Christmas is a wonderful time of the year that brings family and friends together to celebrate. Yet, with all the gifts, decorations and feasting, it can also be an expensive and wasteful holiday. Fortunately, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday season more sustainably. 

Here are some tips on how you can make your Christmas more sustainable and enjoyable. From decorating to gift giving, there are plenty of ways to reduce your impact on the environment while still enjoying the festivities:

1. Shop second hand: When shopping for decorations, furniture, or gifts, consider buying used or second hand items. Not only does this reduce waste, but it’s also a great way to find unique and vintage items.

2. Gift experiences: Instead of buying physical gifts, why not consider gifting experiences such as tickets to a show or a massage? This is a great way to show your loved ones you care without creating more waste.

3. Consider homemade gifts: Homemade gifts are a great way to add a personal touch to your gifts and reduce your environmental impact. Consider baking some treats, knitting a scarf, or creating a potted plant to give to your loved ones.

4. Use reusable gift wraps: Invest in some reusable fabric gift wrap, paper bags, or brown paper wrapping paper and ribbon that can be reused again and again

. 5. Skip the cards and use e-cards: Consider sending e-cards this holiday season. Not only is it easier on the environment, but it also saves you time and money.

6. Choose reusable decorations: Consider buying decorations that can be reused year after year, such as ceramic ornaments, wooden signs etc.

7. Connect with nature: Christmas is a time for giving and a time for family. It is an opportunity to start a family tradition of giving back to the earth and instilling sustainable living values in your children, friends, and community. Start an annual, earth-friendly Christmas tradition by going on family hikes, exploring nature, planting and gardening together.

8. Reduce the size of outdoor lighting displays: A smaller presentation of lights can still be attractive and more appropriate in the ‘season of giving’. Saving electricity is also a way of giving since conserving resources benefits everyone.
9. Save any special gift wrap, ribbons, and bows: When unwrapping large gifts, save the paper for reuse; it can often be cut down for smaller presents. Creased wrapping can be ironed flat. Ribbons and bows are easy to save and reuse.