It’s that time of year when shops are buzzing and our homes tend to quickly fill up with new items. Both our shopping bags and our waste bins get heavier. Christmas naturally awakens the desire to make others (and us) happy, but sometimes we mistake quantity for joy. Discounts, persuasive marketing and the feeling that “I have to give something” can push us toward purchases that are well-intentioned but not very well thought through. As a result, the holiday season often fills our homes with things we don’t truly need, along with substances that certainly don’t benefit our indoor environment.

When joy turns into clutter—both physical and chemical 

Every product we bring into our home has a story. It begins with the materials used in its production and ends with the way we dispose of it once it has served its purpose. Many items contain substances that can become problematic when they accumulate over time or interact with each other in our living spaces. 

Some scented products release allergens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Decorations are often treated with varnishes or paints containing volatile organic compounds, which may irritate sensitive individuals and cause headaches or breathing difficulties. Electronics may contain flame retardants or PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals.” These substances, which are linked to a wide range of health issues, accumulate in water and the environment, returning to our bodies mainly through food. they are linked to a wide range of illnesses and health issues. 

When we shop without much thought, we bring home more than just a gift. We also increase the presence of harmful chemicals that don’t exactly match our idea of a peaceful holiday season. 

Chemical exposure doesn’t affect everyone the same way 

Women are exposed to harmful substances more often and for longer periods. Research shows that they typically use more cosmetics, cleaning products and household items, which can increase their overall chemical load. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to pay attention to what we bring into our homes and to support efforts toward safer products. 

At the same time, women—especially mothers—pass part of this chemical burden on to their children, through no fault of their own. Men are also affected. Harmful chemicals are linked to the rising incidence of prostate and testicular cancers. Exposure during childhood and adolescence influences the risk of developing diabetes, obesity and immune disorders later in life across all genders. 

If you are interested in the topic of exposure to toxics related to gender, feel free to read about toxic chemicals in women’s underwear.  

Why it’s worth choosing more carefully 

It is extremely challenging to create a home entirely free of harmful substances. Most of them become dangerous only at higher concentrations or after long-term exposure. We don’t need to give up the pleasure of material gifts altogether, but it’s worth favouring those that bring more joy than risk, whether the risk relates to waste, or to health. 

Here are a few questions that can help us decide: 

• How was the product made? Who produced it? What materials and chemicals does it contain? Can it be repaired? What will happen to it once it’s no longer needed? Could it be bought second-hand? 

• These questions may lead us to give fewer presents, but ones that are truly worth it. 

• We don’t have to stop shopping. But we can change how we shop and start choosing gifts more consciously. 

If you’ve run out of ideas, here are a few tips:

• Give experiences instead of things. They create joy without adding chemical or physical clutter to the home. 

• Buy from local shops and small makers. Their products often come with clearer information about origin and a lower environmental footprint. 

• Support individuals or organisations in need. Instead of material gifts, donate on behalf of your loved ones. Help people who truly need help, for example via donation platforms, or to associations and nonprofits whose work you want to support. Such a gift often has a deeper impact than anything wrapped in paper. 

• Choose repaired, refurbished or upcycled items. They often have a story and a much longer lifespan. 

• Opt for natural materials without unnecessary chemicals. A safe and reliable choice for toys, textiles or cosmetics. 

• Make something yourself. Handmade gifts carry a value that has little to do with price. 

Christmas is not about how many plastic figurines or scented candles we can bring into the living room. It’s about the time we spend together and how we feel while doing so. A more mindful approach to gift-giving might be the best present we can give our homes and the planet. And often, it brings far more joy to us as well.