9 Ways to Celebrate a Grinchy (Greener) Christmas

Just to be clear, I'm talking about the reformed Grinch:  The one who has figured out that Christmas doesn't come from a store.  The one who has realized he doesn't hate all those Whos down in Whoville after all.  The one who is probably going to treat his dog Max much better after this.

The Grinch has revised his opinions because of what the Whos did on Christmas morning after he had stolen all of their toys, trees, and turkeys.  Do you remember?  Hand in hand, they joyfully sang together.

The Grinch couldn't stop Christmas from coming.  It came anyway!  That's because Christmas isn't the decorations, the feast, or the gifts.

• Christmas is your loved ones – family, friends, or even kind strangers.
• Christmas is music – singing, playing instruments, and listening to other music-makers (even on the radio).
• Christmas is gratitude – so remember your many blessings and give thanks!

Rich minimalists

The holidays as we celebrate them in our society exaggerate our normal, everyday materialism.  But buying and spending more won't make us merrier – at least, not in the long run, since those bills always come due.

Maybe it's time for some enlightened material restraint.

So as your Grinchy guide, let me remind you that abundance is a state of mind, not a quantity of consumer products.  Minimalists know that we can be happy and satisfied with less.

Related article: 4 Signs of Wealth that Don't Need to Cost a Lot of Money

How to enjoy a simpler, greener, low-consumption holiday

1.  Use what you have.

All of the Christmas décor that's available in stores is very tempting, but as the Grinch discovered, it's not the tinsel and baubles that make the holiday special.  Retailers will make you believe that something shiny and festive will put you in the Christmas mood, but what's wrong with all the stuff you bought last year?  And the year before that?  If you want to feel festive, light a candle and put on some music.

Use the décor you already own, or forage for evergreens and make a beautiful wreath for your door or table centerpiece.  To decorate the tree, use what you already have, or hang:

• last year's holiday cards
• paper snowflakes (lovely when made with translucent mulberry paper*)
• strings of popcorn
• dried orange slices
• candy canes

Speaking of the tree, if you already own an artificial one, use it for as many years as possible before consigning it to the landfill.  Use LED lights to save energy, and turn them off when you go to bed.  Alternatively, collect some sturdy twigs (approximately 24" long), "plant" them in a pitcher or glass carafe, and hang lightweight ornaments.  This looks great on the dining or coffee table.

Use what you have when it comes to party clothes, too, or check local consignment stores for gently-used options.

* This blog is reader-supported, with no ads!  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

2.  Declutter.

The holidays are a busy time, even if you place limits on shopping, baking, travel, and extra commitments.  A peaceful home that's a bit easier to keep tidy will really benefit you, your family, and your guests.

Start in the kitchen, a room that's always busy, especially now.  You'll feel a real sense of accomplishment as you make this room more spacious and inviting.  The job can be fairly quick and easy:

• Clear off your refrigerator door to immediately calm the room.
• Remove expired and unused foods from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.
• Remove warped, stained, and lidless storage containers.
• Remove excess mugs, water bottles, utensils, and gadgets.  (You really don't need seven spatulas!)
• Remove appliances you don't use, even if you've dreamed of being the person who makes your own pasta or ice cream.  (Be real.)
• Completely clear at least one section of your countertop, and keep it that way except when you're cooking.

Continue by taking 10 minutes a day to declutter areas like the living room, the entry hall and coat closet, your bathroom cabinet and countertop, or your wardrobe (start with pieces that no longer fit your body or your lifestyle).  Setting a timer helps you access your intuition rather than over-thinking each decision.  You'll attain quick and motivational results in small areas.

Finally, schedule an hour or so to help your children choose their Top 5 or Top 10 in various categories such as dolls/stuffed animals, vehicles, building sets, role play items, outdoor toys, electronic toys, etc.  Store the keepers, like with like, and donate or trash the rest.  Consider removing all freebie and party favor items.

You'll feel more relaxed and in control with fewer possessions to manage.

3.  Ask for nothing.

Quietly suggest to your family and friends that they not buy you any presents this Christmas.  You probably don't need another tchotchke, gadget, or sweater.  And if there is something you need, you could suggest they buy it for you or contribute cash to whatever you're saving up for.  Then everyone is happy.

Even better, give to those who need it this Christmas.  Pick a favorite charity or two and give as generously as you can, or help a loved one who's been going through a rough time.

4.  Limit the presents you give to others.

This is not because you're a cheapskate who hates giving or because you don't like to celebrate, but because you're investigating ways to live more lightly and simply.  If you're involved in any sort of gift exchange, consider:

• a homemade soup mix in a jar (Find 6 different recipes here.)
• a repurposed mug planted with a kitchen herb such as basil, rosemary, mint, or chives
• handmade soaps, candles, jams and other condiments (Check local gift shops.)
• a gift card (restaurant, bookstore, Starbucks, movie theater, day spa, etc.)
• a beautiful classic book (Many of these are great for tweens and teens too.)
• an inspiration jar filled with affirmations, memories, "what I like about you" notes, jokes, Bible verses, etc. 
• a homemade coupon offering your expert services for a bike tune-up, computer tune-up, car wash and oil change, window washing, babysitting, etc.

