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it's all about handcrafted love this holiday season. why would you give someone a plastic toy, or big box gift card when you could sew them dainty underpinnings or a sweet necktie, cook them a scrumptious meal, or gift them something meticulously crafted and time-honored?
and with the resurgence of popularity for heritage clothing and their recent partnerships with mainstream retailers (j.crew hawking cutler & gross? pendleton + opening ceremony?), there's no reason to buy anything *new* unless it's something that will last for another two-three generations.
the same goes for decorating. why waste natural resources and spend money on bits of fancy made in china? there are plenty of beautiful (and free!) objects in nature just waiting to be snapped up and lovingly arranged for your hearth & home.re-purpose a branch and turn it into a gorgeous floating centerpiece (though i admit, i plan to do this and hang it over my bed like a dreamy fixture). line your mantle with fall leaves, pine cones, seed pods and other fall/winter treasures, or display them on a smart fall collection board. diy a set of coasters made from a fallen log. and if you're more into the mod look, why cut down a tree at all when you can make your own out of a wooden ladder, lights and handmade decorations?
so grab your wellies, and go for a walk in the woods! string some popcorn, or cranberries and make your own garland. bake something special for a loved one. and celebrate christmas like they did in the good ol' days.
Thanks for the post - I am so glad to read it! :D We have been exploring the concept of sustainable Christmas/solstice here at our household over the past couple of years. We could do more but it feels good to think of the earth as deserving honor and celebration at the holidays! :D
ReplyDeleteWe do pretty eco holiday decorating ... in the past we have found a branch on the side of the road and used it as our "tree," and this year we used a set of LED-energy saving light-up branches in a vase with a repurposed scarf tied around it to create a festive mini-tree (it looks pretty cool! Cori made it). :D I'm thinking bowls of seasonal fruit and locally-grown chestnuts on the table for decoration, a couple strings of LED lights and some soy candles, and music! :D I also try to get locally-made stocking stuffers when possible and use sustainable gift wrap. :D
Thanks again for the post and hopefully America will begin to shift the meaning of holidays in a more meaningful, sustainable direction! :D
all fantastic ideas! i'd love to see pics of the tree! thank you so much for sharing <3
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