As snowflakes drift down from the chilly sky, it creates that cozy winter vibe. You might settle by the fireplace, sipping hot chocolate and humming cheerful songs. But here’s the catch: in many places, that snowy scene is turning into rain. And the price of chocolate is rising too, thanks to failing cocoa crops around the world. Climate change is shaking up our holiday traditions, and those traditions might even be making things worse.
When we think about Christmas, we often picture cozy gatherings and festive meals. But it’s important to realize that many holiday must-haves come from farms far away. For instance, nearly 90% of the world’s cocoa is produced by about six million small farmers, mostly in Africa and Latin America. Cocoa trees need warm and wet weather, but in 2023 and 2024, extreme weather hit major cocoa-growing countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. They faced unexpected heat and drought, which cut cocoa yields to historic lows.
A recent analysis by Climate Central found that climate change made things worse by extending hot spells in these areas. For cocoa, prices skyrocketed from approximately $2,500 to over $10,000 per metric ton in 2024. Though they eased slightly, experts believe we might be looking at a new normal for cocoa prices.
This climate chaos isn’t just limited to chocolate. Other festive food staples like sugarcane and cinnamon are also affected, causing a ripple effect on our holiday baking. Similarly, Oregon and North Carolina are facing challenges with Christmas trees. Warmer winters and pests threaten these holiday icons, leading to low supplies. Justin Whitehill, a forestry researcher at North Carolina State University, explained that moving these trees out of their natural habitats increases stress on them, which is worsened by climate change. Scientists are experimenting with new types of trees to help them survive in changing conditions.
Even the beloved reindeer, known as caribou in North America, might be facing a 50% decline by the end of the century due to habitat loss and rising temperatures. A study released in August shows that their survival is in jeopardy, with climate change posing the greatest threat to their populations compared to previous warming events.
Alongside these fears, the chance of having a white Christmas is also dwindling. In the U.S., the likelihood of snow on Christmas Day is decreasing, particularly in the southern states. Since 1970, temperatures in almost 250 cities have risen by nearly 4 degrees Fahrenheit, making it warmer for the holidays. Shopping during this season also contributes to climate change, with emissions from manufacturing and waste on the rise. Roughly 15% of holiday purchases are returned, generating an enormous amount of carbon pollution.
It’s clear: the holiday season is becoming more complicated thanks to climate change. But there’s still room for positive change. Shifting to local shopping, buying secondhand, or gifting experiences can reduce our impact.
If we want to keep the holiday spirit alive, we might need to rethink how we celebrate. The future of our traditions depends on it.
