One week ’til the big day. No need to lose sight of what’s important – balancing time with family and friends, giving back, celebrating the true spirit of the season in whatever fashion you like. Here are some simple ways to keep it green, as well.

• Love to send Christmas cards but hate the “waste” involved. Opt for e cards. My fave is 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.

• Everyday deserves the best so be sure to use the real thing — Bone China, glassware, silverware, cloth napkins and table coverings. Ask family to help set up and clean up, or hire additional hands to help make it all happen. Using the real stuff requires extra time and special attention so reach out, don’t take on the additional stress by doing it 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. 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 Christmas stockings. They’re sweet little surprises. I’ve also left lavender on their stems and used them as an accent on a fresh evergreen wreath. (photo credit, R: zJayne’s etsy shop – wonderful eco dryer sheets!)
• 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 been placing ours in the pond (at right).
• Overall, be mindful of the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle and remember to re-think. Like rules, some traditions are meant to be broken. Here’s to making merry, and a low carbon impact holiday season.