Eco-friendly ideas for the Christmas season
Christmas time is associated with twinkling lights, fragrant Christmas trees, delicious food, and being together. However, behind these beautiful moments lies a harsh reality for the planet: every year during the holiday season, there is a significant increase of waste, natural resources are overused, more electricity is used and countless disposable items are produced. The good news? These days, more and more people are seeking ways to celebrate Christmas more mindfully, prioritising nature and opting for more sustainable solutions. Eco-friendly holidays not only minimise the negative impact on the planet, but also help to create a more authentic festive atmosphere – it is the quality time spent together, heart-warming moments and memory-making, rather than excessive shopping and expensive gifts. This article summarises practical, beautiful and easy-to-implement ideas that will help you create an eco-friendly Christmas.
1. Sustainable decorations
Choose reusable decorations
Cheap plastic decorations tend to last only a few seasons before ending up in the bin. Opt for one of the following instead:
- wooden decorations,
- glass balls,
- metal or fabric decorations,
- homemade items that will last for years.
Reusable decorations become a cherished tradition – as the years go by, they turn into stories and memories.
Decorations found in nature
Nature has everything you need to get into the Christmas spirit, and bringing nature into your home will fill it with the scent of the forest and create a whole new atmosphere.
Try these:
- pine, juniper or spruce twigs (especially those that have fallen in the forest)
- cones,
- wild grasses, which can be used to make beautiful hanging straw ornaments,
- dried orange and lemon pieces,
- cinnamon sticks and star anise,
- bouquets of dried meadow plants.
Not only do these decorations smell wonderful, but after the holidays they can be returned to nature – in compost.
Used and handmade decorations
Visit second-hand shops and exchange points to give your existing decorations a second life. Organise a decoration exchange event with friends, colleagues, or family members, where everyone can bring decorations they no longer want and swap them for someone else’s. You can support small producers and local artisans by shopping at local markets. Or make the decorations yourself while learning a new craft, such as felting. By doing so, you support local producers and reduce the burden of production on the planet, as well as find new ways to have fun with your loved ones. This year, we at Skrivanek Baltic will learn how to make candles to decorate our festive tables.
2. An eco-friendly Christmas tree – yes, it’s possible!
A potted Christmas tree
It’s a great alternative to a cut Christmas tree, which won’t end up in the rubbish. You can either grow it in a pot for years or replant it in your garden after the holiday season. However, if these alternatives are not possible (e.g. you live in an apartment), you can always find a place to donate it to your local community or school – they will plant it in a communal garden.
Rent a spruce tree
Some nurseries offer the option of renting a Christmas tree. The tree is delivered in a pot and returned to the nursery after the holidays. Decorator services also offer decoration rentals, including already decorated artificial Christmas trees. This option is perfect for small homeowners or people who tend to move around and have nowhere to store their artificial Christmas tree for the following year.
Christmas tree made from books
If you are an avid reader and have a large home library, we recommend trying to make a Christmas tree out of books, which can be beautifully decorated with festive lights. Get the whole family to join in and enjoy spending time together!
Christmas tree – cactus
If plants are your thing, you can decorate a cactus, gum tree, dracena or yucca instead of a tree – just be creative!
Modern and long-lasting alternatives to spruce trees
If you’re looking for a way to create a festive feeling at home while thinking about sustainability, modern, 2D reusable spruce tree alternatives are a great choice. Wooden or wooden slat spruce trees give the interior a natural and warm feel, those made of fabric allow you to play with colours and textures, while metal structures create a minimalist and modern look. Wicker Christmas trees are also becoming popular, as they are cosy and truly artistic. These alternatives not only last for years, but also always look stylish – festive decorations become more eco-friendly and unique.
3. Sustainable gifts – less stuff, more love
During Christmas, it is gifts that create the most waste. Unnecessary gifts that nobody really needs often become clutter. Here are some ideas to help you chose gifts wisely, bringing joy to those around you without creating unnecessary waste.
