This year, whether due to economic necessity or growing concern about sustainable actions, a green Christmas and holiday season is an ever more attractive option for many families.
At times, parents wonder how to bestow the lessons of generosity and thoughtfulness in their children's minds. A simpler Christmas and holiday is a wonderful start that can provide your family with new and exciting traditions.
Here are some ways to curb your spending this holiday season and still have a joyous and green celebration:
- Create handmade Christmas cards using scraps of wrapping paper and old decorative Christmas card fronts.
- Shopping for gifts? Be sure to check out our Green Parent Chicago Alternative Gift Giving Guide for creative ideas, many of which parents and kids can make and do together.
- Wrap gifts using recycled paper, comics, dish towels, receiving blankets, "silk" scarves or make your own fabric gift bags. One new product on the market, The Bobo Wrap, is a luxury fabric wrap, made by an American manufacturer that offers a simple way to wrap gifts in reusable fabric. It easily ties and finishes with its own decorative bow. For homemade treats, use brown paper bags and have the kids help decorate them with decorative stamping, paint, stickers, etc.
- Decorate your home and Christmas tree using any suitable green and red items you already own: buttons, felt, decorative paper, cardboard, construction paper, scrap yarn, fabric, flowers and fruit (real or faux) and decorative dishware. One culinary minded host at a Christmas party I once attended decorated her tree with large red chili peppers. The effect against the deep green tree branches was striking and unique.You'll be surprised at how creative you can be with what you already own.
- Paper chains from scrap paper make beautiful tree decorations and garlands. Origami is easy to learn and can be made in miniature for ornaments. Instructions for many simple origami projects can be found online.
- In lieu of cooking for a large party, host a potluck. The key to keeping the event low cost is to make the gathering the focus rather than the getting by planning party activities like music, caroling, games and crafts or ask each guest to bring an ornament to trim the tree.
- Alternatives to a hosting a party include: attending a worship service, free concert or theater event or planning an outing as a family/group of families to go ice skating, sledding or visit a free winter festival. Everyone can gather after for hot cocoa, hot cider or other treats at a favorite cafe, bakery or someone's home.
- Volunteer as a family with a local charity, donate toys or other items on a charity's wish list or organize a group donation among friends and family. If you've never volunteered as a family before, doing so during the holidays is a great way to get started on making volunteering a regular activity throughout the year.
-Christine
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