Everyone is rushing about this season. Seems like none of us have time to sit down just enjoy a cup of java or bake some cookies. It is hard to keep up with kids, school activities, work, and home.
I know I am stressed out with all the things going on, especially with work and getting the house clean for holiday guests, but at some point I need to sit down and enjoy wrapping up presents in recycled newspaper and decorating the gifts with fun crayons and markers.
Here are some fun ways to make your life a little more natural and less “commercial” this holiday season:
1. drive less. Make a list and make all your stops or as many as you can in one day.
2.buy local. Find a local craft fair or seek out local artists in your area and support them, encourage them, and even buy from them. I found a potter locally and purchased some lovely plates and saucers as a special gift for my DAd.
3. Use recycled newspaper that you can hand decorate yourself (or better yet, have the kids do it- they lov eto draw on stuff anyways).
4. Go to thrift stores and buy small things for stocking stuffers, you are recycling and supporting local organizations that help the less fortunate in the area.
5. Find items that are non plastic or that are recycled plastic. Buy wood, buy metal, buy cloth. All of these are less stress on the environment are possibley made in the USA (locally) , and are going to last longer.
6. Forget those silly gift cards, you are just supporting the big corporations that have less regard for the environment unless they are doing it as a publicity stunt. Smaller stores are more concerned about the local economy and are oten more concerned about the environment, they know the impact people make in their purchases.
7. Regift. There is something about your house in great condition that you do not use. Perhaps a great sweater that you have grown tired of, or was not quite the right color. I know I have found great books that I know a friend might enjoy, but that I have already read. Why not re-gift.
8. Give a food basket. People love food baskets, get some yummy local organic cheese, fruits, breads, even throw in some homemade cookies (if you have time).
9. Spend less, stress less, have more fun. I should follow my own advice. Quit worrying if the house is clean enough, or the tree has enough gifts, just enjoy your family and the spirit of the season.
Hope these things help. I am by no means an expert, but I try to employ most of my suggestion (well the less stress I am working on) in my daily life.
Have a GREAT organic new year!!!