Every year, when it comes time to cut down our fresh, beautiful Christmas tree, I am so conflicted. I LOVE the feeling of nostalgia that companies the smell of fresh pine. I long to create a magical home, just as my parents did for me and I love the hunt for the ‘perfect’ tree. But, I cringe knowing that in a few short weeks, we will take down our decorations, box up the ornaments and lights and throw our tree to the curb.
One year, in an attempt to be more ‘green’ for the holiday, we bought a potted indoor tree from Whole Foods. We felt so good about it. It was even really cute – kind of a Charlie Brown tree – but cute. But at the end of the season, we weren’t able to replant the tree as we had thought. Turns out the kind of tree that we bought doesn’t do well in cold weather, or extremely hot weather. Needless to say, it wouldn’t survive a Kentucky summer or winter. We were so bummed. I think that we ended up passing it on to a neighbor.
This year, knowing that we cannot replant our ‘potted’ tree from Whole Foods, and knowing that we cannot yet bury our dreams of a traditional Christmas without our live (now dying) tree, I am seeking other ways to make this holiday a bit less disposable.
For instance, I love wrapping gifts. I simply cannot give a gift without beautiful wrapping paper and bows. This can get expensive and extremely wasteful – unless you are resourceful. This year, I have decided to have ‘brown paper packages tied up with string’ from leftover paper sacks from the grocery. I also collect strings, ribbons, and decorations throughout the year from other packages, store products, groceries, scraps etc. so that I can save on this expense during the Holidays.
What are some things that you do to save and make your holidays less ‘disposable’?
Brown paper packages tied up with string.
#1 by Heather at December 14th, 2009
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One thing I do, is let my 5 year old cut the cute designs from previous years Christmas cards out (not the photo cards though) and we write on the back “To & From” and use them as gift tags. A hole punch and some string is all you need and each person gets an individual gift tag
Also, we buy our kids lots of recycled (aka used) toys and such from friends, consignment sales etc… They don’t know the difference and it is giving a whole new life to a toy that someone else doesn’t play with anymore. Truly a money saver for us too. This year, we spent for our 2 kids less than $80 combined. They each get 3 gifts from santa and one from us.
Also, we like to give others (teachers, postman, etc…) consumables like food, candy, gift card, etc… rather than some junk that they don’t really need.
Merry Christmas! Love your brown paper packages! Those are the BEST kind
#2 by Robyn at December 14th, 2009
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Simply not giving very many gifts and not purchasing much in the way of decor is how we contribute to the cause. We do not spend more than $50 on either child and we shop consignment. We do buy some new items but only toys that we know our children will enjoy. Part of the waste at this time of year is simply buying so many toys that will never see any playtime!
Our Christmas is spent in praise and worship. That also contributes to less waste. When we spend more time with music, prayer, and worship, less material goods come into play.
#3 by Anna Basler at December 15th, 2009
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We do buy a real tree. But instead of buying “live” greenery to decorate the house, we put gold, sparkly bows around our potted plants. It makes things feel festive!