What does a ‘good’ Christmas look like to you? Is it measured by the number of gifts we receive, the newest gadgets and filling our rooms with more stuff? Is it found in connection, shared experiences and spending time together? Or something else entirely?
It’s difficult to escape the Christmas marketing, advertising and spending that takes hold at this time of year. The pressure to buy and consume can not only fill our homes with things we don’t need, but it can also take a toll on the environment through harmful waste and production processes. In the UK, most items bought at Christmas are hardly used after six months.1
In schools, Christmas can be a powerful moment for young people to reflect on how we celebrate special occasions and what makes them meaningful. The Good Life Schools programme provides a space to explore this, inspiring creativity, fostering community and reimagining special occasions in a way that’s good for both people and planet.
Here's how the Good Life Group at Ysgol Maes Y Gwendraeth have embraced the festive spirit this year...
Last academic year, Year 10 pupils involved in the Good Life Schools programme developed a wide range of creative and sustainable skills through workshops led by an artist, including willow weaving and plastic upcycling.
This year, they have built on this experience by inspiring and supporting Year 8 pupils, running an art club throughout the term focused on creating Christmas crafts. Together, pupils produced a variety of sustainable items such as cards, wreaths, recyclable wrapping paper and beeswax wraps. These handmade creations were sold at the school show, raising an impressive £300, which was donated to the Carmarthenshire Toy Appeal. This valuable appeal helps ensure that less fortunate children across Carmarthenshire receive gifts on Christmas Day.
If you’re interested exploring this topic with your class, we’d love to hear from you. Register your interest in Good Life Schools and a member of our team will be in touch: The Good Life Schools Supported Programme
Wishing you all a restful holiday and all the very best for 2026!
The Good Life Schools Team
Thanks to National Lottery players, Global Action Plan received over £1.1m from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, supporting the Good Life Schools project.
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