Look after your own wellbeing
It felt essential for us to put this one highest on the list. Otherwise, the sustainability aspects just get another thing you have to do. A more sustainable Christmas should be one that is more sustainable for you. It should mean a Christmas where you stress less and where you buy fewer new things. It is one where you prioritise your own well-being and communicate your needs a limit. There is nothing you have to do and your friends and family won’t get disappointed. if you feel dizziness, have short breath and stomach pain, listen to those emotions and see what you can do differently.
Things you can do to look after yourself are maybe a walk in nature, maybe a yin yoga class, a guided meditation online, a bath with calming herbs such as lavender or a day without computers or phones with just a book.
Lower your expectations and take care of yourself.

2. Travel as little as possible

Of course, we’re not going to tell you not to visit your grandparents in the country-side. But for many of us, Christmas celebration easily becomes a tour where we are going from one place to another. Or are planning to go somwhere where the weather might impact our ability to arrive? To remain in one place at least does not only save some carbon footprint (of course it differs depending on the mood of transportation) but it will also keep you safer and lower your stress levels.

3. Plan gifts long ahead

Once and for all, make sure people who you give gifts actually want to have gifts. Make sure it’s something they will use and will take care of. There are also plenty of gifts that don’t take any new resources at all. Check out our Good Christmas Gift Guide and stay tuned because more lists are coming to make it easier for you. Further, never ever spend money you don’t have on gifts. Talk to your family and friends if you feel like you getting tight on money at the end of the year. All of you can set a maximum figure to make sure it’s financially doable for all.

Photo by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash

4. Only bake and cook what you enjoy

For those of you who love cooking and baking, please go ahead. But please don’t stay up late day and night just because you find it important that everything is handmade. It’s actually possible to buy organic and palm oil-free gingerbread in the stores. Do what you truly enjoy and skip the rest. Make sure you buy what you need a week or so ahead and keep it in the freezer and fridge.

5. Introduce plant-based options

The vegan Christmas options are growing and growing. And yes, these can be found in some stores in larger cities. But you can also do a few things at home. Decreasing animal food products is one of the best things you can do for the climate and the animals. In Sweden, 2 million pigs are slaughtered every year and the majority around Christmas. Make a vegan Christmas ham instead!

6. Reuse paper and decorations

There’s no reason to buy paper just because it’s Christmas, Reuse what you have at home. Add some red lace to whatever you have at home. Small bags can also be turned into Christmas bags just with some red lace!

7. Rent the Christmas Tree

There are plenty of articles and research out there trying to address whether it is better to have a plastic tree or a real one. Did you know you can also rent a Christmas tree? Yep, cities like London and Stockholm have it!

8. Stay sober

Plenty of children are calling humanitarian services since they are experiencing discomfort and violence during Christmas. For the sake of the children it is important we keep alcohol out from a day meant to be for the children. It will also make you feel better the whole day and the day after. Maybe even those running shoes will come out from the closet on Christmas day?

How to celebrate a more Sustainable Christmas and avoid burnout

Look after your own wellbeing