Sure, it’s fun to have something to touch, something to open. If that’s important to you, there are ways to accomplish this while keeping the gifts themselves to a minimum. For example, buy a package of recycled golf balls to represent the gift to Dad and Grandad. Choose a pretty frame for a homemade drawing from your child or a family photo, for Mum and Grandma to represent the art you’ll see together at the museum. Find a really sweet stuffed animal for your child to represent the sanctuary.
Moreover, for whatever you do choose to purchase, buy locally whenever you can. This can make a big and positive impact on your carbon footprint.
4. Reuse wrapping paper or gift bags (or skip them!).
My great grandmother was infamous for urging us not to rip the paper every Christmas morning. Now that I’m older and understand better, she was really onto something! We are reusing previous years’ paper for as many years as we can make it stretch before it nearly falls to bits in our recycling bin. And once it’s gone, we aren’t replacing it. In the meantime, it still looks just as pretty as it ever did under the lights of the tree.
We also have plenty of reusable gift bags to last us many years. These work for birthdays and other celebrations, too! It’s not just about having a green Christmas; sustainability works all year round.
5. Skip bows and ribbons entirely.
We have a few large red bows (which we’ve given the moniker “tarantula bows” because they’ve existed in our family for generations). Truth be told, they look pretty terrible, but they’re actually kind of hilarious that way. We’ve all come to love them and dive to protect them if someone is handling them too roughly. Aside from these, though-which we can place strategically on top of whatever’s most visible under the tree-we don’t need any other ribbons or bows. Let your kids decorate the wrapping paper with markers. It’s more fun, anyway, and it’s a great way to involve them.
6. Ditch plastic for sustainable gifts.
Choose more sustainable products instead of conventionally manufactured ones. Gifts made of natural and renewable materials are best by far. Many are specifically marked for sustainability. If you shop locally, make sure to ask your merchants for the sources of their products.
7. Get a bigger bang for your buck.
Just the other day, my six-year-old said to me out of the blue, “Do you remember that year I got my jungle gym for Christmas? It was so big – I didn’t even think there could be a present under blankets like that!”
That Christmas was three years ago, and it stuck with her half her life. Rather than lots of little presents (which, as much as we hate to admit it, might not be entirely memorable), consider a single big gift that will last for years. That’s a much more sustainable option. We’ve never regretted having done this when we could. Similar fun and big ideas to the jungle gym would be a bike, a play house or a trampoline.
Bikes last for years and are better for the planet. A great way to get your kids off to a healthy and sustainable start!
Buy fewer gifts and make them count.
8. Adjust your holiday meal.
For those of us who have a history of having more leftovers than we can freeze/turn into soup/repurpose into another meal somehow, consider revising the meal plan. Many grocery stores will sell partial portions of their “big serving” options if you simply ask. Downsize the meal plan to fit your family. No need to buy more than you need just because it’s Christmas.
If you do end up buying more than you need, find a place to donate your excess. There are many hungry people at Christmastime and throughout the year.
A green Christmas is one focused on sustainability. More importantly, however, it’s one that focuses on the true spirit of the season.
I’m fully aware that I’m writing this from a place of privilege compared to most of the world. Find a way to help others. For a bonus idea, if you’re willing to forgo gifts this year and have the option financially, please consider donating what you would’ve spent to reputable charities who support people in need. Discuss it with your family. Make a difference not only this time of year, but whenever you can.
I’m sending you and yours all the love in the world. Happy holidays!
Sarah R. Moore is the founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting and author of Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science & Better Behavior. She’s a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a Mama. She’s a lifelong learner with training in child development, trauma recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, and improv comedy. As a certified Master Trainer in conscious parenting, she helps bring JOY, EASE, and CONNECTION back to families around the globe. Based in Colorado, Sarah and her family spend much of their time worldschooling. She speaks French and eats Italian food like a pro! Her heart’s desire is to bring greater peace and healing to the world through loving and respectful parenting. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, & Twitter.
