1. spend less on stuff
Make a pact with your family and friends: establish a price cap, make it “kids only”, or do a secret santa so each person only has to give one gift. Visit the network for voluntary simplicity, www.simpleliving.net for more ideas
2. spend more on people
Donate in others’ names to favored charities. Give what’s comfortable for you – a great way to stick to your budget .
3. give a new tradition
Forego the usual cost and waste of conventional paper wrapping, and try using fabric. The Japanese art of Furoshiki is all about the experience of the gift – not just the object being given, but the presentation, anticipation, and action of revealing the gift. The fabric wrappings can be reused, or even be the beginning of a new tradition – passed on from gift giver to receiver, within family circles or beyond. www.squidoo.com/gift-wrap for background, or get started with these easy to follow diagrams: www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html
4. get the real thing
Real tree, real trimmings: Decorate your heart out; enjoy the wonderful aroma of natural pine or fir. The maintenance and clean up isn’t difficult – keeping the tree watered and a little periodic vacuuming. Mostly, not disturbing cut branches keeps them from dropping too many needles. Plant, mulch, or compost your greenery at the end of the season.
5. eat local
Feast on seasonal, local produce. Consider an heirloom turkey (or other “heritage” meat) for the centerpiece of the meal, if desired. start with your local CSA (community supported agriculture) to find local markets or to order online. Or, use the USDA’s national listing: www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml
6. get crafty
Homemade gifts hold their sentimental value far longer than their store-bought counterparts. If Martha Stewart doesn’t appeal, homemade goodies are also a big hit – and they don’t have to be gourmet or fancy to be successful. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.
7. save paper & postage (& transportation energy)
The seasonal family newsletter may be dreaded to write, but is a very practical (at the least) means of staying in touch with far flung family and friends. Doing it electronically saves money and other indirect costs. Not sure about bucking tradition? Check out what Emily Post has to say about the annual family newsletter.
8. stay home
If you have a choice in the matter, choose to stay home. Be thankful that you have loved ones to spend the holiday with, even if they are your family of choice rather than birth. If you must travel, is driving or rail an option over flying? If you are host to visitors, consider purchasing carbon credits (relative to the distance traveled) as a gift.
9. get into the spirit
Reconnect with or strengthen your religious or spiritual practice. Focus on your values, and remind yourself what practicing those ideals looks like.
10. stress less
It’s supposed to be fun! Avoid long lines and hassles at crowded check out counters, but don’t miss out on the fun seasonal things that happen in (often) crowded places – ice skating, caroling, eggnog… and enjoying the people you love.
Happy holidays from everyone at www.rethinkyourworld.com
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