Tis the season to deck the halls, rock around the Christmas tree, and do it all without creating a landfill the size of the North Pole. This year, we’re channeling our inner eco-warriors and saying goodbye to plastic snowflakes and glitter that ends up as fish food. Instead, let’s embrace sustainable holiday decor with as much enthusiasm as Mariah Carey welcomes the return of her Christmas royalties!
At Homespir, we believe in making your home not just beautiful, but kind to Mother Nature too. So sit back, sip on some recycled-content hot cocoa (that’s a thing, right?), and enjoy these 12 Sustainable Christmas Decor Tips sure to spread holiday cheer AND environmental wisdom! Warning: Your guests WILL be impressed—and possibly a little envious that you saved not only the Earth but also some cash.
1. “Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Recycled Christmas Tree!”
If the thought of a real tree gives you nightmares of pine needles in your socks until June, consider a reused or secondhand artificial tree. We’re not talking about that Charlie Brown situation from your attic—we mean upscale thrift store finds or repurposed items! And if you must go au naturel, source from a local farm that replants trees faster than you can say “fa-la-la-la-la!” Bonus points if you can plant the tree in your backyard afterward like an Instagrammable holiday miracle.
2. “Deck the Halls with Old Sweaters”
Before you toss out that ugly Christmas sweater you haven’t worn since 2014, think again. Cut it up and turn it into cozy Christmas ornaments, garlands, or even a tree skirt! Your guests will gasp in admiration when you casually tell them, “Oh, these? They’re from one of my old holiday ensembles.” Reuse AND snatch some extra credibility as the DIY queen/king of the block.
3. “Gingerbread House? More Like Gingerbread Condo!”
Want the perfect centerpiece that’s eco-friendly, AND delicious? Skip the plastic snow globe and get your hands sticky by constructing a sustainable gingerbread house (or mansion, because go big or go ho-ho-home!). Afterward, everyone can devour it, leaving behind nothing but sweet memories—no waste here!
4. “All I Want for Christmas is Yarn” (Upcycling)
If you have some abandoned knitting projects laying around, now’s the time to put them to good use. Yarn-wrapped ornaments and recycled fabric gift bows will have your tree looking like it popped out of a Pinterest board, while avoiding those tacky single-use ornaments. Plus, you’ll feel wildly productive, even if you never did finish that scarf from 2017. We at Homespir call that karma-holiday magic.
5. “May Your Days Be Merry and Reused”
If you want to impress people with more than just your impeccable Netflix queue recommendation skills, go for the gift that keeps on giving: repurposed holiday decor from nature. Pine cones, twigs, and dried orange slices make phenomenal ornaments and garlands. Best of all, they smell amazing and mysteriously signal to your guests that you simply have things figured out in life.
6. “Let it Snow… Secondhand Style”
Winter wonderlands don’t have to come at the expense of the planet. Skip the mass-produced decorations and hit up your local thrift shop for snowflake ornaments, vintage candle holders, and retro lights. Nothing says ‘sustainable holiday chic’ quite like saving decor (and your budget) from the landfill. Boho Christmas, here we come!
7. “Use the Force… of LED Lights”
Nostalgic for those twinkling incandescent lights from your childhood? It’s time to let go, my friend. LED lights use less energy and last longer. If you’re worried about missing that warm, welcoming glow, don’t fret—they now come in warm tones that feel just as festive, without the high energy bill. Your wallet will thank you, and so will your local power grid.
8. “Santa’s DIY Workshop”
Before you rush to buy new decor every year, channel your inner Santa and get crafty. Upcycle glass jars into luminaries, leftover fabric into stockings, and old mason jars into snow globes. Pinterest boards everywhere are quaking. Just remember safety first—no one wants a glue-gun disaster under the mistletoe.
9. “Wrap It Real Good (with Reusable Wrapping!)”
If “paper or plastic” makes you cringe, ditch the wrapping paper altogether and use reusable fabric wraps, like Furoshiki, or even scarves. Tie one up beautifully, and you’ve got a wrap that’s way more Instagram-able than anything you’d find at the drugstore checkout line. And hey, bonus Christmas gift for your guests!
10. “There’s No Place Like Homemade for the Holidays”
Instead of buying holiday-themed throw pillows and table runners every single year, make your own (no, seriously). Sew some seasonal fabric pieces to slip over your all-year decor. Then, swap these chic covers out depending on the season. Your wallet and the cluttered storage closet in your life will both breathe a sigh of relief. Your minimalist aesthetic? Next level!
11. “Chestnuts Roasting (On an Eco-Friendly Fire… Log)”
If you’re setting the mood with a fire, skip the fire log that rambles on about “the smell of the mountains.” Instead, use eco-friendly logs made from recycled materials. They’re cleaner, safer, and responsible for fewer emissions—making them perfect for roasting chestnuts and marshmallows without roasting the planet.
12. “Don’t Fear the Fill (when the Fill is Biodegradable!)”
That fluffy fake snow, super-stylish decorating foam, and anything else that doesn’t biodegrade—give it the boot! Instead, go for natural and biodegradable replacements like straw, wool, or even just good ol’ paper. Fill your tree, your wreaths, and your stockings in a way that can’t haunt your guests’ eco-conscious dreams at night.
The Spirit of Homespir—With a Dash of Witty Eco-Fabulousness!
And there you have it! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a home that not only looks like a holiday wonderland but also earns you a standing ovation from Mother Nature herself. Remember, at Homespir, we’re committed to helping you create a home filled with inspiration, joy, and just the right touch of seasonal whimsy—all while making sure we leave the Earth in better shape for the next holiday season.
Need more hints, hacks, or home décor inspiration? Visit us anytime at homespir.com, and let’s stay connected on social media for more festive ideas! And if you haven’t already signed up for our newsletter, well, what are you waiting for? We promise it’s merry and bright!
Until then, good luck with your eco-tastic holiday decor, and don’t be surprised if your table centerpiece becomes the stuff of legend. Seriously though, nobody wants another artificial snow pile with a side of guilt.
Happy (green) holidays from Homespir!
