Halloween has passed and I’m sure I’m not the only one with Christmas on my mind. We are major Christmas fans over here and have already planned the date to go and find our tree in the woods. This season is such a dreamy time. Christmas music playing constantly, singing, service, giving, the spirit of celebrating Christ’s birth… I absolutely love it all!
But unfortunately, the holidays also bring with them so much wastefulness! That’s why I feel this post is so important…. now you have an easy guide for getting through Thanksgiving and Christmas with less waste while keeping things simple and low stress :). So grab your cup of cocoa and settle in for a good read!
Holiday Parties
When it comes to parties, sustainability can be extra hard. Here are some simple ideas to get you started.
Keep decor timeless or versatile so you can reuse it for other holidays and years to come! Neutral colored dishes and tablecloths are excellent because they can be used for multiple seasons, being dressed up with centerpieces, napkins, etc. Check out these beautiful table settings using neutral dishes and tablecloths. I love that you can create such a cozy, beautiful, yet minimalist look with items you’ll actually reuse!
Use Thrift Store Plates to avoid buying paper plates. Don’t have enough of the same dishes? Try alternating patterns or neutrals. You can find thrifted dishes for so cheap and then you can reuse them for all your get togethers or re-thrift them if you really don’t want to hold onto them. If doing dishes after a family gathering scares you, try to compromise somewhere between fancy china and paper plates. Find something you can easily throw in the dishwasher so party cleanup doesn’t seem as daunting.
Prepare by Unloading the Dishwasher beforehand. For quick and easy cleanup, have the dishwasher ready to go, so all you have to do is throw the plates in and push start.
Make Food from Scratch and Source Food Sustainably
Find Decor in Nature for your centerpieces and serving tables. Not only does this save you money, but it reduces production waste and packaging. I absolutely love the look of fresh greenery and pine cones as a holiday centerpiece!
Use Thrifted Items for serving dishes and decor. The thrift store is a treasure trove of unique items to add flair to your holiday get together!
Simplify on Food Choices to reduce the amount of food that goes to waste.
Home & Gifts
Outside of holiday parties it’s nice because you have a lot more control over what goes on within your own family unit. Do everything you can to keep things simple and sustainable by cutting down on waste, making things homemade, and trying a minimalist approach.
Less is More when it comes to gift giving. Slow down when shopping for your loved ones and try to choose items or experiences that will be the most meaningful. Most kids get so much stuff every year, they don’t know what to do with it!
Consider donating used toys and other items earlier in the season to make room for what your family might receive for Christmas.
Shop the Thrift Store for unique and meaningful gifts. Expensive gifts are not the only way to show you care. Browse the thrift store for toys, clothing, games, books, etc. that your loved ones will adore! Some of my favorite gifts I’ve received and given have come from our thrift store.
Get Creative with Homemade Gifts. If you can’t buy it secondhand, why not try making it yourself? Better yet, make it from something you’ve already got that needs recycling! Here are some previous blog posts to get you started on making your homemade gifts for the family.
Upcycled Homemade Gift Ideas for Dad
Homemade Gifts for Naturally Minded Mamas
Consider Alternative Gifts like experiences instead of objects. This reduces the clutter, consumerism, and can be such a meaningful gift!
Get Creative with Holiday Gift Goodies. Is it just a Utah thing or do most people get a million cookies and sweet treats delivered to their door by neighbors and friends all holiday season? While it’s always exciting when the sweets start coming, I feel like so much always went to waste growing up because we just couldn’t keep up with it all! Instead of gifting sweets to your friends and neighbors, consider gifting non-sweet treats or small homemade items, such as ornaments or dish cloths.
Gift Homemade Goodies in Reusable packaging. I can’t say how many paper plates we’ve gotten filled with cookies each year. Look for cute tins, dishes, and other containers at the thrift store or other stores so friends can reuse the container you give them.
Trade Wrapping Paper for Reusable Gift Wrap. Check out this article for some awesome alternatives to wrapping paper!
Shop Local for your Christmas Tree. Did you know that it’s actually considered more eco friendly to get a live tree from a local tree farm or the forest? I did the research because I LOVE having a real tree and we chop ours down in the forest every year. See here for more information on Christmas trees!
Make Homemade Holiday Decor from items found in nature or from recycled fabric, buttons, etc. found around your home. Here are some previous posts to give you some inspiration!
Cozy Projects using Upcycled Flannel
Support Local Sellers & Small Businesses. Look for vendors who create and package their items in sustainable ways.
Say “No” to Shopping Bags. You’re most likely going to be doing a lot of shopping in the coming months. Don’t forget to bring your re\usable shopping bags when you go!
Get started early so you’re not stuck with less sustainable options. Plan for your gifts, start frequenting thrift stores, plan your table decor now so you’re not stuck rushing into a less sustainable option. Planning ahead is one of the best ways to have a more sustainable holiday season!
Make Homemade Seasonal Soaps instead of buying fancy soaps in disposable bottles. I recently learned how to make my own foaming hand soap with just 3 ingredients! I created my own recipe for a cozy orange clove scent (with essential oils). Stay tuned for my recipe in the next couple weeks!
Send your Family Christmas Card over Email instead of in the mail. Save on paper and on postage!
Make a Family Christmas Ornament or magnet for the people you know will want something tangible (I’m just thinking Grandma, mostly ;). I’m thinking wood slice ornaments with our family photo mod-podged on. What ideas do you have?
Choose Sustainable Travel, wherever possible! Do you have buses or trains where you live? Consider carpooling to parties and even bundling up and walking places!
Well there you have it! 20 + ways to have a more sustainable holiday season. What other ideas do you have? As always I would love to hear what you’re doing in the comments below!
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