Christmas is truly a whole season. With lovely decorations, celebrations, and food, we sometimes get overwhelmed with all there is to do. But it doesn't have to be a never-ending wheel of cooking and shopping. Have you considered a low waste Christmas? It might actually mean you get to save money, time, and a few resources in the process. Read on for our tips on how to have a low-waste Christmas.

Decor

Decorations can really set the mood for the holidays ahead — but you don't have to go broke buying single-use items to create a beautiful environment.

Get scrappy. At most Christmas tree lots, you can buy pine scraps for pennies on the dollar, or even get them for free depending on where you go. These can be used to create wreaths, arrangements, and fireplace mantel displays.

Try old-fashioned decor. Dehydrated citrus slices can become beautiful garlands. Oranges with cloves pressed in make an excellent way to scent your house. Popcorn on a string has a cozy kitchen feel and can easily be fed to birds afterward. Salt dough ornaments can be made every year and saved through generations — and they're super easy to create!

Food

For a low waste Christmas, try buying in bulk early. There's nothing worse than running to the store because you need one more cup of sugar, so stock up ahead of time to save both money and packaging. Also try making recipes that repeat multiple ingredients — for example, orange cranberry bread, cranberry and brie appetizers, and a cranberry sauce for your Christmas roast. Reducing the variation of items you buy lessens the waste created.

Gifts

Gift giving can always be a source of stress, but a low waste Christmas means giving meaningfully rather than in quantity.

Consider gift cards. Nowadays, gift cards can be sent electronically, drastically reducing the amount of paper waste.

Check out repurposed finds. Thrift stores might not seem like the most glamorous Christmas shopping destination, but there are many irreplaceable and special items to be found. Upcycling is a huge trend that often creates a one-of-a-kind item from something that would otherwise be thrown away.

Try making an experience the gift. For any age, memories hold a special place in the heart in a way that items rarely do. A helicopter ride, a private dinner, or even a personalized video message can be a special gift that lasts a lifetime.

A low waste Christmas can also mean a less stressful Christmas. You don't have to worry about making everything perfect or buying in excess — it might even help you appreciate a bit more of the reason for the season. We hope you have a wonderful holiday no matter how you celebrate!