Happy Holidays to You All! However, Earth Would Be Better Off Without Them.

Don't we all love celebrations? The holiday season offers a wonderful and joyous opportunity for all of us to come together with loved ones, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. It is during this time that families and friends can partake in activities that have been passed down through generations, thereby strengthening the bonds between them. These practices often involve engaging in shared rituals, which not only bring a sense of excitement and anticipation but also foster a deep sense of unity among all participants. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, the act of coming together to commemorate significant moments has been deeply ingrained in our collective human experience. It is indeed true that these joyous celebrations play a significant role in shaping our cultural identity, as they bring people together and create a sense of unity and connection. They help to maintain traditions, promote a sense of belonging, and ensure continuity within our society.

What is also true is that 2023 has been a tumultuous one, with global conflicts, the pressing issue of climate change, economic instability, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, the concept of traditional holiday celebrations takes on a different shade. The mystifying cluelessness of holiday-goers jet-setting across the globe, indulging in lavish feasts, and reveling in merriment while others endure the harsh realities of uncertainty, destitution and wars just cannot be overlooked. This stark dichotomy between those partaking in excess and the many struggling for basic necessities serves as a reminder of the unsustainable nature of our current holiday practices.

'Tis the season to be worried?

As we navigate through the complex tapestry of the early 21st century, the shadows of global challenges loom large over our festive spirits. The holiday seasons, once beacons of warmth and togetherness, now cast a stark light on the environmental and ethical paradoxes of our times. In this Christmas special edition of Laseredin, I wanted to dive straight into the question that should stir the conscience of our generation: Is it time to strip back the layers of consumerism, hedonism, and hypocrisy that have tainted the essence of our holiday celebrations?

The sobering backdrop of the early 2020s presents a tableau of turbulence, marked by the scars of wars such as the the persistent unrest between Ukraine and Russia, the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, the existential threat of climate change, and the economic whirlwinds of inflation and recession in a post-COVID economy. In this milieu, the traditional excesses of the holiday season—marked by an avalanche of waste, skyrocketing energy use, and a spike in carbon emissions—paint an incongruous picture. The very celebrations that are meant to unify us inadvertently push our planet's delicate ecosystems to the brink.

COP28, hosted in the UAE this past November, has laid bare the stark realities we face. The conclusions drawn from the conference serve as a harbinger for what lies ahead, suggesting little cause for celebration as we approach 2024. Yet, amidst the cacophony of concern, there is a chorus of optimism that refuses to be silenced.

The spirit of the season or the specter of excess?

We must confront the uncomfortable truth that our holiday revelries are not without consequence. The carbon footprint left by festive globetrotters, the opulent feasts that grace our tables, and the high spirits that define our merrymaking—all stand in sharp contrast to the hardships endured by those caught in the throes of conflict and privation. The chasm between the privileged indulging in excess and the many who grapple for life's basics serves as a potent reminder of the unsustainable path we tread.

Moreover, we cannot turn a blind eye to the economic pressures, the mental health burdens, and the cultural oversights that accompany our celebratory customs. The compulsion to engage in lavish spending, the pervasive stress and anxiety, and the exclusion that some traditions perpetuate—all these factors are at odds with the ideals of unity and joy that the holidays are meant to celebrate.

Celebrating with purpose in turbulent times.

Yet, it is in the quest for equilibrium that we may find solace. The ecstasy of festivity is an integral thread in the human tapestry, but it must be interwoven with a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. It is incumbent upon us to rediscover the core values of our festivities and reshape our holiday traditions with an acute awareness of our planet's fragility.

As a community, we must champion a paradigm shift towards sustainability, nurturing a culture of empathy and mindfulness. This pivot can ensure that our future celebrations do not just embody the spirit of joy but also demonstrate reverence for the Earth that nurtures us.

Rethinking Revelry.

In the pursuit of peace, comprehension, and a collective dedication to the well-being of our planet can lay the foundation for a new epoch of holiday celebrations. These reimagined festivities have the potential to not only unite us across the global village but also pay homage to the very Earth that cradles our existence.

This call to action is more than just a seasonal reflection; it is an invitation to all to play a part in crafting a legacy of celebrations that honor the spirit of the season without compromising the health of our home. Let us carry the torch of hope forward, nurturing a legacy of responsible revelry that will resonate for generations to come.

Merry Holidays to you all!