Groxie

With the Salvation Army bell–ringers on every corner and Christmas music pouring from the radio, I can’t ignore the “holiday” madness any longer. I thought I might share a few of my holiday tips to avoid stress, save money, and generally get more out of the holidays.

• Desperately need a tree? Go for a real farmed oned. Cutting your own out of the forest or buying a fake one made of all sorts of yucky stuff are both worse for the environment than those lovely little tress your local boy scouts are selling. Or, you could always decorate a tree that’s already in your yard.
• If you’re sending out Christmas packages, consider the USPS. They already go to every home in America, so you’re not adding much to the emissions burden. Or, take a hint from my grandma, and eschew holiday cards altogether. She’s calling friends and family for a few minutes around Christmas instead of mailing anything at all. No cards, no stamps, nothing to be delivered—plus we all get to chat with grandma!
• Talk to the people you would normally exchange gifts with. How about a secret santa exchange, a white elephant exchange, or pooling money that would have been for gifts to go snow tubing? There are many alternative options to the wrapping paper and plastic packaging explosion.
• Really think about what you’re buying and why you’re buying it. Store-bought gifts are nice if they are wanted or needed, but most folks will also be just as happy with a kind letter, some cookies, an IOU for a dinner or game night, or some other present that shows you care. Instead of spending time and money stressing yourself out to find that “perfect gift,” consider using your own talents and what you know about your friends and family to offer them something personal.
• If you find yourself entertaining over the holidays, try to use non-disposable dishes and linen napkins. Opt for cheaper, slightly DIY food and drink over fancier items. Instead of champagne, make some holiday glogg out of inexpensive wine. Sweet and spicy nuts are easy to make and make great party snacks. Homemade guacamole & salsa with chips is a cheap, tasty standard that is even cheaper if you take 15 minutes to make ingredients yourself. Time in the kitchen with good company is well-spent!

Does making holiday cookies stress you out beyond compare? Don’t do it. Do you hate stringing those lights along your porch? Don’t do it. The holidays will be as meaningful and fulfilling as you make them, and you certainly don’t need many trappings to remember what’s really important. Don’t let previous holidays set the agenda—you’re not required to do the same thing you’ve always done. Find what really makes you happy and make that your new holiday tradition. Remember: less waste + less wasted money = less environmental impact + more happiness!