season without the usual chaos and waste that can come with it. So, I’ve been on a mission to make Christmas easier, cheaper, and greener—and I’d love to share my discoveries with you.
A Very Different Christmas Last Year
Last Christmas was quite the adventure for my little family. My baby was born just a few weeks before the big day, and let’s just say, it was not your typical festive celebration. By October, I was frantically ordering presents, and by November, I was sending out Christmas cards. Come Christmas Day, my husband and I were doing our best to juggle a newborn.
Between feeds, nappy changes, and a very colicky baby, we spent most of the day playing pass the (baby) parcel while attempting to inhale a Christmas dinner that we barely tasted. I have photo evidence of my little one crying through the entire day—something I plan to show him when he's older!
But this year, it feels different. I feel different. Maybe it’s the sleep deprivation talking, but I've been thinking a lot about how I can reduce the stress and make our Christmas more meaningful, especially as I embrace my new role as a parent.
I've also been researching how to celebrate in a more sustainable way. So, I’ve put together some tips that have not only helped me but might take some pressure off you too!
Step 1: Embrace the Joy of a Secret Santa
Gift-giving can be one of the most stressful (and expensive) parts of Christmas, especially if you have a large family.
This year, we’ve decided to introduce a Secret Santa tradition, and it’s already a game changer. Instead of buying individual gifts for everyone, we’ve agreed to focus on one thoughtfully chosen gift.
To make it even easier, we’ve been using a Secret Santa app like Elfster or DrawNames . These apps take care of all the admin, from randomly assigning names to offering a wish list feature so everyone gets something they genuinely want.
Not only does this approach save time and money, but it also significantly reduces the waste of unnecessary presents that often end up in the back of a cupboard. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage family members to really think about what would bring joy to their recipient rather than buying for the sake of it.
Step 2: Ditch Traditional Gift Wrap for Sustainable Alternatives
I was shocked to learn that most traditional wrapping paper isn’t recyclable due to plastic coatings, glitter, and dyes.
In our area, the only paper we can recycle is plain brown Kraft paper. So, this year I’m embracing eco-friendly gift wrap by using recyclable Kraft wrapping paper, which you can find with festive designs, along with biodegradable tape. I ordered mine from Plewsy and it looks beautifully rustic under the tree.
To make it even more special, I’ve been reusing ribbons and fabric from previous years and getting creative with natural decorations like dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and sprigs of evergreen. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add a lovely, festive scent to the room!
Step 3: Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are one of the most magical parts of the Christmas countdown, but they often create a lot of waste with single-use plastic. This year, I decided to buy my baby a reusable advent calendar . It’s a lovely wooden calendar with little drawers that I can fill with treats, small toys, or even notes. I found a beautiful one from My 1st Years , and it’s something we can use year after year.
For those with older children, you can get creative by filling each drawer with activities like "Bake Christmas cookies" or "Watch a Christmas movie." It’s a wonderful way to make the whole month of December feel special without relying on disposable items.
Step 4: Rent a Christmas Tree
Yes, you read that right—you can rent a Christmas tree ! Instead of buying a cut tree that will end up in landfill after the holidays, you can rent a live tree in a pot, which is then replanted after Christmas. Some companies, like Love a Christmas Tree , even let you "adopt" your tree so you can rent the same one year after year. Not only is this a more sustainable option, but it’s also a fun tradition to start with the family.
Alternatively, if space is an issue, you can consider a smaller, tabletop potted tree or even a DIY alternative using foraged branches and decorations you already have.
Step 5: Choose Gifts from Eco-Friendly Brands
When it comes to buying gifts, I’m making a conscious effort to support sustainable brands that prioritise ethical practices. For baby gear, I’ve discovered that Silver Cross uses recycled fabrics in their prams, which is a fantastic option for eco-conscious parents.
For toys, I love Le Toy Van for their beautifully crafted wooden toys made from sustainably sourced materials. Not only are they durable, but they also look charmingly nostalgic, making them perfect for children (and parents who appreciate the aesthetic!).
Another great option is gifting experiences rather than physical items. Websites like Buyagift offer everything from spa days to cooking classes, which can be a more meaningful and waste-free way to celebrate the season.
Step 6: Give the Gift of Time and Experiences
Sometimes, the best gift you can give is your time. Instead of buying more "stuff," why not plan a special day out or a memorable experience?
Whether it's a family trip to the Natural History Museum for a festive day out, a winter walk in one of the UK's beautiful National Trust sites, or simply a cosy movie night at home, these moments are what truly make the holidays special.
Step 7: Create a Sustainable Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be a stress-fest or a waste-fest. This year, I’m planning a menu that focuses on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. I’m also trying to cut down on food waste by buying only what we need and getting creative with leftovers.
Websites like Love Food Hate Waste offer great tips and recipes for using up those Christmas dinner remnants.
If you’re hosting this year, consider swapping disposable plates and cutlery for reusable options. And if you're not a fan of cooking, there are plenty of meal delivery services like Mindful Chef that offer festive options with minimal waste.
Step 8: Make Sustainable New Traditions
The most meaningful Christmas traditions don’t have to be wasteful. This year, we’re focusing on experiences like baking homemade gingerbread, going for winter walks, and making our own Christmas decorations.
These simple activities not only reduce waste but also create beautiful memories.
It’s easy to get caught up in the consumerism of Christmas, but with a few mindful changes, we can make this festive season more meaningful, less stressful, and kinder to our wallets and the planet.
Whether it’s embracing Secret Santa, opting for eco-friendly gift wrap, or renting a Christmas tree, every small change can make a big difference.
So, what’s your plan for a greener Christmas? I’d love to hear your tips and ideas. Let’s make this Christmas the most magical (and sustainable) one yet!