The holiday season brings a unique kind of magic—cozy gatherings, glowing decorations, and the aromas of home-cooked favorites drifting through the house. But behind these traditions is something we often overlook: the energy that makes it all possible.

Understanding how our seasonal habits use energy, and how to manage that use wisely, can help families enjoy the season while keeping costs in check—an important step toward maximizing holiday energy savings.

At UGI Energy Services (UGIES), we’re committed to helping customers celebrate the holidays with comfort, safety, and efficiency. Here’s a closer look at how energy fuels the holiday traditions we love, and what steps can make them more energy-efficient.

Holiday Cooking

For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the holidays. Between baking cookies, simmering soups, and preparing meals, your kitchen appliances work harder than usual and use more energy. Here are some ways holiday cooking impacts energy use, along with habits that can help keep consumption under control and support your holiday energy savings goals.

• Use ovens and stovetops efficiently. Ovens draw a significant amount of energy during long baking and roasting cycles. Save energy by cooking multiple dishes at once, using convection when available, and avoiding frequent door openings, which cause heat loss and longer cook times.
• Rely on small appliances when possible. Air fryers, slow cookers, and microwaves typically consume less energy than full-size ovens or stovetops. For reheating, roasting smaller portions, or preparing sides, these tools offer an efficient alternative.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer running efficiently. These appliances work overtime during the holidays as they’re opened more often and packed with ingredients. Help them maintain temperature by letting leftovers cool before storing, organizing shelves for quick access, and avoiding long door openings.
• Prep and cook strategically. Batch-prepping ingredients reduces appliance usage, and using lids on pots can help water boil faster and retain heat longer. When possible, use residual oven heat after cooking to warm dishes or toast bread without turning the oven back on.

Community Events

Holiday traditions extend far beyond our homes, such as community parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, markets, and performances, all of which rely on energy to bring the season to life. Here are a few ways energy powers beloved holiday traditions, along with practices that help keep them running efficiently.

• Power large lighting displays wisely. Community trees, light tunnels, and illuminated floats draw significant power during the holidays. Using LED fixtures, timed lighting schedules, and efficient controllers helps reduce energy use while maintaining the festive glow that brings families together.
• Support heated outdoor spaces efficiently. Outdoor markets, holiday villages, and gathering areas often use portable heaters or heated tents to keep visitors comfortable. Choosing energy-efficient heating equipment, minimizing heat loss with proper tent insulation, and using heaters only during peak hours helps manage consumption.
• Run sound systems and event equipment smartly. Concerts, performances, and parades rely on amplifiers, speakers, microphones, and generators. Using modern, efficient audio equipment and turning off unused gear between acts can significantly cut energy waste without affecting the experience.
• Operate specialty attractions with care. Ice rinks, projection shows, and animated displays require powerful refrigeration or electrical systems. Regular maintenance, energy-efficient motors, and optimized operating schedules help ensure these attractions run smoothly while keeping energy usage in check.

Gift Giving

Giving gifts to friends and loved ones is a cherished holiday tradition for many. Whether it’s gathering around the tree on Christmas morning, exchanging Secret Santa surprises with friends, or taking part in a festive office white elephant. Here are a few ways holiday gifting uses energy, along with simple habits that help make the season more sustainable.

• Choose gifts with long-term efficiency in mind. From cozy apparel to kitchen tools and home goods, selecting high-quality, durable items reduces waste and energy used in manufacturing replacements. If giving electronics, look for ENERGY STAR®–certified options.
• Embrace DIY and handmade gifts. Homemade treats, crafted decorations, or personalized creations often use far less energy than mass-produced items and carry more sentimental value. Preparing multiple items at once, using efficient appliances, or choosing low-energy crafting methods can make DIY gifting both meaningful and sustainable while contributing to overall holiday energy savings.
• Look for sustainable wrapping and packaging. Americans use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper each year, mainly during the holidays. Traditional paper, ribbons, and plastic decorations often end up in the trash. Reusable gift bags, recyclable paper, fabric wraps, and even leftover holiday cards can transform your presentation while lowering your environmental impact.

Keep the Season Merry, Bright, and Energy-Smart

Holiday traditions shine even brighter when they’re supported by efficient energy use. By cooking smarter, powering community events responsibly, and choosing sustainable gifts, you can reduce energy costs without sacrificing any of the joy the season brings.

At UGI Energy Services, our goal is to help customers make informed, energy-smart decisions—during the holidays and beyond. Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your celebrations comfortable, efficient, and full of cheer.