Towns all over Lunenburg County are decked out with wreaths, garlands, and twinkly lights; the Christmas craft fairs and festivals are underway (including the magical Father Christmas Festival); we’ve already had a nice dusting of snow; and I played Christmas music for the first time this week.

I’m feeling extra festive this year for some reason – who knows, maybe my kids will even persuade me to put up our Christmas tree a bit earlier than usual. 😉

As with most holidays, Christmas celebrations can create a lot of unnecessary waste. At the same time, I feel that Christmas offers a lot of opportunity to embrace earth-friendly alternatives. When we plan ahead for a handmade Christmas, pledge to support local business, and focus on spending time with our loved ones, Christmas becomes extra special – don’t you agree?

Bake your favourite homemade Christmas cookie

Jammy thumbprint cookies are a childhood favourite of mine. Christmas isn’t quite right without them! Our family uses our own homemade raspberry or strawberry jam to fill the tiny thumbprints that my children push into the soft dough.

Making and sharing cookies is such a fun way to kick off the holidays! Start baking now and fill your freezer with a variety of cookies so you’re ready for guests and parties next month and don’t have to buy packaged ones at the last minute.

Make a festive wreath from natural materials

An evergreen wreath hung on the door, above the fireplace, or on a lamppost – it’s the quintessential holiday decoration! Wreaths are traditionally made with evergreen boughs twisted into a circle shape – both symbols of eternal life.

Being the Christmas tree capital of the world, Lunenburg County offers an abundance of evergreen boughs for wreath making. I like to keep a pair of clippers in the trunk of my car, so that I can pull over to snip a bundle of red berries or juniper to add to my wreaths and garlands. 

If you have grapevines growing wild on your property like I do, clip a few of those to twist into wreaths. You don’t need any fasteners at all to make a fabulous wreath that will last for years. Just add a few berries or a bow, and you’re all set!

Paper craft your holiday greeting cards

When December rolls around, we gather up paper scraps from craft projects, last year’s cards and leftover tissue paper along with paper punches, craft scissors, and glue to make cheerful handmade paper cards for our friends and family. Cards are fun to make and a personal touch that people really appreciate.

Why not get together with a group of friends, enjoy drinks around the fire, and do a little crafting together!

Another low-waste holiday paper craft is a simple garland. I love this sweet and easy Christmas paper garland tutorial from the handcrafted story blog.

Be sure to check Canada Posts mailing dates so that you get your cards in the mail on time. (It might be a good idea to beat the rush with the strike this year). By the way, cards to Santa should be mailed by December 1st.

Sew a Christmas stocking keepsake

If you’re at all handy with a sewing machine, it doesn’t take very much skill to sew a simple stocking. (Seriously, if I can make this, so can you.) There are many patterns available online – like this easy DIY lined stocking pattern. My advice is to make it wider than you think it should be so that Santa has enough space!

Don’t you love these stockings made from up-cycled sweaters from An Extraordinary Day? This tutorial uses a white cable knit sweater, but I think colourful felted wool would look nice, too.  

I treasure the stocking my mother made for me, and I want my children to have a equally special Christmas keepsake. I made a pair of simple stockings last year and I plan to embellish them with embroidery and felt cutouts this year.

Make memories with handmade Christmas tree ornaments

Most people don’t need more stuff for Christmas. I like to make homemade food or body care products for friends and family – things they can use and enjoy that doesn’t become clutter in their homes.

Another personal gift idea is a handmade ornament – something special that doesn’t take up much space in the Christmas box. One of my family’s favourite Christmas traditions is unwrapping our favourite ornaments and remembering the people who gave them to us or when we made them together.

Weaving is a cozy winter activity I enjoy and though I couldn’t make large weavings for everyone on my list, I could weave a dozen or so mini ornaments. Whether you love paper craft, sewing, painting, jewelry making, foraging, or woodworking, consider turning your skills towards ornament making. I bet you can come up with something original that your loved ones will cherish!

For more inspiration, check out Jen’s post on how to simplify and enjoy the holiday season – it includes some great printables to help you get organized this holiday season.

What is something you are doing to cut down on waste this Christmas?

Stay tuned for more zero-waste Christmas inspiration in just a few weeks!

Margaret Hoegg is a Simple Local Life Contributor, writer, editor, and sustainability advocate on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. She provides content marketing support to the local food movement through Locavore Creative and muses on rural food, minimalism, homesteading, and simple family living on her blog dulse and maple. Find Margaret on Instagram @margaretannehoegg and @locavorecreative