Money Matters: A Christmas of Kindness

Find peace of mind by giving sustainably and ethically this Christmas. Adele Trathan looks at ways we can be mindful of our environmental impact over the festive season 

As Christmas approaches, many of us find joy in giving, gathering and celebrating traditions with loved ones. However, Christmas can also be a time of excess – of waste, overconsumption and unintentional harm to the environment. 

Embracing an ethical Christmas is not about sacrificing the magic of the season – but more about making mindful choices that honour the spirit of giving, care for our planet, and respect the dignity of all. You might even save money in the process. 

Rethink gifting 

Giving loved ones presents is a cherished tradition, but it can also be a significant source of waste and stress. To avoid this, consider quality over quantity by gifting fewer, but more thoughtful gifts. 

Maybe get creative – making your own mini- hampers from home-made or locally produced goodies or crafting practical and artistic treasures. A gift that demonstrates time and thoughtfulness is always a treat to receive. 

It is also worthwhile steering your children away from fads, and teaching them the value of meaningful gifts such as a hand-knitted scarf or a classic book. 

Shop mindfully 

Christmas is all about community, so by purchasing from local artisans and independent shops you can both support your local producers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping. It also means you are actively contributing to your local economy, helping employment opportunities and keeping your local high street active and alive. 

Of course, it may not be possible to buy everything in person, so when shopping online, seek out companies committed to fair labour practices, environmental responsibility and transparency. 

Wrap it up in love 

Wrapping paper wrap is often single-use, non-recyclable and contributes to mountains of waste over the festive season. However, many high-street brands are now striving to provide rolls that have not only already been recycled, but also avoid the glossy foil finishes which mean they can’t be recycled a second time. Simple brown paper can look stunning when tied with natural string and decorated with simple foliage. 

Another option is to get creative with wrapping. For example, you can save and reuse gift bags, boxes, and ribbons from previous years, or even wrap gifts in in fabric remnants. 

Food for thought 

Christmas lunch is one of the highlights of the day, but our over-excitement and anticipation can often lead to over-buying. So, instead of buying three cuts of meat from your supermarket, buy one of quality from your local butcher – ask about the provenance, many butchers source from local farms that rear produce ethically and with high 

welfare standards. 

Also consider providing more plant- based dishes at your table such as roasted root veg, beetroot tart and, of course, sprouts. To avoid wastage, make sure you plan your menu to match the number of guests, use any leftovers creatively, and compost scraps where possible. 

Get giving 

What do you get the person who has everything? How about a donation in their name to a cause that’s close to their heart. You can also donate gifts to charities which provide for the homeless and children that are underprivileged and living in poverty. Or, if money is tight, simply offer your time – arguably the most precious gift of them all!