Christmas: a time of indulgence. A period when we let loose, discard our usual disciplines, diets and drudgery and feel perfectly justified to treat ourselves. It’s also a time when we spoil others, giving them gifts to ensure that they know how grateful we are for all they’ve done for us throughout the year. We all deserve this. We’ve earned a time when we guiltlessly enjoy ourselves: spend a little too much, eat and drink a little too much, party a little too much, before returning to the fresh motivation that the New Year brings. However, we’re all aware now of how capitalism high-jacks this right and uses it as an opportunity to assault us with advertising from September onwards. We are subject to a tidal wave of things that we absolutely must spend money on or we will miss out on all that the holiday season has to offer and unfortunately, most of these things aren’t sustainable. We buy bath and manicure sets for our secret Santa which the recipient may never use. We stock up on crackers and canapés well beyond what our stomach will be able to handle. Stocking fillers – all that plastic faff that is great on the day, but in a few weeks will simply be more clutter to shove under the bed or stuffed into the dreaded kitchen drawer with the Sellotape and spare buttons. And don’t get me started on the prizes you get inside crackers. A small plastic shoehorn? Two dominoes? Mini playing cards? In what scenario will these ever be called to hand?
I’m the last person who wants to make anyone feel guilty at Christmas, but it is an issue that needs addressing. More stuff is bought at Christmas than any other period and it’s the most difficult time to ask anyone to consider ethics, because it’s an occasion when people don’t want to think at all. They either want to celebrate or quickly tick off their endless list of things to do that comes with being a holiday season host. But what is Christmas really about? Religion aside, the core significance is that we should be charitable, kind and empathetic, and on this note, I ask you to take a moment to consider the effects that your consumption at Christmas may be having on others across the globe. Amidst all the chaos and hullabaloo, I’d like you to spare a thought about palm oil – that notorious ingredient that crops up in everything. Is there any way to avoid it at a time when food is the main focus, without sacrificing a quality Christmas feast? I for one love food and being at an age now where I no longer stay up Christmas Eve night waiting for Santa, I’ve substituted it for dreaming all night about roast potatoes and gingerbread instead. So this is a huge challenge for me. But since learning about the disastrous effects that the sourcing of palm oil is having on the environment, wildlife and indigenous communities, I’m determined to at least try.