Across many faith traditions, winter is a season defined by light. Menorahs are kindled during Hanukkah in the Jewish tradition, Advent wreaths and Christmas trees illuminate Christian households, and people worldwide have celebrated the winter solstice throughout the ages. Light is a symbol we share across religions and cultures—a reminder that hope endures and we are called to illuminate the world with compassion.

In the midst of holiday celebrations, however, it’s easy to get swept up in the pressures of consumption. This season that calls us to shine brightly and gather with the ones we love can also generate unnecessary waste, stress, and depletion of our earth’s resources and our own spirits. Reclaiming the holidays as a true Season of Light invites us to choose practices that honor Creation, uplift communities across our watershed and world, and reflect the sacred values at the heart of our varied traditions.

Here are a few tips to embrace this season for a brighter, more sustainable holiday:

Let Light Be Your Guide

In many traditions, lighting candles is a spiritual reminder to slow down. Some people may meditate with or on candles, Jewish people may take time to reflect upon resilience and hope when lighting menorahs, and who doesn’t love taking a winter stroll, enjoying snowy scenes, and winter candles in windows? This year, consider reducing energy-heavy décor like traditional holiday lights, and instead celebrate with natural light: beeswax or soy candles, LED strings, or even a simple window lantern, rather than inflatables or projectors with high energy needs. You might also consider hosting a “lights-off” evening gathering illuminated by candles. This can create a peaceful, reverent space to gather with loved ones while cutting electricity use.

Choose Gifts that Reflect Care for Creation

Giving is most meaningful when it aligns with our values. Instead of buying new items that may ultimately become clutter or waste, consider purchasing experiences, consumable goods, upcycled or handmade gifts, or donations in the name of a loved one. Purchasing a national or state park pass is a great way to give the gift of the outdoors year-round, and inspire your loved ones to go on adventures throughout the year. Many local community colleges or makers-spaces also offer crafting and art classes. If you have a friend or family member who appreciates pottery or mosaics, for example, explore local classes that allow them to get in on the fun! 

Upcycled and hand-made gifts can also be a great option that reduces waste and overconsumption, while being less costly than buying new items. There are many tutorials online on how to create goods like dried orange garlands, vanilla extract (although you’ll need to plan ahead for that one!), home-made ornaments, and simple knitted or crochet items. Similarly, consumable goods are a great way to spread holiday cheer while conscientiously gifting. Batch-baking cookies, gifting dried herbs from your garden, or home-baked breads are all delicious gift ideas.

Honor Tradition Through Shared Meal

When hosting holiday gatherings, you can plan holiday meals with intention by asking guests to bring reusable containers, freezing leftovers, or coordinating a communal meal where everyone contributes a dish. Take it a step further by incorporating seasonal, planet-forward ingredients, echoing the teachings of many faiths to nurture the body and live simply. You might even think about incorporating vegan or vegetarian dishes into your holiday gatherings. Vegan and vegetarian foods typically have less impact on the environment, and there are many veggie versions of traditional holiday meals, like mashed potatoes (sans-butter) and shepherd’s pie.

Wrap with Wisdom

Who doesn’t love a beautifully wrapped gift? Unfortunately, no matter how pretty, most gift wrap meets its end in a landfill. You can wrap gifts and maintain a sparkling, holiday aesthetic using scarves, cloth napkins, recycled paper, or even children’s artwork. In Japanese tradition, furoshiki fabric wrapping symbolizes respect and elegance, and it can be reused year after year.

Make Space for Reflection and Connection

Sustainability isn’t only about things; it’s also about time. Create moments to rest, pray, meditate, or simply breathe. Sometimes, taking time to spend with loved ones can be the best gift of all. Bundle up and make space to get outdoors. It may be cold out, but a walk in the crisp air can rejuvenate the body and spirit. In doing so, we honor the stillness at the heart of this season and the divine spark within each of us.

You might also take time to play a board game with family or friends, visit a special place you haven’t been to recently, or spend time volunteering with a local organization. Many nursing homes also accept handmade cards for residents during the holiday season, as well as volunteer visits to help with activities or spend time reading a book or playing a game. Taking this time can be meaningful to both residents and volunteers. 

As communities of faith, we are called to shine our light in ways that heal rather than harm. By embracing simple, sustainable practices, we can make this Season of Light a time of renewal for our spirits and the watershed we share.