The Filipino Christmas is magical. With twinkling lights everywhere, on houses, parks, buildings and streets, colorful parols, mountains of gifts,and of course, the abundant Noche Buena feast—it’s an amazing experience. Unfortunately, it also creates a lot of waste.
Now that the idea of sustainability and eco-friendliness has made its way to the forefront of our collective consciousness, many families are finding ways to keep the magic while being kinder to our environment. Here are a few suggestions to make your Christmas celebrations more sustainable without losing the joy and traditions that make it special.
Reimagining decorating
The traditional parol will always remain close to Filipino hearts, but the newer, more modern versions are getting eco-friendly upgrades. In Pampanga and other parts of the Philippines, some parol makers now use recycled materials like old bottles and caps to create stunning lanterns.
In recent years, several companies, organizations and government units have held parol making contests using eco-friendly and recycled/ recyclable materials. In 2024, for instance, the Department of Education (DepEd) held the National Parol-Making Contest to encourage schools and their students to showcase artistic talent and creativity in using recycled materials to promote environmental consciousness.
At home, simple changes can make a big difference. LED Christmas lights, for example, not only save electricity but last longer than traditional bulbs. As Kuya Nilo, an old-time parol maker from San Fernando, Pampanga says, “The lights still shine as bright.”
Old magazines and newspapers can be used to make unique paper decorations that tell your family’s story. Natural materials like leaves and twigs can become beautiful wreaths that bring the outdoors in.
Instead of buying new decorations each year, make it a family tradition to carefully store and repair your existing ones. For a living alternative to plastic trees, try decorating a potted plant that can beautify your home all year round.
Joyfully sustainable gift-giving
Opening pretty presents is one of the most joyful parts of celebrating Christmas. Unfortunately, it often leads to a pile of excess packaging and waste. When it comes to gifts, think about giving presents that bring joy while being kind to the environment.
Support local artisans by choosing beautiful Filipino handicrafts that keep traditional skills alive. Share love through homemade treats packed in containers that can be used again and again. Give the gift of growth with plants or herbs in creatively upcycled pots. For meaningful presents that create no waste, try writing heartfelt IOUs for future adventures or quality time together. Digital gifts like e-books or online courses can open new worlds without creating physical waste.
“I started giving experience gifts to my inaanak,” shares Teacher Grace Martinez from Quezon City. “Instead of toys, I take them to museums or art classes. The memories last longer than any plastic toy.”
Food for the soul
The midnight feast is one of our long-cherished traditions, but food waste often peaks during Christmas. Smart planning can help reduce this while still enjoying the celebration. Begin with more thoughtful approaches to holiday feasting, such as planning your portions based on your actual guest list rather than imaginary crowds. Shop with intention at local markets, bringing your own bags and containers to reduce packaging waste.
When cooking, try to use ingredients fully—even vegetable trimmings can become soup stock. Share extra food with neighbors before it spoils, and start a simple compost bin for fruit and vegetable scraps. These small steps can make your feast both festive and environmentally friendly.
New takes on tradition
Even traditional practices can get a green makeover. Some neighborhoods organize community caroling events that raise funds for local environmental projects such as community gardens and parks.
The spirit of community comes alive during Christmas in uniquely Filipino ways. In many neighborhoods, group celebrations that reduce individual waste while strengthening bonds are part of the holiday event lineup. Join or start a Christmas decoration swap in your community, where old decorations find new homes and create fresh joy.
Some groups also coordinate bulk gift-buying to reduce packaging waste, while others organize community potlucks that make sharing resources festive and fun. Local eco-bazaars are becoming popular spots to find sustainable gifts while supporting small businesses in your area.
Teaching the next generation
Perhaps the most important aspect of sustainable Christmas celebrations is passing these values to children. Schools like Saint Mary’s in Davao are incorporating environmental awareness into their Christmas activities.
Bringing environmental awareness to Christmas activities helps children understand that caring for our planet is part of the season’s spirit. Families can work together to create decorations from materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Start a small Christmas garden that can provide herbs and vegetables for your Media Noche feast. Make gift-giving meaningful by crafting presents together using recycled materials. These activities not only reduce waste but also create precious bonding moments and teach valuable lessons about creativity and resourcefulness.
Paperless presents
Technology offers new ways to celebrate sustainably. Virtual Christmas cards have replaced paper ones in many offices. Some families now do virtual gift exchanges, sending digital gift cards instead of physical presents to distant relatives.
Digital money gifting through e-wallets and online banks reduce the need for paper bills and envelopes, as well as save on fuel and effort for making the physical trips. They often also come with e-cards!
Little steps, big changes
You don’t need to transform your entire celebration overnight. Begin with changes that feel manageable for your family. Try switching just one strand of Christmas lights to LEDs this year. Choose eco-friendly wrapping for a few special gifts.
Reduce your Media Noche portions slightly and plan for leftovers. Save and repair your favorite decorations instead of replacing them. Share your sustainable ideas with friends and family who show interest. Remember, small changes add up when many people make them together.
It’s all about the spirit
Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean losing out on the fun. In fact, thinking about our environment adds another layer of meaning to our celebrations. It’s about caring—not just for our families and friends, but for our shared home, our Philippines, and our planet.
This Christmas, as we gather with loved ones under the glow of our parols, we can celebrate knowing that our thoughtful choices are helping ensure that future generations can enjoy their own magical Filipino Christmases.
