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.

Photo: warmhotchocolate

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!