21 December 2011

The Minimalist Guide to Christmas

Christmas is just a breath away, the excitement is rising and minimalistic though we are, there will be presents and joy, shared moments with friends and relatives. Oh, who doesn't like the bonding on Christmas!

This holiday season, we are keeping Christmas merry, minimalistic and plastic-free! How? It is really not hard, in fact it is quite easy and I have already posted some of the steps my family is taking towards a sensible and green Christmas.
  1. Make your own gifts by repurposing, reusing and recycling at home. The Kanelstrand blog is abundant in fast and easy DIY ideas that will make for perfect gifts!
  2. Support handmade. If you are not crafty, go for local or etsy. Enjoy the love and care handmade artists put into their creations. You can take advantage of the generous discounts offered by the Kanelstrand sponsors.
  3. Surprise your loved ones with edible gifts. You can bake, cook, pack and ship or just enjoy together! Here is a good list of edible gifts I compiled for Green Living Ideas. Reminder: opt out on plastic dishes. Serve your food art in real ones instead - beautiful and reusable!
  4. Pack your gifts with alternative packaging, ranging from fiber to scrap wallpaper or maps, the variants are endless. take a look here and here for inspiration.
  5. Make your own post cards instead of buying new ones. This creative act will warm everyone who receives them, There is no need to make them extra complicated. Use recycled paper, magazine or newspaper cutouts and let your imagination roam freely. Or make some digital images to send via email and go paperless.
  6. Give. Donate to charities but not because it is Christmas, do it because you care.
The less we buy, the more challenged we are to give real warmth and care. Let's spend this holiday season concentrated on the love we can give, instead of on the money we've spent!

13 comments:

  1. I love this post. I'm totally down with all these ideas! It's all about love, care, play and time together, not about things and money.

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  2. You've said it all Sonya! What more can we say?

    Merry Christmas everyone!

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  3. Ah, I can't believe Christmas is nearly here!! Where did the year go?!

    Great tips, too - I love them. :) Particularly #6! :D

    I'm glad you and your family are working towards a green Christmas - and having such success! I hope you have a wonderful holiday! <3

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  4. I am right there with you Sonya!
    I have totally detached from the American 'tradition' of Christmas this year....AND IT FEELS GREAT!

    This year it is baskets of citrus from my trees, heartfelt greetings on homemade cards, homemade gifts.

    Intimate. Personal. Rewarding.

    Wishing you a joyous winter solstice!

    If you get a chance...check out the pictures I took at the bird sancturary over the weekend...it was magical!

    Hugs,
    Julia

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  5. I am so lucky to have so many wonderful blog friends to walk through life, aren't I! Thank you for the support, dear ladies, you are my inspiration!

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  6. All good ideas!

    Lynette - Sweet Posy Dreams
    Etsy Blog Team

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  7. Sonya, you are a girl after my own heart:):) Love & hugs this holiday season.

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  8. oh yes ..so often less is so much more!!

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  9. I agree with everything on your list! And making edible gifts is such a good idea; it's something everyone can do, even people who aren't "crafty" or think they can't cook. If you don't like baking, you can put together a mix of dry ingredients for scones or something that they can make themselves and put it in a pretty container or just assemble a gift bag of coffees and teas.

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  10. great post. I agree, Christmas is about giving.

    I love the idea of handmade gifts. I make my own tags and boxes but never thought of hand making the gift. Its a must do for me this year now.

    Following from interactive blogging.
    myminibag.blogspot.com

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  11. It's almost here, I can't believe it!!

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  12. Indeed, when it comes to the holidays, less is definitely more. I enjoyed making things as gifts quite a bit this year. It made the season a lot more relaxing and enjoyable. Great list. I'll save it and use it next year!

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  13. hello friend ..simple is just that ..so simple ! blessings ~~

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