One of the major topics on the global agenda concerning climate change and the fight against hunger is the sustainability of the means of production and consumption of our food. During these festive times, at least in the Western world, it is worth reflecting on how the way we celebrate and consume affects our planet and future generations.
Food practices around the end-of-year festivities are of great importance. Gathering around food essentially constitutes the celebration of Christmas, which in contemporary times has transcended religious meanings to become a civil celebration, often regardless of the faith people profess. Due to the importance of food during these dates, the menu and preparations acquire different meanings depending on the social circle in which they are consumed, but undoubtedly, in many circles, they represent traditions that date back generations. From what is prepared to how it is served, including the special recipe made to commemorate these dates.
Within this framework of festivity and the social significance of Christmas, it is pertinent to question how we can readapt our practices around December celebrations to make them more sustainable. In other words, how to generate less waste in every sense and ensure our consumption has the least possible impact on the environment. It is interesting to note that in Mexico, the tradition of the famous "recalentado," where leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner are eaten, sometimes for many days after Christmas, is anticipated by many families. The preparation of the Christmas Eve menu even considers quantities that ensure the repetition of dishes. Why is reheated food desired during the December festivities, while in many households, reheated food is sometimes rejected during everyday meals? Let us remember that food waste is one of the major global problems, generating negative impacts on the environment due to the resources used to produce food that ultimately is not consumed.
Contemporary discourses about Christmas frequently associate it with consumerism. However, this is not the only dimension in which the celebration manifests in modern times. Altruism, the reunification of social circles that are commonly separated, and solidarity are dimensions that remain present in these celebrations. Although for many people it might go against tradition, it is also time to question the use of plastics at dinner or the choice of certain ingredients in the menu. Consuming locally produced or seasonal ingredients, besides supporting commerce, has a positive impact on the environment.
The use of plastics for dinner, such as disposables or utensils, now presents more sustainable alternatives with biodegradable plates. Adapting our social practices around Christmas commensality to make them more sustainable does not have to undermine the most important meanings of the end-of-year festivities; on the contrary, it highlights the fundamental values upon which the tradition of celebration is built. A bit of reflection on our ways of consuming can mean a positive change for future generations.
— This article was originally published in Spanish by Liliana Martínez Lomelí. Translation generated with AI from the original text.
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