A few years ago, I gained quite a bit of attention for my enthusiasm for extravagant Christmas celebrations. I penned an article that I still find resonates with me, primarily because I emphasized that others shouldn’t criticize how my family chooses to celebrate the holiday. At the time, I had friends make snarky comments about a photo I’d shared online, showcasing the mountain of gifts at my sister’s house during our combined Christmas celebration. Her living room was overflowing with presents for nine people.
It was indeed a lot, but I felt strongly that no one should judge us for how we celebrated. I still believe that everyone has the right to celebrate the holidays in their own way. However, my perspective on lavish Christmases has shifted dramatically.
Reflecting on Past Celebrations
Back then, I meticulously organized my shopping using an Excel spreadsheet to compare prices and ensure I got the best deals on the gifts my children wanted. They may not have received everything on their lists, but I was quite frugal, even with the towering pile of presents.
For years, I continued this pattern, ignoring any potential negative impacts my choices might have caused. I’ve since come to a new understanding, and I’m striving to do better.
In my previous article, I confidently stated that each gift my children received was cherished. This was true; they showed gratitude and understood how fortunate they were compared to many kids around the globe. I also argued that Christmas comes just once a year, and I made it a point not to allow impulse purchases for my kids in the months leading up to the holiday. I would tell them that those items would be saved for the Christmas list, teaching them patience and the value of delayed gratification.
I loved creating memorable moments filled with the thrill of Christmas morning—wrapping paper flying, laughter echoing, and the joy of unwrapping presents. Those experiences were engraved in my memory, much like my childhood Christmases.
A Shift in Perspective
However, my views on big Christmases have changed, primarily due to environmental concerns. Despite my careful planning and the joy my children derived from their gifts, I still ended up contributing to a significant amount of plastic waste—new plastic that wasn’t necessary. Even though they enjoyed their toys, they didn’t need all of them. They would have been just as happy with fewer gifts.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Over the past few years, I’ve learned about the environmental dangers posed by plastic. I can no longer justify buying plastic toys for my kids for any festive occasion. The urgency of the global plastic crisis, with the U.S. being a major contributor, weighs heavily on my conscience. We produce a staggering amount of waste, with only 9% being recycled and the rest either ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans.
I can’t consider myself an environmental advocate if I continue to buy my kids piles of plastic every year. My concern for the planet outweighs my desire to witness their joy as they tear into a heap of gifts. While I still appreciate the aesthetic of beautifully wrapped presents under the tree and love seeing my kids excited, I’m opting for a more sustainable approach. I’m now focusing on purchasing significantly fewer gifts, primarily secondhand items from places like Goodwill and Facebook Marketplace, gifting experiences instead of things, and using recycled wrapping paper.
Moving Forward
This won’t be a perfect solution, but it will be a far cry from the plastic-laden Christmases of the past. If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and eco-friendly practices, check out this blog post. For valuable resources about pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC’s page on reproductive health, and if you’re looking for advice on sippy cups, check out this expert source.
In summary, I’ve transitioned from promoting extravagant Christmases to advocating for a more sustainable approach. My focus is now on reducing plastic waste and fostering joy through meaningful experiences rather than material abundance.