Regenerate the Christmas Spirit of Gifting

Every December, as I begin thinking about Christmas gifts for my loved ones, I'm reminded of how deeply rooted gift-giving is in our culture. While researching this tradition, I came across Kyle Hoekstra's brilliant recap of Christmas present-giving history, which made me reflect on how, like all traditions, it has evolved over time, with its meaning shifting along with generational interpretations. What does Christmas mean to us today when we are standing at the verge of overgrown waste problem? This question makes me wonder and reflect.

For many, Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends, sharing moments of connection and joy. These gatherings strengthen the bonds between us, and the traditions surrounding us—decorations, food, clothing, and of course, gifts—play an essential role in creating the holiday atmosphere.

Many families, particularly those with children, the gift-unwrapping experience becomes the highlight of the holiday. Sometimes, the holiday itself seems to revolve around the anticipation and excitement of opening presents.

Yet, not all of us feel the same way about gifting. For some, buying presents can feel like an unbearable yearly routine. For others, it’s a chance to show thoughtfulness and love through carefully chosen gifts. And for a few, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate generosity through the sheer quantity or value of the gifts they give. There is no single way to experience the spirit of Christmas, and no right or wrong way to approach it.

Taking a moment to reflect on what the holiday truly means to us can be a meaningful exercise. After all, our time and hard-earned money are precious, and we want to ensure we enjoy the experience when it arrives. But could there be a way that a celebration of our holiday can also be a celebration of a progress we can make on tackling the environmental problems?

This year, while struggling with my own holiday shopping choices, I imagined putting on a special pair of glasses—ones that would help me see beyond the sparkly wrapping paper and seasonal displays. These "green glasses," as I came to think of them, changed how I viewed every potential gift. Let me share what I discovered when looking at our gift-giving wonderland through this lens.

Plastic is Black

The first thing I notice through the green glasses is the overwhelming amount of black in the gifts-land. Black here represents plastic—a material that doesn’t necessarily signal bad, but whose overuse and lack of biodegradability have overwhelmed our planet. Most gifts incorporate plastic, not for its intended functionality, but because it’s cheap and easy to use.

We need to watch out for greenwashing—terms like “plant-based plastic,” “biodegradable plastic,” or “compostable plastic” can be misleading and often cloud our judgment. If we want to navigate this maze of claims and emerge with a truly green gift, we need to equip ourselves with some knowledge. Avoiding plastic altogether is likely the best option. If that’s not possible, we can focus on items that are recyclable, long-lasting, or easily repurposed.

Electronics are Grey

Electronics often appear as a shimmering grey through the green glasses. These gadgets bring convenience and wonder, but they come with a hidden cost: short lifespans and limited repairability. Many electronics are designed with planned obsolescence in mind, leaving behind a trail of e-waste, much like the debris of a comet.

If electronics are on our gift list, we can challenge ourselves to find rare gems—products that are repairable, recyclable, or designed with circularity in mind. Brands that offer take-back schemes or provide clear repair guides are especially commendable. While they are few and far between, choosing them sends a message that thoughtful design matters.

Twinkling Gold

Gold shines brightly in the world of gifts, symbolising materials that are long-lasting and endlessly recyclable—like aluminium, stainless steel, and glass. These materials require significant energy to mine and produce, but their durability gives them immense value.

Gifts made from these “golden” materials often have a timeless quality. They can be passed down through generations, and when they no longer serve their purpose, they can be transformed into something new. However, we should remember that mining these materials often leaves scars on our Earth, disrupting ecosystems for decades. By choosing gifts in this category, we honour their preciousness and ensure they’re cherished and used to their fullest potential.

The Bursting Green

Green represents gifts made from natural materials or gifts that come from nature itself—plants, plant fibres, or even biodegradable items. These gifts are spectacular because they return to the Earth at the end of their lifecycle, leaving no harmful traces behind.

However, green gifts must remain pure; mixing natural materials with synthetic ones can compromise their biodegradability. By seeking out items that are truly natural, we not only minimise environmental harm but also encourage businesses to focus on sustainable innovations.

The Heartfelt Warm Red

Red stands for the gifts that come from the heart—those we create with our own hands. Handmade items, whether it’s a knitted scarf, a baked treat, or a handcrafted card, carry a unique warmth and thoughtfulness.

Handcrafting takes time and effort, which is why such gifts are so rare and precious. If we receive something handmade, it’s a reflection of someone’s love and dedication—a true treasure in a world of mass production.

The Perfect Christmas Combination

When we combine handmade gifts (red) with natural materials (green), we create the perfect Christmas combination—not just in traditional holiday colours, but in meaning and impact. Picture a hand-knitted scarf made from organic wool, homemade preserves in glass jars, or carefully crafted decorations using pine cones and twine. These red-and-green gifts represent the ultimate expression of both personal care and environmental consciousness. They embody the true spirit of Christmas: thoughtful creation that honours both our relationships and our planet.

Shopping with Our New Perspective

As I prepare my gift list this year, these green glasses have become more than just a metaphor—they've become a faithful shopping companion, leading me to discover sustainable alternatives I might have otherwise overlooked. Hemp, for instance, has emerged as a revelation—it's not only one of the most sustainable fibers available but also remarkably durable. From tea towels to robes, shirts, and beyond, hemp can be transformed into virtually any textile product imaginable. When I choose gifts made from such sustainable materials, each purchase feels more meaningful, more aligned with the true spirit of giving: expressing love while being mindful of both functionality and environmental impact.

Perhaps this holiday season, we can all try on these green glasses, even if just for a moment. Together, we might discover that the most precious gifts are those that bring joy not only to our loved ones but to our planet as well. After all, isn't that what the spirit of Christmas is truly about—sharing love in ways that create a better world for everyone?