Choose feelings instead of things
Gifts that create memories rather than take up space on a shelf are definitely the best choice for Christmas surprises. This holiday season, choose gifts that offer an adventure rather than just another item that will gather dust. A spa gift voucher will ensure a wonderful relaxation experience that the recipient will appreciate more than yet another candle or sweater. A shared coffee or dinner will be remembered as a heartfelt conversation and quality time spent together. Those with a good sense of humour will enjoy the improvisational performance with dinner “Shitty Dinner”. Masterclasses have become not only a popular form of entertainment, but can also be a fantastic gift. Making ceramics, cooking new and interesting dishes, painting – all of this provides an opportunity to learn new skills and create something yourself. The Art&Wine art studio offers the opportunity to drink wine and have a great time painting. Meanwhile, tickets to a concert, theatre or other event bring unforgettable emotions. Even an adventure in the great outdoors, such as hiking, having a picnic, skiing or sightseeing, is also a gift that will enrich and inspire. These types of gifts don’t pollute the environment and are the most valuable thing we can give – moments to remember for a lifetime.
Handicrafts and artisan products
By choosing local handicrafts and artisan products for Christmas gifts, you will not only be helping small businesses, but also the environment. Such purchases reduce transport-related emissions, as the goods are created here. Additionally, craftspeople tend to use higher quality, more durable and more eco-friendly materials, paying particular attention to detail. Such gifts are unique, and they are also a nice way to show thoughtfulness and attention to the recipient. Choose knitted wool gloves with ancient Latvian patterns, jewellery made from natural materials, ceramic dishes, wooden crafts, woven baskets, soy wax candles, or natural soaps.
Ideas for zero waste Christmas gifts
If you want to give truly eco-friendly gifts this holiday season, then zero waste gifts are the perfect choice. Their main goal is waste prevention, which will help us live more sustainably every day. You can choose cloth bags for fruit, bread or other everyday purchases, reusable metal or bamboo straws, wax wraps for food storage, as well as natural cleaning or body care products without plastic packaging. A small zero waste kit is also a great gift idea, including a bottle brush, natural sponge, soap dish, solid shampoo, or soap. A glass or metal water bottle or coffee mug is a practical and durable gift that encourages people to stop using disposable plastic and paper cups. Tea or spice sets in reusable containers not only look neat, but also allow the recipient to refill them in the future without unnecessary packaging. You can also choose healthy and beautifully presented snacks – they’ll be both tasty and produced responsibly. These types of gifts are practical, aesthetically pleasing, and at the same time inspires the recipient to make more eco-friendly choices every day.
Sustainable gifts with significant meaning
If the gift recipient doesn’t want material gifts, it is the right time to think more broadly and give something with a truly deep meaning. In this case, a gift may turn into an opportunity to do good for others. Donating to an animal shelter or charity in the name of the recipient is a heartfelt way to bring joy and help to those who need it most. You can also support various nature conservation projects that care for forests, rivers, or endangered species. Such gifts not only take up no shelf space, but also create lasting value for both the person receiving them and for the world we live in.
Homemade gifts
Homemade gifts are one of the most heartfelt ways to show care and attention, and are often valued even more than store-bought items. Moreover, such gifts sustainable, as you control the materials and packaging used. You can give homemade cookies, gingerbread or pastries, muffins, pies or other festive treats that always create a cosy and festive atmosphere. Homemade candles are both practical and beautiful, especially when using natural wax. A wonderful and sentimental gift can be a photo album of shared moments or an advent calendar with a little surprise for each day. Knitted items will be a gift with special value – each detail is been created with love to give warmth and comfort to the recipient. Such gifts not only bring joy, but also show how much the person they are made and intended for means to you.
