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The holiday season is widely recognized for its significant financial impact. Parents worry about the numerous expectations from their children and family members. Organizations quickly organize special bonuses or presents for employees. Friends eagerly plan the most effective way to celebrate each other, which is the core of Boxing Day. In essence, it’s all about buying this, buying that. This is the reason why wholesale and retail businesses carefully prepare for the season. There’s no justification for not having what people desire.

But it becomes even more extreme. The issue is no longer about meeting the rising demand; it’s now about how much profit you can extract from the crowded market. Therefore, as the number of eager buyers increases, sellers also raise their prices. Food items reach the ceiling; clothing materials follow the trend. The biggest one of all, transport companies, quickly take advantage of the holiday rush because many people want to travel to be with family or return to their hometowns. In fact, right now, the Nigerian situation is completely out of control. Airfares are approaching the one-million-naira mark, while road transport fares are rapidly moving towards 100,000 per passenger. Yet, D-day is still a week away.

Nevertheless, the preceding paragraphs are intended to illustrate the influence of Christmas on people’s finances, so that we can also recognize its impact on the environment. Indeed, the holiday season has a significant effect on our ecosystem and the planet as a whole. In fact, just as Nigerians complain about the extreme economic turmoil, Mother Earth is similarly suffering. This occurs because food, travel, and energy consumption contribute approximately 5.5 per cent to an individual’s annual carbon footprint within just a few days of celebration.

This is not an overstatement. The environmental effect of Christmas is considerable, fueled by a sharp rise in consumption that leads to excessive waste (packaging, plastic items, food), a larger carbon footprint due to travel and energy usage, deforestation for trees, and pollution from cheap clothing and toys. This leads to increased landfills, depletion of resources, and higher carbon emissions.

Let’s examine the season. Christmas is a time of happiness, kindness, and unity. Houses become vibrant with bright lights, presents are given, and holiday meals unite families and loved ones. However, beneath the warmth and festivities lies a substantial environmental and carbon impact. The season is recognized as one of the most demanding periods in terms of resources, and that is indeed true in every way possible.

The most effective way to understand this situation is by visiting a rural region. An ecosystem typically associated with agricultural waste suddenly becomes a location for industrial and municipal waste during the ‘Ember’ months. There is a wide range of plastic waste that no one knows how to handle, as the village’s infrastructure lacks proper management systems. Additionally, there are discarded car parts and construction materials, likely removed from renovated homes. This does not even address the pollution of the village’s streams and rivers caused by city residents who are often unaware of the environmental values held by those living in the countryside.

How about energy consumption? One of the most noticeable environmental effects of Christmas is the spike in energy use. Decorative lights, both inside and outside homes, greatly boost electricity usage. In numerous countries, families consume more power in December than in any other month, leading to increased carbon emissions—particularly in areas where electricity comes from fossil fuels. The situation in Nigeria is straightforward. Many villages lack access to the national power grid, and even those with DisCo services don’t receive as much electricity as city dwellers. As a result, during Christmas, many villagers and those traveling to rural areas rely on generators, especially the fuel-heavy, carbon-producing ones commonly referred to as “I better pass my neighbor” in local slang.

Another significant source of carbon emissions is travel during Christmas. Millions of individuals journey across great distances by car, train, or airplane to reunite with family and friends. This surge in transportation during the season results in higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing further to the challenges of climate change. In this region, many people keep their vehicles in working condition just to display them during the holidays, regardless of the type of car, as long as it is functional. The reality is that most of these restored, second-hand vehicles are known to emit pollutants and carbon – leaving a trail of dark smoke wherever they move.

Furthermore, Christmas leads to a significant amount of waste. Wrapping paper, gift containers, plastic packaging, and single-use decorations frequently find their way into landfills. A large portion of this waste is utilized only once, and certain typical materials—such as glittered wrapping paper and plastic ribbons—are challenging or not recyclable at all. In our villages, there are numerous Christmas-related events, including community and family gatherings, such as weddings, funeral rites, child naming ceremonies, and annual meetings of age groups, to name a few. All these activities produce substantial waste. Event organizers constantly strive to outdo one another by using the most recent forms of food packaging, venue decorations, and gift wrappings. This has essentially transformed event centers into sources of waste.

Additionally, food waste presents a significant problem. During celebrations, meals are frequently prepared in large quantities, and the leftover food is often discarded. As this wasted food breaks down in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Another concern is deforestation, which is more noticeable in the West, where putting up Christmas trees has been a long-standing custom. The discussion between real and artificial Christmas trees is complicated. Real trees are sustainable and can be reused or turned into compost, yet their creation requires land, water, and results in emissions from transport. In contrast, artificial trees are generally made of plastic and metal, involve energy-heavy production, and are frequently imported from distant locations. They are seldom recyclable and may take hundreds of years to break down. Research indicates that an artificial tree needs to be used for many years—typically ten or more—to balance its greater environmental impact.

Fast fashion has become a significant issue during the holiday period, as trendy sweaters and party clothes are typically worn just a few times before being thrown away. Nigeria is beginning to experience this trend, with Christmas festivals popping up in various large cities. Such behaviors add more pressure to the environment and frequently include unfair labor practices.

This is why I believe we should celebrate with care. It is our responsibility as inhabitants of the Earth. In a world where resources are dwindling, climate change is worsening, and environmental health is declining, we must practice responsible consumption and make sustainable choices regarding gifts, food, decorations, and travel during this time and beyond, in order to significantly cut down our harmful Christmas [carbon] footprint. Those who dubbed the Lagos holiday event “Ditty December” understood precisely what they meant. From an environmental perspective, it is a polluted season, and Mother Earth is certainly not pleased.

Christmas doesn’t need to harm the environment. Simple, considerate adjustments can lead to significant impact: lower energy consumption by using LED lights and switching them off when not in use. Opt for eco-friendly gifts like experiences, handcrafted items, or locally produced goods. Use wrapping that is recyclable or reusable, such as brown paper, cloth, or gift bags. Plan your meals wisely to reduce food waste and compost any leftovers. Travel in a more environmentally friendly way by sharing rides, taking public transportation, or combining errands. A greener Christmas not only helps the planet but also ensures that future generations can experience the joy of the season for many years ahead.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).