5.  Simplify gifts for kids.

A huge pile of gifts not only sends a consumerist message to kids, but pushes them to open them as quickly as possible to see what else is there.  The opening frenzy ends, the dopamine rush fades, and the letdown sets in.

Many studies have shown that kids are more creative when they have fewer toys.  The also stay focused longer, take better care of their things, and show increased sharing and collaboration.

Especially if this is the year you're giving your child his or her first bicycle, phone, video game system or other "big" gift, keep other gifts few, simple, and screen-free.  For young children, consider:

• a thrifted dress-up kit in an old suitcase (Hold an impromptu fashion show!)
• a vehicle, bath toy, or role play toy made in the U.S. from recycled plastic by Green Toys
• a homemade sock pet
• a box of art supplies (Avoid glitter!)

For kids 6 to 8 and up:

• a Klutz sewing, bracelet, or cooking kit, or tools and supplies for a hobby they already practice
• a Klutz Lego Gadgets or Gearbots kit that lets kids experiment with STEM creativity
• a handmade scroll with the date and time of a special outing with you (i.e. the zoo, science or other museum, movie theater, horseback ride)
• a retro board game such as chess/checkers, Pop-o-Matic Trouble, Scrabble, Monopoly, Clue, Ticket to Ride

And for any children, consider adding one or more holiday stories to your collection.  (How about my children's book, Fairhaven Christmas Eve?)

6.  Choose recycled and recyclable paper products.

With all the beaded and glitter-covered cards, coated wrapping papers, and plastic-y gift bags out there, the waste from paper products really piles up during the holiday season.  You can do better!

• I don't like using newspaper to wrap in, as the ink gets everywhere.  But other recyclable choices include white tissue paper or brown paper bags.  Either is pretty with some red raffia and an evergreen sprig.

• How about wrapping your gift in a red bandana or holiday dish towel?  You can even sew up some drawstring bags if you're so inclined.

• Choose not to wrap, and hide your gifts instead.  Create clues for a "treasure hunt."

• If you receive a wrapped gift, open it carefully so the wrapping paper can be reused.  Be sure to reuse gift bags too.  If the paper has no glitter, velvet, or metallic details, try the scrunch test.  If you can crumple the paper into a ball and it remains wadded up, it can go in the recycling bin.

• Choose to send e-cards to all of your friends.  There are many websites that will let you do this; I especially like Jacquie Lawson.

• If you really want to send physical cards in the mail (yay for real mail!), choose cards printed on recycled paper with environment-friendly inks.  These beautiful Tree-Free Greetings cards fit the bill.

• Refuse paper plates and cups.  If you need to host a large gathering, either borrow dishes and glassware from a friend or rent from a party company.  White dinnerware always looks elegant.

• Recycled paper napkins that aren't just brown are hard to find, but these Christmas bird ones are cute.  I like cotton cloth napkins, and this set of 12 with a pinecone and poinsettia design can be used all winter.

7.  Reduce food waste.

The amount of food that's thrown away each year is nearly unbelievable, but it's especially egregious during the holidays.  In the name of "feasting," we tend to cook too much food, and then too many of us never get around to eating the leftovers, so they have to be dumped.

How about a little sanity in the kitchen?  Don't cook a 20-pound turkey for a family of four unless you're committed to using the leftovers.  In fact, a bone-in turkey breast might provide plenty of meat for your meal.  Use the carcass and a basic mirepoix (diced carrots, onions, and celery, plus herbs and spices) to prepare stock that can be frozen and used as the base for delicious soups.

Choose just one or two simple appetizers, perhaps three favorite side dishes, something nice to drink, and one very special dessert.  Let that be enough.

As always, buying local, seasonal, and organic is the best choice, if you're able.

8.  Connect with nature.

One of the best ways to combat consumerism is to spend time in nature.  God's creation will always take your mind off a shopping list.

Whether you take a hike, visit a local arboretum, stargaze the winter constellations, or decorate a tree for the birds, you'll be able to enjoy fresh air, quality time with loved ones, and the real environment that sustains you.  It's a great antidote to being indoors, in a car, or stuck in front of a screen.

9.  Use your imagination.

Consumerism is the norm in our culture, and there's no quick cure.  Multiple aspects of our lives need to be rethought, and as your Grinchy guide, I don't have all the answers.  But I do believe that we are all adaptable and can imagine simpler, greener, better ways to celebrate.  The challenge is to be brave and make the leap!

When an entire society is based on the assumption that more is always better, it can be hard to think and live differently.  It's much easier to go with the flow and conform to social expectations.  But like the Grinch, we can change.

Don't let your holiday be what the retailers are selling.  Even the Grinch knows that Christmas can be joyful without the tinsel and baubles.  Pay attention to gratitude and togetherness, stir in some music, and toss a sprinkle of presents and pizzazz on top of that solid foundation.  It's a recipe for a happy holiday.