_edited_edited.jpg)
Ah, Christmas—the season of joy, overeating, and questionable jumpers. But let’s be real: the way we humans celebrate can sometimes come at a cost to animals and the planet, whether it's how we decorate our homes or how we spend our money. The good news? You can have a fabulous, cruelty-free Christmas without skimping on the festive fun. Here’s how to make it happen.
Why Go Cruelty-Free for Christmas?
A cruelty-free Christmas means celebrating in a way that’s kinder to animals, people, and the planet. It’s all about making conscious swaps—whether it’s choosing a plant-based feast, buying ethical gifts, or ditching animal-derived decorations. The result? A holiday season that’s as joyful as ever but leaves a lighter footprint.
1. Vegan Christmas Dinner
Let’s talk food. The Christmas dinner table can be a minefield of animal products, not to mention that one irritating relative that's always acting as though you not eating animals is the scandal of the century. But there’s actually no need to compromise on taste or tradition whatsoever. With a few easy swaps, you can enjoy a feast that’s every bit as indulgent—no dead animals necessary!
Main Event:
Trade in the turkey for a plant-based roast (there are loads in stores now, This.co is one of our personal favourites, or you can DIY with recipes for nut roasts or mushroom Wellingtons).
Side Stars:
Most side dishes are already nearly vegan—just sub in plant-based butter or milk for creamy mash, and skip the pigs in blankets (loads of shops sell plant-based pigs in blankets now too, just raid the vegan section).
Stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy? Easy to veganize with plant-based recipes.
Sweet Treats:
Go for vegan yule logs, mince pies, and even plant-based cheeseboards for dessert.
Remember to check your festive tipples—many wines, beers, and spirits now come with a vegan label to avoid animal-derived fining agents.
2. Ethical Gift-Giving
Presents are, of course, a huge part of Christmas, and it's a great opportunity to support better brands and more sustainable products without compromising on quality.
For Example:
Beauty: Look for brands that pride themselves in using exclusively vegan ingredients and check for that cruelty-free logo that ensures no products were animal tested.
Fashion: Avoid animal-derived materials like wool or leather and opt for items made from sustainable alternatives, like vegan leather.
Charity Gifts: If you're buying for a fellow animal lover, consider a present that directly supports a cause they are passionate about, for example sponsoring an animal, making a donation in their name, or buying something from their favourite charity's shop.
It's easier than ever to find brilliant brands who are pioneering a more compassionate and ethical future, here are a few of our faves:
Gen See for clean, cruelty-free cosmetics.
Loved Before for rehoming pre-loved plushies.
The Vegan Bakes for cruelty-free baked goodies. 👄
Up Circle Beauty for sustainable skincare. 🐕
Hownd for plant-based food and treats for pups. 🍫
Dirty Cow for indulgent plant-based chocolate treats. ⛵
Green Toys UK for eco-friendly children's toys. 🛁
Soul and Soap for ethical, sustainable self-care. 💍
Wild Fawn Jewellery for ethical, handmade jewellery made from recycled silver and gold. 🌱
Vital Seeds for growing organic herbs, vegetables and flowers.
3. Animal-Friendly Decorations
You really don’t need feathers or beeswax to make your home sparkle this Christmas. Opt for decorations that are festive and animal-friendly!
Candles: Ditch beeswax for soy or coconut wax options.
Tree Décor: Check out eco-friendly or recycled ornaments, or make your own for an extra personal touch.
Pet Costumes: Please don't dress your pet up this Christmas, it can be incredibly uncomfortable and stress-inducing for them.
DIY Fun: Popcorn garlands, dried orange slices, or paper chains make for festive, animal-friendly alternatives—and they’re cheap and fun to make.
4. Support Sanctuaries and Shelters
Christmas can be a really tough time for small charities and rescue organisations. Even if you don't have spare cash to donate, there are loads of ways you can help. Whether it's donating food to your local food bank, dropping off some blankets for an animal shelter, or just helping them spread their message on social media, small actions can make the world of difference. If you're able, you can also volunteer your time! Many organisations need extra hands during the colder months and it's a great way of meeting like-minded people.
A Compassionate Christmas for All
Choosing a cruelty-free Christmas doesn’t mean you need to give up on traditions; it’s just about reshaping them to align with your values. Every small step—whether it’s choosing a vegan mince pie or making a donation to an animal sanctuary—helps create a kinder, more compassionate world, and we could all do with a little of that energy heading into 2025.
Comments