Green Christmas Ideas Revisited

• In 2007 we posted a list of ideas to make your Christmas Greener. This excellent post , if we do say, can be found here. Well looking back how are things this year as a result?
• Well, we skipped the wrapping paper and instead used reusable holiday boxes. This has worked out great and we continue to use them. Also, as an added benefit, we write little notes and drawings on them so that over the years the boxes themselves become sort of an heirloom with memories of previous holidays.
• Homemade Christmas ornaments. Well, we have them and every year we make more. Some of the first ones were kind of lame but they are getting better. This year we’ll use shells and driftwood we find on the beach as this highlights the coastal community I live in this year (actually, to be honest the tree can begin to look like a big junk pile unless you know how to make these things right. If you are art incapable ask for help… please).
• Did not get a real tree but rather bought a fake one years ago. Still use this since I feel that “I’m already in”. The feeling is that if this is a one time shot and if I can use the fake tree for years it will make up for all the crap used to manufacture it. My bad though, I should have always bought natural trees.
• Buy gifts that are not “stuff”….useless crap that no one really wants anyway. This has been huge. Last year went on an awesome trip with those I love rather than stuff. This year planning the same deal. Also, found that excellent baked goods (such as cookies, cheesecake or a Rene de Saba) kick butt over junk that will end up in a closet.
• Helping others. This is very good and looking to do more. This is as much for me as it is for those helped.

Anyway, happy holidays and make this time of year yours again. Be brave and refuse to be a pawn of the stores who love to see mindless consumption and people “shopping till they drop”.