Celebrate Sustainable Holidays
As the holidays approach, our faiths call us to work for peace through justice. We may sing songs, light candles, read scriptures, or participate in many other sacred acts. However, the world we live in often demands that we have anything but a peaceful holiday. The holidays can often be accompanied by a long list of gifts, endless parties, school functions, and holiday gatherings, all with seemingly endless uses of single use plastics in our wrapping paper, toys and more. It can feel as though the holidays are a marathon we are trying to sprint through.
This year, we invite you to consider how your holiday season can be kinder to you and the Earth! How can we avoid the rush and the ruin? Consider starting small and growing from there:
- Use the decorations you already have and consider second hand stores for any items you need to replace
- Replace one gift with an experience, such as a family movie night, museum day, or cooking class
- Consider making your holiday travel more sustainable by carpooling, taking a bus, or travelling by train
- Make your holiday meal more sustainable with reusable dishware, composting food scraps, and centering plant based alternatives
- Make a gift to your favorite charity this year or add a donation to your wishlist
Our holiday celebrations should reflect our faith, values, and commitment to protecting our planet. As I prepare for this holiday season, I am reminded of my family’s favorite movie, ‘The Muppets Christmas Carol’ which we watch every year together. It has a line that says, “It is the season of the heart, A special time of caring. The ways of love made clear.” May we each reflect this as we go into our holiday seasons. Happy Holidays!
About the Author:
Kate Summers is the Faith + Climate Associate at Blessed Tomorrow
Additional Resources:
Apply for ecoAmerica’s 2027 American Climate Leadership Awards
Watch the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum
Report: Organizations and Climate Action
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023