Don't get me wrong...I LOVE Christmas! I love giving gifts and seeing joy on other people's faces. But, in past years this joy on their faces has cost us a small fortune as we try to get people the gifts on their "gift list". This year I didn't ask anyone for their "gift lists". They are getting what they get and (hopefully) don't get upset. Hopefully they are overjoyed. Because this year we are putting more time and effort into our gifts for others. The kids are getting involved and it is making Christmas giving a little greener, a little cheaper and a lot more intentional.
Kids Art. There are so many things that the kids can get involved in and they can help create. If you have leftover art kicking around, reuse it as gift wrap for grandma or auntie. If you have an outstanding piece of art from your kids, frame it. Make it greener by finding a frame at a thrift store. Give the kids the frame and some acrylic paint and let them go wild. It might no suit your decor, but Grandma should love it.
Give the gift of Light. Another thing my kids love is rolling beeswax candles around a cotton wick. The honey scent alone makes it worth doing. Cut it in diagonals to get a nicely tapered candle. Give the gift of light and fresh air without all the nasty chemicals that are in harshly scented candles at the stores.
Crafty crafts. If you have a hobby or craft you love, share those items that you have made. Knitting, crocheting, woodwork, sewing, flower arranging, painting...you name it, people love what you make because it means that you have spent time and effort on something special for them.Food. Enough said. But is it? The time and effort put into home-made gastronomic delights always surpasses a store bought item. The only challenge with jams, glistening jellies, or chewy cookies is wondering if they will make it until gift exchange time. Perhaps the easiest gift to give is a chocolate mendiants, a little pool of chocolate onto which you sprinkle dried fruit, seeds or nuts to your hearts desire. Easy peasy and looks amazing. Check out photos of them here: http://http//chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2003/12/mendiants.php
Make them out of fair-trade or organic chocolate and be a greener chocolatier.
Books. My friend and I recently exhanged our dismay that used books don't usually hold the same reaction from our friends and family as a crisp, new book from a big box bookstore with a gift reciept attached. Well, I am bringing used books back to the tree. Carefully selecting a used book that has been previously loved is a much better gift for the recipient and the planet. And instead of giving a single book, now you can afford to give a series because it won't cost you a fortune!
Puzzles. Puzzles are usually the only thing I find a rather risky thrift store purchase. We have almost had the joy of finishing a puzzle before finding that a few key pieces are missing. Disappointment- if your intention is completing a puzzle. You could turn this disappointment into creative cat joy if you see this page that tells you how to make a crafty puzzle wreath or a picture frame:http://www.ehow.com/how_5345613_recycle-puzzle-pieces.html
Assorted thrift store goodies. So many good things that need homes. Antique tea cups, little knick knacks, toys, the list goes one. Consider giving these items a new home or a new purpose. I've seen tea cups filled with candle wax and wick and are usable afterwards. I've also made mosaics out of chipped and broken tea cups and saucers.
I must stop here before I give away all my secrets.
It has been said that you only really have to do one green thing to make a difference. If you start now, your kids and family will begin to know the joy of a greener Christmas and you can build on it every year. My friend told me that Santa was turning green- he brought gifts wrapped in comics last year. Maybe that is where Santa starts. I have heard that he is really into giving old toys new life this year too.
Please share something or one green thing you are doing.
