One of the most special seasons of the year. The holiday season, associated with love and joy, and the spirit of togetherness, remembering the warmth of family gatherings and hope of new beginnings. However, for some, it can also feel bittersweet, especially after experiencing loss due to events such as COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases. This year, as we celebrate Christmas, it's a great time to focus on mindful and sustainable gift-giving.
Reflecting on what it means to be a family, to build and nurture one, to stay and cultivate memories with loved ones, We've grown to understand the importance of choosing gifts that express care for both our families, friends and the environment. Our latest edit of this year shares ten thoughtful gifts that combine joy and sustainability, perfect for the holiday season.
The Importance of Gift-Giving and Caring
Traditionally, Christmas can involve excess, from lavish meals to a mountain of gifts. But we can change this narrative. With rising awareness around climate change and environmental issues, our choices have never mattered more.
Choosing gifts that are thoughtful and sustainable allows us to show love not just for our families but also for our planet. A shift in how we approach gifting can create a lasting positive impact while celebrating the season's spirit.
How Small Families and Friends Can Celebrate, Specially After Loss
If you belong to a small family that has experienced loss, the holiday season can feel overwhelming and for some isolating. It is important to take care of yourself with activities that motivates your mental health and sharing health family values, including inviting families and friends that suffered most at this last season, and for some: throughout few years. Turning the focus towards creativity, organising play dates with children and games while making lovely memories together, as also building new memories with family members and friends, meanwhile honouring the memories and lives of those who are no longer with us, it's very important .
For example, consider crafting a special ornament in memory of a loved one. Creating a scrapbook on their memory, or video, gathering photos and stories of beautiful moments shared together. Each year, it can serve as a reminder of their presence and the love they brought into our lives. Lighting a candle at dinner or sharing their favourite stories can also keep their spirit alive within each one of us. During Christmas this is also a special moment to help children process their own feelings of loss, but also remain positively connected with positive memories of their loved ones. Encouraging emotional expressions, such as writing letters, remembering sharing their own stories and be able to re-tell them as a feel good moment of love and affection, children also learn to deal with sadness and other emotions. Reinforcing the ideas that love and family also transcends physical absence providing comfort.
Engage in activities that allow connection and healing. Organise a family game night with board games or cook a loved one’s favourite recipe together. These moments of togetherness can help transform a season of sadness into one filled with appreciation and care for one another.
How to celebrate with those we love, while sharing memories and wonderful gifts. Here is our 10 Best Ideas of Sustainable Christmas Presents for Everyone, From Old and New:
A lovely list with ten sustainable gifts that families can enjoy while taking care of one another and the planet. These gifts embody thoughtfulness and are environmentally friendly, those are lovely ideas for the holiday season.
Reusable Carrier Bags, Totes, Pouches and Foldable Bags
Encourage eco-friendly carrier bags for traveling, commute or shopping, with a set of reusable produce bags. Made from breathable materials, these bags help families reduce plastic waste significantly. For instance, using these instead of plastic bags can cut down household plastic waste by about 2,000 bags per year.
Solar-Powered Chargers
For families who love tech, solar-powered chargers are perfect. They promote outdoor adventures while helping reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. Owning a solar charger can save families an estimated 80% on energy costs over time.
Handmade Beeswax Wraps
Promote sustainable food storage with beeswax wraps. These beautiful, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap keep food fresh and help eliminate waste. Switching to beeswax wraps can reduce food storage waste by 60% for an average family.
Plant-Based Cookbooks
Inspire healthier eating habits with a beautifully illustrated plant-based cookbook. This gift encourages families to explore diverse, eco-friendly meal options while benefiting their health. Research shows that plant-based diets can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%.
Grow-Your-Own Herb Kits
A grow-your-own herb kit brings gardening fun to families with no outdoor space. Besides promoting sustainability, this can lead to healthier dishes and provide shared experiences. Families can save approximately 30% on herbs throughout the year by growing their own.
Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
Gift children with art supplies made from sustainable and non-toxic materials. This encourages creativity while teaching the importance of caring for the environment. Using sustainable art supplies can reduce plastic waste in landfills by an astonishing amount over time.
Recycled Paper Gift Wrap
Instead of conventional wrapping paper, consider gifting recycled paper wrap. This small change reduces waste and opens up creative wrapping ideas, such as using old newspapers or fabric. Statistics show that recycling paper can save 60% of energy used in producing new paper.
Subscription to an Eco-Friendly Magazine
An eco-friendly magazine subscription offers families a year-round source of inspiration and tips for living sustainably. This ongoing gift can help increase awareness about environmental issues and promote green practices at home.
Sustainable Puzzle Games
Engage families in screen-free fun with puzzles made from recycled materials. This not only stimulates the mind but also fosters family bonding and reduces reliance on electronic devices. Participating in puzzle games can enhance family dynamics and communication.
10. Donation to Charities Supporting Women and Children
In memory of loved ones or to embrace the spirit of giving, consider donating to charities that support women and children. This gesture can help change lives. Hospital charities report that donations can fund treatments and necessities for up to 300 families during the festive season.
Choosing sustainable gifts can reduce waste on Christmas. Giving gifts with a conscious mind, elevates not only the holiday experience, but shows commitment to love and care for our families and our own planet.
Supporting Charities in the UK
As we prepare for Christmas, it's also vital to think about those who are less fortunate, including women and children facing difficult challenges, this time of the year. Here are a few UK charities to consider supporting this season:
Women’s Aid
This vital charity supports women and children impacted by domestic violence. Donations help provide safe housing, essential resources, and support services: https://www.womensaid.org.uk
The Children’s Society
Devoted to improving the lives of children, this charity aids those facing poverty and neglect. Your support can make a real difference for vulnerable young people.
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk
Refuge
This organisation provides essential support to women and children escaping domestic violence. Contributions ensure vital services like shelters and educational programs continue operating.
Action for Children
This charity works to help children facing hardships and offers programs that provide essential support. Engaging with them can positively impact many lives.
https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk
Barnardo’s
Committed to vulnerable children and young people, Barnardo's provides opportunities for better futures through education and support. Donations directly support their impactful work.
Supporting these charities during the holidays can enhance the spirit of giving. Your contributions can spread kindness and make a profound impact on those in need.
Embracing the Gift of Togetherness
This Christmas, let’s come together, focusing on thoughtful and sustainable gifts that resonate with who we are. As we honour our loved ones who have passed and create new family traditions, we foster a deeper connection to each other and our planet.
By selecting eco-friendly gifts and supporting charities that uplift women and children, we can transform the holiday season into a meaningful experience.
May your holiday be filled with warmth, joy, and the cherished company of family. Let's embrace the celebration of life and love while considering our impact on this beautiful planet.
Happy Holidays!
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