Last updated on 10 July 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Here is our Naturopaths Guide to Christmas Giving and Wellbeing.
This Christmas let’s be the change we want to see in the world. Let’s think local and act globally. As the end of the year and indeed a decade draws to a close, we may feel the momentum of change. Environmentally friendly practices are something we are seeing and needing more and more of in Australia and across the world. Christmas is a great time to maintain environmental awareness alongside the joy of giving… and eating… and decorating!
Read on to see what you might like to do differently this year for an eco-friendly Guide to Christmas.
The joy of giving just got healthier!
You may have noticed nowadays there is a lot of talk about giving gifts that are experiences rather than ‘things’. These gifts can be healthier for the recipient and planet Earth. We couldn’t agree with this sentiment more – so whether or not your loved one was naughty or nice – why not give them a head start in the New Year towards better health. Consider a Massage, Kinesiology or Acupuncture treatment or they can use a Brisbane Livewell Clinic gift voucher for booking an appointment for detox or anything else on the health agenda.
All I Want for Christmas is….
If you are on the hunt for an item for your loved ones, Environmentally friendly gift-giving is the new black – or green! Think organic, sustainable, ethical, vegan, seasonal, recycled or second hand, upcycled, non-toxic, local and carbon-neutral, and you are on the right track! The season is all about giving. Giving back is equally important – the concept of knowing that the giving of gifts does not come at the expense of the environment. At the least, opt for quality items that have practical use and are designed to be long-lasting.
A Naturopaths Recommended Christmas Gift List
What would a Guide to Christmas Giving and Wellbeing be without a Shopping List?
- Kitchen Tools to make healthy eating a breeze
- Kombucha jar or Kefir making kit
- Yoghurt maker or Ice cream maker (especially for yummy homemade coconut yoghurt or ice cream!)
- Good quality water filter
- Food dehydrator (great to activate nuts)
- Natural, organic and chemical-free personal care products:
- Cosmetics, deodorants and perfumes.
- Body wash and moisturiser, soaps, shampoo and conditioner
- Fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash (activated charcoal products make for something different!)
- Facial skincare and natural sunscreens
- Organic food hampers – Australian made, the more local, the better.
- Fairtrade coffee and chocolate
- Organic, preservative-free wine
- Activated nuts
- Clothing and Homewares
- Organic cotton clothing
- Organic cotton bedding and towels
- Wooden furniture
- Upcycled photo frames
It’s the thought that counts.
Spare a thought for the causes that rely on donations to provide for those in need. This year the Rural Fire Service is on the top of our list. Talk to your workmates or extended family and discuss whether you would like to skip the Secret Santa and chip in for a worthy cause instead.
Keep It Green
Decorating can be fun but let’s face it – tinsel isn’t exactly an eco-friendly product. Of course, some things get used year after year, and that is a good start but if you are about to restock the decoration box, keep an eye out for the bamboo or wooden items. For entertaining, don’t forget to keep it green! Cloth serviettes, reusable cutlery, cups, bowls and plates are all worthwhile investments and worth the extra elbow grease to be used time and again. Skip the cellophane on the food hamper, opt for reusable gift bags or ‘wrap’ items in a gift itself – what better way to gift a beach towel than to use it as wrapping to disguise other gifts?!
Eat well, Drink less and be Merry.
As our mindset begins to shift towards the holidays yet, we feel busier than ever, keeping our health a priority can become a little more challenging, and we can be guilty of turning to indulgences more readily with the notion that New Year resolutions are around the corner.
If you have been on a health journey this year, we encourage you to hold fast during the ‘silly’ season. We suggest continuing to avoid the foods that are known to cause you poor health (identified food intolerances, alcohol, sugar, gluten, dairy.) There is no need to compromise – be proactive and ensure there is healthy food and drink on Christmas Day and all the other social gatherings!
Opt for bulking out meals with vegetarian and salad options, prepare healthier sweets, offer to bring a plate and eat a good breakfast before a gathering – eating well is possible with a little planning and communication. Limit alcohol – be Merry!
Decorating can be fun but let’s face it – tinsel isn’t exactly an eco-friendly product. Of course, some things get used year after year, and that is a good start but if you are about to restock the decoration box, keep an eye out for the bamboo or wooden items. For entertaining, don’t forget to keep it green! Cloth serviettes, reusable cutlery, cups, bowls and plates are all worthwhile investments and worth the extra elbow grease to be used time and again. Skip the cellophane on the food hamper, opt for reusable gift bags or ‘wrap’ items in a gift itself – what better way to gift a beach towel than to use it as wrapping to disguise other gifts?!
Peace on Earth
We’ll wrap up this Naturopaths Guide to Christmas by saying enjoy the festive season, the traditions you celebrate and perhaps a new eco-friendly Christmas Tradition. We hope that 2020 brings you a healthier world, a healthy home and a healthy you! Wishing You A Happy and Safe Christmas.
Want to learn more? We have these Blogs that may also interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE
