Hellobee

For the most part, I operate a zero waste home. My grocery shopping rarely includes anything in non-recyclable packaging, I try to make as much as possible at home rather than buying pre-made items, and most of the time we shop secondhand for clothes and furnishings I don’t make. However, I do bend the rules around holidays, specifically Christmas and birthdays.

Well, we do have a few “greener” practices. I purchased most of our decorations at Goodwill, with many more handed down by my mom from my own childhood. I don’t do Christmas lights, because frankly, we live in a very secluded area without neighbors so nobody would see them when they’re on anyway. When it comes to gifts, I love to keep the magic of Santa’s Workshop alive and make as many of them as I can while my kids still appreciate it. I mean, there’s only so much time they’ll want doll houses and quiet books instead of electronics or expensive boots! I’d have to seriously expand my skill set!

Another idea was to order “Santa sacks” to store all the presents for Christmas morning, so I wouldn’t have to deal with ethical wrapping paper or recycling all of it. I probably could have made them, out of recycled burlap with handmade dyes or something, but instead I just ordered them from Pottery Barn and eased my conscience that at least they’ll last forever and I won’t have to ever waste money or time wrapping gifts!

But in other ways, I’m relaxing my “rules.” I’m not asking relatives to only give gifts that are zero waste compliant. I don’t want to inconvenience anyone by forcing them to give in accordance with my lifestyle. Grandmas will give them plastic blinky loud robotic thingies wrapped in all sorts of non-recyclable plastic. There will be wrapping paper. Probably also candy that I normally cringe to have them eat, not just for the ingredients but all the wrappers and plastic involved.

But that’s okay! We don’t have to be “all or nothing” people, and I can let my kids enjoy the packaged hot cocoa and marshmallows they brought home from school without demanding they bring it back unopened. If someone gives us a gingerbread house kit, we make it! I’m trying to let my kids know that shopping and plastic and toys aren’t bad things. I make sure we don’t over-consume them the majority of the time, and enjoy them in moderation. I want the holidays to feel special and joyous, without a bunch of rules and regulations on how they can be enjoyed. Giving ourselves a pass a couple of times a year makes living the rest of it with stricter guidelines not only doable, but enjoyable!

Are there things you do for the holidays that are normally off limits during the year?