Tips for a merry, simple Christmas

Christmas will be different this year — a lot different! For people who have lost their homes and loved ones, this Christmas could be the bleakest ever.  In some homes, there may sadly be empty seats at the Christmas table. There may be empty hearts grieving the loss of loved ones. But life goes on. And as grief puts a hole in one’s heart, we can fill that void by sharing what we have with those who have nothing or have less in life.

In deference to the recent catastrophes that visited the country, a citizens’ environmental watchdog recently urged Pinoys to celebrate Christmas minus the extravagance and wastefulness — to make merry in this merriest season of all, in the simplest way they can.

Together with Chorus Profundis, EcoWaste Coalition called for a simple and waste-free celebration of the holiday season.

To dramatize their advocacy for “Simpleng Pasko,” some members of the group carried bare star lanterns (parols) devoid of shimmer at a recent gathering while others sang modified Christmas carols to signify a humble observance of this joyous occasion and demonstrate solidarity with the victims of recent calamities.

“In unity with our fellowmen coping with sorrow and loss, we invite the Filipino people to celebrate the Christmas season in a subdued manner reminiscent of the spirit and simplicity of the first Christmas,” says Ochie Tolentino, vice president of EcoWaste Coalition.

She goes on to explain, “By toning down seasonal revelries to bare essentials, we avoid falling victim to frantic consumerism that has drowned out the genuine meaning of Christmas and literally wrapped our surroundings with trash.”

“Money saved from lavish gifts, extravagant festivities, and wasteful fireworks can be used to help Yolanda survivors reconstruct their homes and rebuild their lives,” points out Tin Vergara, EcoWaste Coalition’s Zero Waste campaigner.

But Tin stresses, “We’re not asking people to cast aside Christmas, but to adopt a Simpleng Pasko and find abundant joy in responding to the call for humanitarian help from the disaster survivors.”

Now, for some tips for a merry, simple, waste-free Christmas. You must have decorated your home already, right? Did you remember to reuse decorations from Christmases past? At home, we’ve had the same lovely belen for many and many a Christmas now and we’ve trimmed down our Christmas trimmings and lights (which are turned on for just a couple of hours at night).

Speaking of lights, here are some bright ideas: If you haven’t bought your Christmas lights yet, choose safe, energy-efficient and long-lasting Christmas lights with genuine Import Commodity Clearance (ICC). Use your Christmas lights sparingly, or light them up only when needed or only as Christmas nears.

If you’re not yet done with your Christmas shopping (we’re never really done with our Christmas shopping, there’s always somebody we forget), take a few handy tips. Organize your Christmas shopping so as to avoid impulsive purchases and overspending and, likewise, to cut fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. If possible, walk, cycle or take the jeepney, bus or train. Remember to bring with you a reusable carry bag, basket or bayong when you shop. Leave some in the trunk of your car.  Go for healthy and eco-friendly products.

What to give the people on your Christmas list, whether they’re naughty or nice? Well, there are presents that won’t cost you but are really priceless: Share with your loved ones the more precious gift of time and company. So, when was the last time you bonded with your family?

Here are more precious gift ideas: Give unused gifts, old clothes, and books to charity.

Give locally-produced products or delicacies. Give eco-friendly products that support a sustainable lifestyle (for instance, a reusable non-polycarbonate water jug, solar-powered flashlight, non-toxic personal and household care products, organic and GMO-free foodstuff, etc.). Go for gifts that do not have to be wrapped like potted plants (I just got a serpentina plant from Senator Loren Legarda, they say this herb can help treat intestinal and psychological disorders and diabetes), massage from a blind masseur, gift certificates, concert or game passes, etc. If it needs wrapping, use old magazines or the comics page of newspapers, etc. to wrap it.

For sure, there will be Christmas family gatherings (ours is usually lunchtime at home, and though there are many really good cooks in my family, this Christmas will be lovingly catered by a friend as nobody wants to be sweating over a hot stove or huffing and puffing in the kitchen on Christmas Day). If you’re having a party at home, remember to do away with disposable party supplies such as plastic plates, cups, and cutlery. Use items that can be cleaned and reused (though it can be quite a job when the dishes pile up).

And yes, impose a no-leftover policy to prevent food wastage. And share your clean leftover food with other people.

So, have yourself a merry, little, and simple Christmas!