Dreaming of green Christmas

A tree, decorated with toys, bells, trinkets, and garlands is the center of every Christmas celebration. Families get together to decorate it days before the big night, children run in the morning to look under its branches for the gifts, parents sit quietly next to it in the evening admiring the beauty. These holidays let the natural beauty of fir show by using eco-friendly materials for the ornaments.

Our ancestors used fruits and nuts for the decoration during the holidays. Keep this tradition by using brightly coloured apples or clementines in stead of glass balls and strands of popcorn instead of the garlands.

To make the Christmas tree greener use pine cones and ornaments made out of natural materials, such as straw. Add some lights or golden garlands for a more festive look.

Have you noticed coloured paper piling up in your children’s room? What about the leftovers of the bright wrapping paper? Or maybe you have some multi-coloured sheets that need to be recycled? Before throwing the paper away try folding these simple holiday-inspired origami decorations. Ask your children to help and fold the ornaments from our Craft section. You can then spend an evening arranging decorations on the tree.

Text: Anya Sokolovskaya
Photography: Eric Gloutnay