'Tis the season for a Green Christmas.
Having a green holiday sounds much more complicated than it is.
Check out these ways to go green and save money this holiday season.
Creative Cards
Homemade Christmas Cards
If sending holiday greetings is part of your Christmas tradition, consider crafting homemade Christmas cards. If you have children, this is a great way to spend time as a family. Gather last year's Christmas cards, old calendars, cardstock, crayons and anything else around the house that sparks the imagination.
Printable Christmas Cards
If crafting isn't for you, consider putting free printable Christmas cards on recycled paper. Printable Christmas cards are an easy way to personalize a holiday greeting.
Christmas E-Cards
If you love sending holiday pictures of the kids, consider doing it via e-mail. Christmas E cards are often free and great for those of us that wait until the last minute. For animated Christmas cards that will make Scrooge smile, add family photos to these funny Christmas cards.
Decorating
The Best Tree
Are real or fake Christmas trees the better choice? Factors like where you live, if you already have an artificial tree, and how far trees are shipped all weigh in on this great debate. For more information, see this article on
choosing the best tree for you and the environment.
LED Christmas Lights
Making the switch to LED Christmas lights will save you both energy and money. They last longer and are safer than traditional incandescent holiday lights. Because LED bulbs don't get as hot, they also reduce the risk of tree fires.
Simplify Outdoors
In every town, there is at least one house that lights up several city blocks. We drive-by each year to see if the owners finally put Clark Griswold to shame. If this is your house, consider switching to LED and solar Christmas lights.
For the rest of us, skip the stress and use of resources by leaving the hard work to your neighbors. Hang a simple wreath on the door, grab some hot cocoa, and go enjoy the show.
Use Nature Indoors
Bringing nature indoors is one of the easiest ways to decorate during the holiday season.
Use limbs from the Christmas tree, seasonal fruits, nuts and pinecones for festive decor. Potted trees are another idea. They smell great and can be planted after the holidays.
Gift Giving Tips
Buy Less
Less really can be more. Most of us would rather have one or two treasured gifts than many "fillers." Think back to when you were a child. The holiday you received your first bicycle or swing set probably dominates your memory. Do you remember anything else you received that year?
Draw Names
Instead of buying gifts for everyone in the family, draw names. Write names of family members on separate pieces of paper and have everyone choose one. Our family has a drawing for adults and one for the children. This saves money, reduces waste and allows you to focus on one special gift for a family member.
Buy Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts
Eco-friendly Christmas gifts don't have to be bought at a specialty shop. It takes some thought, but you can buy green and inexpensive Christmas gifts at your local stores.
Check out these practical top ten Christmas gifts.
Make Eco-Friendly Crafts for Gifts
Giving homemade Christmas gifts is becoming increasingly popular. It's inexpensive and incredibly thoughtful.
See these ideas for simple homemade Christmas crafts.
Wrapping Options
Gift Bags & Boxes
Instead of buying gift boxes, see what you have around the house. Old shoe boxes, VHS tape holders, and storage boxes work well. Jewelry boxes and CD cases work great for gift cards.
If you like the ease of gift bags, consider reusable totes. Eco-friendly tote bags are popular, affordable, and come in all shapes and sizes.
Make Your Own Filler
Instead of using tissue paper, run paper through a shredder. Use worn wrapping paper, brown grocery bags, colored construction paper, or recycled printer paper.
For unique fillers try dried beans, real peanuts still in the shell, or dried colored pasta.
Paper
For smaller gifts, print Christmas coloring sheets on recycled paper and have the kids color them before gift wrapping. Or, ask the children if you can use already colored pages from Christmas or regular coloring books. Most kids will be proud to contribute. Old maps, comics, magazines, and wallpaper can also be used for gift wrap.
Skip the Bows & Tape
Some of the best dressed gifts come without bright bows and ribbons. Use jute twine instead, or any type of craft string. In place of a bow, dress the package with an ornament, candy cane, pinecone, evergreen branch or anything else that fits the gift recipient. Use a glue stick instead of tape when possible.
Recycle
Start a New Tradition
According to the E.P.A, household waste increases 25% during the holiday season. Commit to recycle this holiday season. Before the big day arrives, designate a responsible family member to oversee the recycling duties. Involve the kids in gathering, sorting, and breaking down boxes. See our recycling section for more information.
Purchase Items Made with Recycled Materials
When you buy new items, try to find recycled wrapping paper and decorating items. Look for simple paper; most shiny gift wrap can't be recycled. Look for gifts made of recycled items as well. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Homemade Christmas Cards
The Best Tree
Buy Less 
Buy Eco-Friendly Christmas Gifts
Gift Bags & Boxes 
Paper
Start a New Tradition