We noticed that this year all the rules are being thrown out the window – including the ‘it’s too early for Christmas’ scrooges. We’ve heard Mariah Carey’s angelic voice on the radio; we’ve spotted Santas on front lawns, and even a few of the Greenredeem team have Christmas trees lurking in their zoom backgrounds. As far as official timings go, it’s each to their own; we’re just embracing the festive spirit as much as possible. Like always, we’re endorsing a green message with our festive spirit, and it’s time for us to share Christmas decoration ideas that have a sustainable twist.
Christmas tree decoration ideas
Decorating your Christmas tree is like a beacon of light in your home symbolising that Christmas has begun. On average, Brits spend nearly £80 every year decorating theirs– it’s quite the investment. Sadly, too much money is wasted by buying cheap plastic decorations. They’re often thrown away when the tree comes down or broken by the household pet. Which, let’s be honest, is inevitable.
This year why not make some Christmas decorations of your own. Do you remember salt dough? It’s a great way to make some unique decorations that will last years. The best part about making your own salt dough decorations is that you can completely personalise them. Freeze moments in time by pressing your handprints into them; write the family name into one, or you can create your own festive ideas using biscuit cutters. After baking, paint them in whatever colours you like; match them to your theme and seal with mod podge to preserve.
Perhaps you’re looking for a rustic theme instead? Get out into nature and pick up a few sticks and leaves to make tree decorations. We know pinecones make greats decorations, simply tie a piece of twine around the top and hang. Using a hot glue gun, you can stick together some smaller twigs and make a snowflake or star decoration.
There are plenty of ways to have sustainable Christmas tree decorations that won’t cost a lot of money and will last for years to come. It doesn’t all need to be plastic baubles and tinsel!
Around the home decoration ideas
Decorating your home can often involve a lot of pushpins and awkward decorations that look worse with each year that passes. If you’re in a house with children, a great way to get those bright-coloured decorations into your home is to make them yourself! Have fun making sustainable DIY crafts for you and the kids and save money too.
However, if you’re looking for a subtle and traditional festive look, getting out into nature is a great way to start. You can decorate with floral wreaths and garlands and have a go at making your own. Grab some twigs, leaves, dried oranges, berries and just go wild! Or there are plenty of small florist businesses that could hugely benefit from your order in the current climate. Alternatively, we’ve always found a traditional trio of candles as a centrepiece is great for setting the Christmas mood.
Bonus ideas
Now that your home and your tree is sustainably decorated to the nines, it’s time to think about those extra little touches. The things that really define Christmas – like crackers.
Every year, 40 million Christmas crackers are thrown away. Including all those little plastic toys that you use for a single moment before you tuck into your dinner. The waste on these is huge, so how about this year, you make crackers of your own.
There are plenty of kits you can buy to make your own, but most are throw-away crackers. How about making reusable cloth crackers that you can make year after year, and for the filling – get creative! You probably know who is coming to Christmas dinner, so why not buy for them rather than fill with plastic junk? Small gift ideas that you can personalise or know that someone wants, like a favourite shade of lipstick or a miniature bottle of their favourite drink. Transforming your crackers to sustainable and wanted gifts can help massively reduce your waste this Christmas.
What other Christmas decoration ideas have you had over the years? Are they sustainable? Share your ideas in the comment section below!
