With Halloween behind us, holiday preparations are underway, particularly in a place like Vermont, where it’s dark and cold. We welcome anything that breaks up the gray of “stick season.” Also, many put their trees up Thanksgiving weekend, some as it’s the last family gathering before people head south for the worst of winter. In short, while this may seem like an unusual post for the beginning of November, it provides ample time for you to consider implementing some of the suggestions.
For people with chronic conditions, the holidays can be a challenging time not only financially but also the excess of the 4 Fs (food, family, feelings and fun.) The following post has been designed to help create a sustainable, meaningful and over all sane holiday.
I’ve been
writing this blog for 10 years, so it’s no surprise that I have various posts
on dealing with the holidays. Please
find links to previous years tips and tricks at the end of this post.
As you go about planning your holiday, consider what can be recycled and re purposed post-holiday, as well as giving gifts that are meaningful, sustainable and affordable. As always, when possible, shop locally.
CONSIDER THE
FOLLOWING
GIFTS: Now’s
the time to think about simplifying the “Gift-Go-Round:” Among family members,
or friends, draw names so you only purchase for one adult. While some gifts
must be purchased brand new, others can be gently used, obtained from local
thrifts stores, as well as made. Focus on sustainable giving.
• Before
purchasing an item, ask yourself the following questions: Can I afford this?
Will they use it and how often? Is it something that it is reflective of them
and their tastes and interests? Are their allergies or health concerns to
consider? Is it something they need or want?
• For children,
consider donating to a college fund or purchasing a savings bond and picking up
a gently used toy for “something under the tree.”
• Gift
certificates for experiences such as a massage; a class at a local art or music
school or even a community college; spa services; choice food items from a
local store or gift certificates to various eateries.
• Give your
time such as teaching grandad how to use the Internet or Smart Phone; lawn
care; cooking; a booklet with redeemable coupons for services, such as child
care, window washing etc.
• Antiques and
collectibles: These don’t have to be new. It could be something you already
have or something you find at a flea market or thrift store
• Gifts
from nature: Be it a selection of beach glass, or a piece of Chaga from a birch
tree, there are treasures in nature that many will appreciate.
• Gifts
from the kitchen, particularly savory items during this very “sweet time” are
often welcomed. Check out “How to Pickle Anything (No Canning Necessary)
for a wide variety of pickled veggies.
• Forced
bulbs (paper whites narcissus, amaryllis and hyacinth) can be blooming or set up to bloom in January. It’s the perfect
gift for the flower lover. Learn more at How to Force Bulbs Indoors.
• Donations to
local charities, including condition specific organizations.
• Look for
gifts made of recycled materials and that are battery free.
• Re
gifting is fine. Think of it as the object finding it’s rightful home.
• Specific
gifts for those affected by Chronic Conditions:
THINK
RECYCLABLE
• Real
Christmas trees. A live potted tree can be used for years and planted outside
when it becomes too large. Many communities now have free chipping service for
trees. This is useful since the chips are used as mulch for municipal
landscaping or sold at low cost to gardeners. This chipped material makes an
excellent mulch for your shrub beds and garden pathways.
• Plain wrapping paper (a little tape is okay) along with plain cards and cardboard boxes can be recycled. Consider alternative wrapping methods such as newspapers, cloth gift bags etc. More and more sheets and pillow cases are packaged in fabric bags that are perfect for gift giving. Check out Gift Wrapping Alternatives
• Avoid anything with metallic, glitter or velvety flocking, Styrofoam, as well as bows, ribbons and anything stringy is a single use item. Make more sustainable choices and avoid these type of items.
• Make
“To/From” tags from previous year’s holiday cards.
LOWER THE
IMPACT OF HOLIDAY LIGHTING
• Reduce the
size of outdoor lighting displays and use mini lights. There are now solar LED
strings
• Use LED
Lights for house and tree as they use up to 95% less energy than larger
traditional holiday bulbs. They also last much longer and if a light burns out,
the rest remain on.
• Use a
timer so lights are turned off when no one is around
Other
Holiday Posts
And since the
holidays mean more stuff coming in, consider decluttering when you can. Check
out The Kon Mari Method for Tidying When Affected by a Chronic Condition
and Life with Chronic Conditions: Staying Tidy/Alternatives to Retail therapy.
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