I have seen in the town where I live, even the street where I live 'over the top' decorations being put up. There is something in the local papers every year, but never is it described as unsustainable, although it is. This year, a pensioner has put up decorations in sheltered accommodation that children from schools are able to go and look at. I believe that this just brings the spirit of the season and makes many people, in this case old and young, very happy. On the other hand, in the past there have been complaints about the 'tackiness' of over the top decorations. For example on the BBC news website from 2004 there is an article claiming that a decorated house recieved complaints saying 'I have never seen anything as tacky, common, cheap, pound shop in my whole life.' This is the negatives that are brought to light about Christmas decorations, not many people seem to think about how unsustainable it is.
The picture above shows the house that recieved these complaints. It is over-decorated and an example of one of the many houses which are unsustainable over the Christmas period.
The point that I am trying to make is that, no, of course Christmas is not in any way sustainable, but it is a tradition, and although one that is getting more and more extravagant, it is now a way of life for the time of year. It will never change, no matter how many people moan or try to change it. The waste from food packaging and left over food, wrapping paper and boxes that the presents come in is endless at this time of year, but once a year, what is the problem? There is waste and unsustainable things happening every day of the year, worldwide that should be worried about, not one day of the year.
I do understand where some people are coming from when they say that the waste isn't necessary and the real meaning of Christmas has been forgotten. Many people don't go to church, myself included, but it is no longer just about that. And the waste? yes, my household is full of it at Christmas our bins probably fill within the day, wrapping paper and enough food to feed the five thousand...but its all in good fun and I honestly, although I understand sustainability, think it should be forgotten for just one day/week of the year. It is one of the only celebrations that is known and celebrated worldwide.
If the world changed and Christmas had limited decorations, rationed food and no presents, it wouldn't be the same. No, of course Christmas was never origionally meant to be about presents and food, but for many people it is not to do with religion any more, not everyone believes. For me, Christmas is about family and friends. However there is that saying, Christmass is for giving...The 'do-gooders' need to find priority in the everyday problems of sustainability and just let people enjoy christmas in their own way, even if it means over the top decorations for a few weeks of the whole year. It seriously cannot make that much difference.
References
BBC News. (2004). Are Christmas decorations too tacky?. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4104297.stm. Last accessed 09 December 2009.
