Celebrate a conscious Christmas

‘Christmas is a time to show our gratitude for all that we are so privileged to enjoy. It is so easy to get swept up in the festivities and purchase gifts with enthusiasm, but this year more than ever we need to be mindful of excess and to consider ways to give differently – with a sensitive and careful consideration of the resources we are leaning upon. Gifts can take many forms.

Being conscious is about remembering others: whether that is those who are not as fortunate as to enjoy the luxuries we do and to offer them our support and our kindness; or the beauty and the gifts that nature offers us. We need to stop mistreating nature’s generosity and remind ourselves of why we must urgently do what we can to protect our planet – at Christmas as much as throughout the year.’

'At Christmas I bring out the same family decorations each year like my vintage, wooden nutcrackers. We eat seasonal, locally-grown fruit and vegetables, which are free from pesticides, and meat and dairy from organic farms like Daylesford. I try not to buy drinks in aluminium cans and plastic bottles, opting for glass instead. At home I have started using Blueland’s cleaning products, which also helps to reduce plastic wastage.'

Claudia Schiffer

‘To borrow from the great Maya Angelou – people will never forget how you make them feel. For me this means eschewing piles of presents and opting for experiences. Hiking, theatre tickets and cooking classes are all under the tree for my friends this year. I’m also obsessed with Heywood Hill’s ‘a year in books’ subscription which, while still material, is something someone can enjoy for life.’

Nina Flohr, Founder and Creative Director, Kisawa Sanctuary

‘Making my own candles is one of my favourite things to do. The smell of hot beeswax, dipping the wick in and out of the tub of hot wax, watching patiently as the candles get thicker and the wax sticks is a wonderful experience – and makes for great presents!’

Nina Marenzi, founder and Director of The Sustainable Angle

‘Set a different intention this Christmas; set an intention of human connectivity and gratitude for nature. Play this out by putting your phones away during family time, playing games that make you laugh together, giving each other meaningful compliments. Use materials that remind you of nature: wooden decorations, moss, tree branches and beeswax candles.’

Arizona Muse

‘Christmas is one of the most challenging times to be ecological and sustainable, as it is a time of generosity and overindulgence. However, there are a few simple ways to get through the festive season: keep all the wrapping from the presents you receive, including the ribbons, and use them yourself for other people; wrap your presents in old magazines and recycled paper; don’t buy for the sake of buying and instead opt for a personal voucher for your loved one to spend whenever they need something. Finally, instead of buying a gift, donate to a charity on behalf of the recipient – plant a tree for them and provide a certificate; or sponsor an animal or a school child.’

Amelia Windsor

‘My big thing is wrapping paper. Recycled wrapping paper is available, but make sure you check the label before you purchase it so you know you’re making the best choice. Dress it up with home-made gift tags made from last year’s Christmas cards or even old comic books or newspaper. Recycled, brown packing paper is good, too, and you can make it more festive with colourful ribbon and a handmade gift tag.’

Diana Verde Nieto, Co-Founder and CEO, Positive Luxury