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Christmas is fast approaching!  It is such a joyous time of year but as busy parents, we know how much needs to be done, and this year, in particular, has been so uncertain in many ways.  While this festive period will look quite different, we still wanted to share some small things we can do as a family to enjoy ourselves while also being more thoughtful towards what we buy and consume. From homemade decorations to thoughtful gift ideas and sustainable ways to wrap them, we share our top tips for how you can prepare for a more thoughtful Christmas…

DECORATIONS

Christmas joy is not just about Christmas Eve and Day but preparing your home for the festivities.  While this takes effort to turn your home Christmassy, the results can be so rewarding.  Nothing invites the festive mood more than sitting with your loved ones in front of the fire and surrounded by Christmas decorations. 

The twinkle of candlelight spreads the Christmas magic. Organic and natural decorations add a level of sophistication and modernity while also be very sustainable and cost-effective. Wooden garlands are very easy to make and have such a wonderful impact with the greenery in your home.   Take the children out foraging for wild Holly and Ivy to add natural greenery to your decorations.

THOUGHTFUL GIFTS 

The pressure of presents can be very tough, especially when you have children.  We all want our children to receive wonderful gifts this time of year but we also don’t want to negatively impact the planet by buying more plastic and non-sustainable items.   A great way to teach our children the true value of Christmas is by supporting the vulnerable.   Action for Children has launched a Secret Santa present donation that you can gift to a loved one and help a vulnerable child in the UK.  

Anything made by your own two hands tells that person how much you think and care about them.  Soap can be very easily made at home and can be personalised to match the individual’s taste and style. Try this very sustainable charcoal soap with activated charcoal is excellent for all skin types but especially those that can be quite sensitive. A lovely gift for everyone.

GIFT WRAPPING 

How we wrap our gifts has a huge impact on our amount of waste during the festive season. The statistics show that over 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are thrown away each year in the UK.  We suggest other alternatives of wrapping gifts, buying recycled wrapping paper, or using beautiful festive fabrics and the furoshiki tied knot wrapping technique – a square box or gift works best for this method. You can also buy Christmas fabric gift bags, we recommend those made by Forever wraps – they are hand made fabric gift pouches that are reusable and beautifully made.   

All of us at The Parentship Club are dreaming of a greener Christmas this year, one filled with joy, laughter and a lighter impact on our planet.  

The popularity of Halloween has grown in the UK, and if your family is anything like mine it has become one of the most exciting dates in the children’s calendar!  But unfortunately, as fun, as it is, Halloween doesn’t scream sustainability. From the huge number of single-use costumes that are produced, the wrappers on all the treats and the mass-produced decorations.  There are some little things that we can do to keep Halloween as fun for the kids while slimming down the impact on the planet. 

Costumes

Handmade upcycled costumes, think dad’s old tie and big brothers old school uniform cut up for a “zombie school girl/boy”.  Or if this is too time-consuming and believe me I understand that sometimes the convenience of the one-click purchase for all things Halloween is very appealing.  How about second-hand options from eBay, pre-loved, or local charity shops.   

Treats

Homemade sweets and treats – iced cupcakes or cookies are loved by both children and adults. For a more time-friendly option, there are several guilt-free options on-line that are ethically produced and lower in sugar, one of our favourites is the sugar-dusted bogies on of the many spooky and delicious creations from The Hoxton Street Monsters Supplies.  

Decorations

Decorations are what makes Halloween so fun, and with trick-or-treating being reduced this year, dressing up areas in your house will add to the excitement.  Pumpkin carving pumpkins is a fun-filled activity, we have a family competition each year to see whose is the scariest.  You can post pictures on your family group chat or on your family video call to get a wider opinion poll.  There are hundreds of ideas on how to fill your house with DIY decorations.  

Some creative and fun family activities, so that we don’t need to miss out on the spooky fun, but also saving fewer things ending up in a landfill.  Happy Greener Halloween!