4. Eco-friendly gift wrapping
Christmas gift wrapping generates huge amounts of waste, as most of the cheap, shiny paper rolls are not recyclable. To make your festivities more sustainable, you can choose natural, reusable or easily recyclable alternatives. Gifts that are wrapped in brown kraft paper, old newspapers, wallpaper scraps or even book pages will look beautiful and eco-friendly. Cloth bags or scarves will be perfect for wrapping gifts using the Japanese furoshiki method, and the wrapping will be part of the gift and can be reused. You can also use glass jars or plain cardboard boxes. Decorate them with natural elements – spruce branches, dried fruit, linen or jute strings, along with a handwritten card. Not only does this packaging look unique, but it also helps to significantly reduce the amount of waste produced during the festive season. It is strongly recommended to avoid wrapping paper, which will be damaged when the gifts are unwrapped and therefore not reusable. If you’re short on time and ideas, it is better to buy gift bags that the recipient can keep and reuse for future celebrations.
5. A sustainable festive meals – delicious, simple and eco-friendly
The Christmas table is often so loaded with food that some of it inevitably ends up in the garbage. However, with a few minor changes and planning, you can prepare a festive meal that is just as tasty but much more sustainable.
- Planning is the key – create your menu in advance to avoid last-minute shopping. Calculate the portions and adjust them to the actual number of guests. Don’t overdo it! Better less, but higher quality and tastier.
- Choose seasonal products such as cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, carrots, pumpkin, celery, as well as pickled and marinated produce. By choosing local and seasonal products, you reduce your CO₂ footprint and support local farmers.
- Less meat – more plant-based food. A festive table doesn’t have to be overflowing with meat to be hearty and abundant. Choose from warm vegetable salads, creamy soups, vegan stews, pulse dishes and other plant-based delicacies – they’re not only healthy, but also eco-friendly.
- A great way to minimise food waste is to creatively use the leftover food from the holidays:
- use the leftover vegetables to make a delicious soup or casserole,
- turn crushed gingerbread cookies into a delicious dessert,
- add the sauce to the next day’s meal as a flavourful addition,
- roast meat can be used to make delicious sandwiches or pancakes with meat filling.
With a well-thought-out approach, a festive meal can be both eco-friendly and delicious.
6. Energy saving – small changes, huge difference
A wide variety of different lighting fixtures are often used when decorating a home. The best choice is LED lights, which consume up to 80% less electricity. It is important to use a timer that will automatically switch off the lights at night or when you are not at home. The atmosphere doesn’t need the lights to be left on all day. Instead of candles, you can choose electric or battery-powered artificial candles, which are not only fireproof, but will also last for many years and don’t emit chemicals when burning.
7. Eco-friendly holiday entertainment
Christmas doesn’t have to consist of big expenses or activities that generate a lot of waste. There are many ways to celebrate the holidays in a heartfelt, simple and eco-friendly way. Playing games or board games brings people together and creates joy, listening to music or singing in the evening adds a special atmosphere to the festivities, and baking gingerbread cookies is fun for both children and adults alike. During the holidays, you can also go to the forest to decorate a Christmas tree for the forest animals with tasty vegetables, enjoying the peace and quiet of winter, or slide down a hill with the youngest guests, reminiscing about your childhood. Don’t forget about a cosy movie night with hot cocoa and mouth-watering popcorn. Films such as Home Alone, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Polar Express will be popular every year, but you can also add some newer ones ,such as That Christmas, Dear Santa and A Boy Called Christmas. Creative people will enjoy a craft workshop with friends or children, where they can create something beautiful and unique. Not only do these activities not create unnecessary waste, they also strengthen mutual relationships and create a real Christmas spirit.
An eco-friendly Christmas does not mean giving up traditions. On the contrary, it is an invitation to celebrate with your heart, thinking about what really matters: loved ones, shared moments and respect for the environment that sustains us.
By making small changes – reusable decorations, thoughtful gifts, natural choices and less consumption – we can create celebrations that are beautiful for both us and the planet. And ultimately, this is the true miracle of Christmas: love and care that extends beyond our homes and has a positive impact on the future.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026!
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