Alright, let’s talk about ethical holidays. This wasn’t some big revelation for me, more like a slow burn, you know? Year after year, I’d get caught up in the usual rush – buying stuff nobody really needed, mountains of wrapping paper, food waste… it just started feeling a bit off. A bit hollow.
So, a few years back, I decided I wanted to try things differently. Didn’t really know where to start, honestly. The whole “ethical” thing sounded kinda intimidating, like I had to become some perfect saint overnight. My first thought was, maybe I just skip gifts altogether? But that didn’t feel quite right either, I do enjoy the giving part.
Figuring Things Out
I started simple. My main stress point was always gifts. Running around crowded shops, buying random things just to tick a box. So, I focused there first. I sat down and really thought about the people I buy for. What do they actually like? What do they use?
My first attempt was making stuff. Let’s just say my crafting skills are… limited. That didn’t last long. Then I looked into second-hand, thrift stores. Found some cool things, but felt a bit weird about giving used items initially. Took some getting used to.
What really clicked for me was shifting the focus. Instead of just things, I started thinking about experiences or stuff that genuinely helps people.
What I Actually Did
So, here’s what I landed on, through trial and error:
- Gifts: I mixed it up. For my sister, who loves cooking, I booked us a local pasta-making class. For my nephew, always losing his keys, I found a really cool, locally made wooden key bowl. For others, I bought gift cards to their favorite local coffee shop or bookstore. The key was thinking small and local. Less panic buying, more thoughtful choosing. I also ditched the fancy wrapping paper. Started using old scarves, kids’ drawings, or reusable fabric bags. Felt way better than throwing away piles of paper.
- Food: This was another big one. Usually, I’d buy way too much. So, I planned the main holiday meal much more carefully. Shopped at the local farmer’s market for veggies. Made a smaller menu, focusing on dishes everyone truly loves. We still had plenty, but way less ended up in the bin. It was actually less cooking stress too.
- Decorations: Pulled out the same old box from the attic. Resisted the urge to buy new shiny things. One string of lights wasn’t working, usually I’d chuck it, but I took the time to find the busted bulb and replace it. Felt kinda satisfying, actually.
- Travel: We usually visit family. Instead of everyone driving separately, we tried to coordinate more, carpool where we could. Small thing, but it adds up.
How It Felt
Honestly? It felt really good. The holidays became less about frantic consumerism and more about connection. It wasn’t perfect, sometimes old habits creep back in. But taking these small steps made a difference. It reduced my stress levels significantly, saved me a bit of money, and just felt more aligned with what the holidays should be about, at least for me.
It’s not about achieving some impossible standard. It’s just about being a bit more mindful, making small changes where you can. Started small, focused on what bothered me most, and went from there. Give it a try, maybe just pick one thing this year. You might be surprised how much better it feels.
