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How to Cut Down on Christmas Consumerism
The most wonderful time of year doesn’t have to mean the most expensive time of year! Christmas can mean going overboard with presents, but if you want to avoid adding to landfills, consider these tips for a more eco and budget friendly holiday.
Gift memories, not things
Chances are, your loved ones have enough stuff cluttering up their spaces, so why not make new memories in the year ahead? Give the gift of an experience together, whether that’s an event that you both want to attend, or the simple promise to take up an activity together. You’ll remember that more than any one item.
Get creative!
If you’re really wracking your brain for what to gift, sometimes a thoughtful handmade item will be better received. Consider a scrapbook of the year past, a small handcrafted ornament or take up some yarn and see what you can create (just remember to give yourself time in a busy holiday season.)
Encourage Generosity
Maybe you don’t need another bathrobe, but you do have causes you support. Why not ask for donations to be made to the charity of your choice, and do the same for your giftees. Then you can focus on time spent together with the knowledge that your money has gone to those who really need it.
Emphasize Experiences
It can be hard to get everyone on board the train to different kinds of gifts, especially when we’re bombarded by ads all season long. If kids are involved, make sure to put more emphasis on what you’ll all be doing together as a family on Christmas, whether that’s making a big meal together, visiting loved ones you don’t often see, or spending time together in the snow.
Reusable wrapping is the way to go
When you do need to wrap a present, there’s no need to add to the piles of garbage that Christmas morning creates. Opt for gift bags and sacks that can be reused year after year. Plus, they make wrapping a breeze!
