First day of December, and I’m ready to get my head around the holidays.  Time to take a deep breath and dive in.  My biggest challenge always seems to be maintaining balance — finding simple ways to do it all (celebrate with friends and family, decorate, give back, spread some joy, and feel the true spirit of the season).

This year we’re going low impact.  Here are some ways that we plan to go about curbing our carbon footprint.  As time goes on, we may update this list.  As always, feel free to jump in with any other suggestions.  Your thoughts are always appreciated.

• I love to send Christmas cards, but there’s a lot of “waste” involved.  For the past couple of years I’ve sent Jacquie Lawson holiday e-cards, (photo credit, above).  She always has a lovely selection of beautifully rendered animations.  By emailing greetings, there’s no need to purchase stamps, or use paper and energy (gasoline and transportation) in order to have traditional paper cards created and physically transported around the planet.  Bonus – for a small yearly fee, ($12/1 year or $18/2 years), you can send ecards year round – birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

• When setting the table or entertaining, bring out the real thing.  Kick things up a notch by using China, glassware, silverware, cloth napkins and table coverings to make everyone feel like your gathering really is a special occasion.  Ask family to help set up and clean up, or hire additional hands to help make it all happen.  Using the good stuff requires extra time and special attention so reach out for help, don’t take on the additional stress by doing all yourself.

• Keep the decorating simple and “live” if possible.  Gather pine cones, evergreen boughs, branches, stones and fashion your own wreaths, garland and centerpieces.  I’ve been doing this for the past several years and I always surprise myself by how easy it is, and how beautiful it is to bring natural elements from outside into my home.   If your creations are cool enough, you can even give them as gifts. My sister gathered pine cones and made beautiful pine wreaths that we’ve been reusing for the past few years.
• Gifts don’t always have to be a new off the shelf item, bought in a big box and then wrapped in glossy paper tied with a big bow.  Rather than toss a preloved item — digital camera or old iPod, jewelry or decorative item — give it as a gift to someone who can actually use it.
• If you do need to go shopping, get organized.  Plan ahead to allow for the most efficient way to get from Point A to Point B.  This will cut down on the amount of gas you use and save time as well.  Shop locally as much as possible, and carpool to make your trips to the store not only more energy efficient but also more fun.
• If you grow your own herbs, salad and veggies, use them – whether fresh or dried.  Dried lavender makes the most wonderful sachets.  I’ve wrapped dried herbs in vintage handkerchiefs and tucked them into stockings.  They’re sweet little surprises.  I’ve also left them on their stems and used the lavender as an accent on a fresh evergreen wreaths. (photo credit:  zJayne’s etsy shop)
• If you opt for the live Christmas tree, be sure to recycle it — create mulch, or give it an afterlife in a pond or lake – the fish and aquatic life love it.  We’ve done this for the past several years, (at right), it warms my heart and strokes my soul.
• Overall, be mindful of the 3 R’s:  reduce, reuse, recycle and don’t be afraid to re-think.  Like rules, some traditions are meant to be broken.  Here’s to a happy December, and low carbon impact holiday season!