Holiday Countdown: 10 Weeks to a Green Christmas
The holidays are meant to be magical and special. So why does it often end up so chaotic? As we start our holiday countdown, we’re happy to give you a weekly step-by-step guide to an eco-friendly and sane holiday season.
When I picture my ideal holiday season, it’s all about slowing down and savoring it. I visualize fun and memorable time with my family and cozy moments alone with a good book in my favorite chair. And then I try to think – what can get me closer to these goals?
One answer for sure is not waiting until the last minute to get gifts or figure out our schedule.
Another answer for me personally is making sure the house is clean and organized before we put up the Christmas tree. While I enjoy it with the lights and ambiance of the season, the clutter that goes along with it makes me feel a little anxious.
Whatever your ideal holiday looks like, there are ways to help bring it into existence without having an overzealous schedule or so many rules it isn’t fun for anyone. The best plan should be about conscious celebrating and allowing time for what’s important to you and your loved ones.
Ec0-Friendly Holiday Countdown
In this holiday countdown, you’ll find small, doable tasks each week that save you from trying to cram it all into early December. These ideas will help you:
- save time
- stress less
- keep it green
- spend MORE time with your family
This series will have you delighting in the moment of this beautiful season, all the while knowing the holidays won’t take you by surprise.
Week 10 – Start With Your Not-To-Do List
Most holiday planning starts with the To-Do list. You know, the one that has you wishing it was January 5th before the festivities even start. But we start with a Not-To-Do List.
Creating a Not To-Do list frees up space in your brain and freedom in your calendar. Your body will also appreciate you in advance for creating this list that gives your central nervous system a much-needed break.
In our experience, the main cause of stressful holidays is a lack of intention. And sometimes what you don’t intend to do is even more powerful than what you do. So, take a look at this Holiday NOT To-Do List for a reminder to preserve your energy and focus on what really matters to your family.
Week 9 – Make Your Plan and Start Holiday Cards
Ok, now that you know what you won’t waste your energy on this year, it’s time to start the fun planning part!
Think about what typically makes the holidays magical and inspiring for you. Whatever makes you feel happy, content, and seasonally satisfied, make a conscious decision (and a plan) to spend more time doing that.
Here’s a holiday planner we created 15 years ago and still use today as part of our full year planner.
If you send holiday greetings every year, this is a great time to get started on them. Take your family photo, organize your address list, and order those gorgeous cards.
Here’s our guide to greening your holiday greetings.
Week 8 – Start Your Gift Giving List
The holiday planner linked above has a spreadsheet for your gift budget and space for ideas. If I don’t use this, I inevitably end up with more gifts for one child than the other, or I realize on Christmas Eve that I left out a family member.
Add every gift recipient. Don’t forget teachers, bosses, etc. Does your office do a party with a white elephant gift? Make sure you include that, too.
Enter your budget and some calculations to help you stay within it or keep the purchases even among siblings if that’s a philosophy you follow.
Kids can fill out this Want Need Wear Read wish list so you can prioritize their gifts and keep within your budget.
Even if you don’t shop until the Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals, you’ll be much less likely to overspend if you have an outline in place.
Week 7 – Set Expectations
Set expectations about gifts this year. Once you’ve set your budget, talk to your kids (age-appropriately) about their gift lists. Try the Want Need Wear Read philosophy for holiday gifts this year.
If you feel comfortable doing so, ask your family and friends to cut back on toys and excess gifts.
This is also a great time to purge items and set up a toy rotation system to keep your home from turning into a sea of toys.
Week 6 – Deck the Halls Naturally
Now is the time to inventory your existing holiday decorations. One trick to an eco-friendly Christmas is knowing how to deck the halls safely and naturally. Some conventional decorations are toxic to kids, pets, and the air quality in your home.
Here’s how to incorporate more elements from nature into your holiday decorating.
And of course, you’ll want to take precautions if you’re decorating while pregnant or have small children during the holidays.
Week 5 – “Green” Your “Black Friday” Shopping
It’s time to put that gift list to use. Check our green gift guides for eco-friendly Christmas options. And remember to shop locally whenever you can.
Eco-Friendly Gifts for Babies + Toddlers
Green Gifts for Kids
Mindfulness Gifts for Kids
Eco-Friendly Gifts for Tweens + Teens
Green Gifts for Her
Eco-Friendly Gifts for Him
Green Stocking Stuffers
Eco-Friendly Gifts for Pets
Gifts for the Healthy Home Enthusiast
When you shop at independent or local-to-you businesses, more money is kept within your community because local businesses often use or buy from local service providers, farms, and companies. Buying locally helps grow other businesses as well as your region’s tax base.
Week 4 – Mail Holiday Cards and Plan Giving Back
If you’re mailing out cards this year, it’s time to get them in the mail.
And because there is so much need this time of year, have an idea session with your family on giving back this holiday season. If your family has a favorite charity, decide how you will support it financially or with the gift of your time.
My family likes to choose Christmas angels. Our kids love to read what another child has on their list and go shopping to pick it out. Sometimes they’ve even helped wrap it. It’s inspiring to see how invested they get in the happiness of a child they don’t know.
Another fun thing we’ve done that doesn’t cost a lot of money is give each of the kids some $5 bills and let them give to anyone they want when we’re out shopping or running errands.
And some years we’ve volunteered together at our local animal shelter. When kids have a say in the act of giving, they’re far more involved than when we make all the decisions.
Week 3 – Plan Your Menus and Baking
If you’re hosting family or friend meals and events, line up your menu now. This gives you plenty of time to make your full grocery list so you don’t realize you’re out of sage at the last minute.
If you do holiday baking with your kids or make cookies for Santa, get those ingredients on your list, too.
The same goes for any DIY or edible gifts you’ll be making this year. I always talk about the ridiculously amazing cinnamon rolls our old neighbor made for us each year. She planned in advance to know how many pans she was making and when.
Week 2 – Start Wrapping Those Gifts Sustainably
My favorite way to wrap gifts is to use what we have on hand. Existing gift bags, baskets, packing paper, kids’ artwork, scarves, and buckets are all easy green wrapping options.
You’ll find tons of eco-friendly gift wrapping inspiration here.
Week 1 – Breathe Through All the Things
Of course, this is a busy week. So whether you’re clean your home, prepare for overnight guests, or getting ready to travel… remember to breathe.
While it’s natural to want your home to be as welcoming and comfortable as possible, you’ll make your guests anxious if you spend all your time fussing over every little detail. I love the scruffy hospitality approach to holiday hosting.
And if you need to keep little ones busy, download these printable Christmas coloring pages or Hanukkah coloring pages for a calming creative activity.
When the actual day arrives, enjoy it! You’ve been counting down to a green Christmas, so take time and revel in it.
Be mindful of staying present and letting go of any expectations of the “perfect” holiday. Keep your sense of humor and a little grace.
