At Christmas time what happened to sitting around the fireplace stringing up popcorn, baking cookies to eat and also use as ornaments, putting a bow on a home-canned item and visiting the neighbor down the street? It seems that over the years Christmas has transformed from a time to reflect on the gifts of family and friends into a crazy season of sale ads, store coupons, overspending and the new day in Thanksgiving week called “Black Friday.” Many people I know buy items that they don’t really need, but they couldn’t pass up the “deal.” Well, it is time to simplify the holiday season and stop filling up the landfills with so many manufactured items – it’s time to go green and get back to the basics.

Listed are some great ideas that will create an eco-friendly Christmas in your home:

The Tree - The focal point of most homes is the tree. They are beautifully lit and when it is dark outside they glow in all the windows. Some are real but many are manufactured. Manufactured trees are treated with chemicals to make them fire retardant, some have sprayed on snow, some are made of aluminum and this all adds up to be harmful to the air we breathe. So put on your boots and go cut down a real tree. The natural pine scent will fill your home within minutes. Trees can be replanted and after the season is over they can be added to your compost pile and used for projects later. Not to worry if you don’t have a compost pile. There are plenty of organizations that will take your tree and recycle it for you. If you have access to purchasing a living tree; it is a wonderful living thing that will grow in your home and then can be planted outdoors. Remember to always keep your natural tree watered well. You don’t want it to dry out and become a fire hazard.

The Ornaments - Sifting through your boxes of handmade ornaments that tell a story of how and when they were created add personality to your décor. Reusing old ornaments is definitely a great way to go green. There is no reason to purchase new ones when you can just visit your local thrift stores and sort through items to accent the ones you already have. No need to purchase plastic garland or tinsel. Trees can be decorated with natural items such as cranberries, gingerbread men, pinecones, citrus slices, popcorn strings and even macaroni garland. These homemade items can be arranged on the tree, added to evergreen clippings and placed on mantels, open stairwells and balconies. When placed outside lights can be added to spruce up porches and doorways. These organic items can be easily composed when the holiday season is over. Just make sure they are not placed in areas where pets or small children can reach them. They may be too tempting to eat.

The Decorating - Nuts, fruit, berries, cinnamon sticks and pinecones are great natural accents to decorate your home with for the holidays. Put them in attractive vases, create a table centerpiece or display them on your mantel. For unique and more formal arrangements try using spray paints and glitter on small branches and pinecones. These can also be placed in your tree as fillers. One of my favorite arrangements is to take a large tall vase, add pine clippings, red berries and pinecones and then fill with water. It is amazing how elegant it looks and can be created with things from your backyard.

The Stockings - “And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.” We have all heard that saying many times. Each year stockings are hung on mantels.  Wherever they are hung everyone in the family knows which one is theirs. This year try to personalize it with care. Take the time to knit stockings for your family. If you can’t knit take old mismatched socks and let everyone decorate their own. This will not only add charm but will be a great fun-filled family evening.

The Candles - The glow and aroma from candles creates a wonderful scent throughout your home. There are so many to choose from – fresh baked cookies, cranberries, pine, the scents are endless. Pick a scent that agrees with everyone in the home. Just make sure you choose beeswax or soy candles that are scented with natural oils to avoid the harmful air pollutants that conventional wax candles emit. Conventional candles are made with chemical fragrance oils and petroleum-derived wax and when burned can emit all kinds harmful gasses.

The Lights - When referring to the lights that require electricity, use existing ones if you have them. But if you need to purchase new ones this year make sure you get LED lights. They use less electricity, are cool to the touch and stay lit when others burn out. Whatever type of lights you use outside make sure you place them on a timer for 2-4 hours so that they are not staying lit from dust to dawn. This will save on your electric bill.

The Wrappings - From boxes to bows the mound on the floor just keeps growing and growing until you can’t see that floor. Before you go out and purchase more rolls of paper try to reuse what you have. Try and be creative and use old papers and maps. A great way to go green it to cut up fun, festive, material in different shapes and sizes and use it year after year. Take a look around your home – you will be amazed at what items you have that can be used. And remember… when you go shopping bring your eco-friendly bag to place your items in.

The Real Meaning - These are just a few ways to help the earth and your family out this holiday season. The “good old days” is what the season is about. Adding past to the present with natural wholesome items will create a beautiful welcoming home filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for more ways to live green? Visit House Plans and More and their Green Resources area.