Have a Green and Jolly Christmas!

Green Christmas: Upcycling

Upcycled Tire Garland by HarshLight (CC BY 2.0)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Everywhere you go things are glistening and aglow. The decorations are out. The radio stations are playing all your favorite Christmas songs. Holiday treats are back and you can finally break out all those cute holiday sweaters! I am so excited to see all the lovely decorations this year. I am even more excited to see all the ways people are going to go green this Christmas!

Go for the Green: Living Christmas Trees

Green Christmas: Living Tree
US National Christmas Tree by Tim Evanson (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Oh ho, the Christmas tree, is as green as it can be (literally). Somebody’s saving the earth with every living Christmas tree! What’s a living Christmas tree? It’s a tree that hasn’t been cut. Live trees are unearthed with their root ball still attached. They are replanted after holiday use. Recently several companies have started offering live tree alternatives. There are a few things to keep in mind before buying a live tree. The most important thing is to make sure you water it regularly. For residents of Los Angeles and surrounding areas, The Living Christmas Co. is a great company to adopt a living Christmas tree from.

Deck the Halls: Green Decorations

DIY Ornaments
Holiday Crafting Ornaments by …love Maegan (CC BY 2.0)

Tis’ the season to be jolly. A merry kitchen table will have your guests and family members singing fa la la la la, la la la la. There are tons of simple ways to turn a bowl of fruit into a festive centerpiece.  Ornaments are great for repurposing or redecorating. Get creative with your holiday decorations by turning decorating day into crafts day. Using LED lights and setting them on a timer will save tons of energy.  Add a ribbon to anything and istantly make it more festive. Hate getting popcorn stuck in your teeth at the movies? String it up and use it as a garland. 

Laughing All the Way: Green Presents

Christmas Presents
Christmas Presents by Mike_fleming (CC BY 2.0)

All the smiles, aren’t they thrilling? Spreading happiness is so fulfilling. One of the best things about Christmas is the presents! I love watching loved ones light up as they open up a gift. The greenest gift would be one that’s homemade. However, I know that making your own gifts isn’t always possible. If you’re going to purchase presents, try buying ones that are locally made. Feeling extra green this year? Purchase gifts made from sustainable materials that can be repurposed, reused, or upcycled. You can even buy eco-friendly wrapping paper. Hope your holiday season is as green as it is joyful. I want to wish you a green Christmas from the bottom of my heart!

What are some of your favorite ways to go green for the holidays? Tell me about them in the comments section below!