Know the drill? December 25th, wading through a sea of shredded wrapping paper, tripping over plastic toys (which will be gathering dust in a corner next week), and wondering where to stash the 7th scented candle. Meanwhile, the trash pile towers like an alternative Christmas tree.
After all, it’s the most mindful time of the year, right?
Unbelievable but true, Christmas doesn’t have to look like this. We’re proposing alternatives to rethink things and actually give “mindfulness” some meaning.
Operation Christmas Tree.
In Germany, a whopping 29 million Christmas trees are sold annually. That’s like every Berliner setting up three trees! You might think: “I’ll just get an artificial tree!” Plot Twist: A plastic tree would need to last 20 years to be more eco-friendly than a real tree. Let’s be real – how likely is it that your tree will last longer than your relationship?
Don’t worry, we’re not total Grinches trying to ban Christmas trees.
Nordmann firs mostly come from monocultures. Nice try, but no thanks.
Same goes for imported blue spruce.
Sorry, but transportation doesn’t make the tree greener.
Regional organic fir? Now we’re heading in the right direction.
A tree from your local area, preferably organic or from thinning operations – trees that would be cut anyway. Now nobody needs to feel guilty.
And hey, a big houseplant with fairy lights works too. Bonus: It might actually survive until next year!
DIY Instead of Buy.
Tree ornaments are often made of plastic or aluminum – not exactly sustainable. But who says ornaments have to be new? Second-hand baubles have survived numerous family Christmas dramas before hanging on your tree! Or if you have kids, why not make some yourself? Whether you’re cutting stars out of orange peels or crafting figures from pinecones, the little ones stay busy, and you can relax if a bauble falls.
Lights On… Sometimes.
Yes, fairy lights are pretty. No, your house doesn’t need to be visible from space. Here are some tips for sensible lighting:
LED fairy lights are now standard – they use way less energy, and you’ll save money on your next electricity bill.
Timer switches that turn on lights when you’re home and automatically switch them off when you go to bed save you the hassle of switching and conserve energy. And seriously, nobody benefits from fairy lights when it’s still daylight outside.
Wrap It Up.
Wrapping paper is so 2023! Try these instead:
- Newspapers – my personal favorite is “Die Zeit”. Large format, lots of pictures, and you get free reading material to boot
- Bought something for your childhood friend? How about wrapping it in a poster from a former favorite band? Bonus: It’ll spark some nostalgic memories (of questionable fashion choices).
- Children’s drawings. Guaranteed unique, and definitely won’t end up in the trash.
Gifts 2.0.
Germans spend an average of over 250 EUR on Christmas gifts. In times of inflation, crisis, and pressure to join every trend, this gets challenging fast. Instead of the usual gift marathon, here are alternatives:
- Secret Santa. Less stress, waaaay fewer gifts, and the thrill of keeping a secret – free of charge!
- Homemade gifts (shows more love than any Amazon click)
- Gift experiences and shared time (Memories > Stuff). How about a pottery class for the whole family or a hiking trip where you handle the organization?
- Digital gifts – shared playlist, a video about a joint trip, or an online game night for long-distance relationships
- It doesn’t always have to be new. Second-hand offers a great alternative for those who still want to give something material. Whether a refurbished smartphone or nearly new books, it doesn’t have to be new to bring joy.
Our Best Second-Hand Finds.
Anyone said second-hand Christmas?
Your Guide For A Mindful Christmas.
What you don’t need
- A perfectly decorated Christmas tree (crooked is the new straight!)
- Stress from gift-buying marathons
- Transforming your entire apartment into a glitter hell
- The 27th Christmas market visit. By the way, did you know German alcohol consumption rises up to 36% during the Christmas season? 🚩🚩
- Asking your non-Christian friends every year why they don’t celebrate Christmas
What you actually need
- Enough mulled wine while your family’s visiting.
- An excuse why you didn’t send those Christmas cards again.
- A plan B in case this year’s Christmas dinner turns out… well, let’s say creative.
- A playlist without a single Christmas song – just in case.
Christmas is like a software update: Sometimes it doesn’t run smoothly, but in the end, everything usually works out – and if not, there are always cookies! 🍪
We wish you relaxed holidays without family drama (or at least with enough mulled wine to survive it).
Catch you on the flip-side,
your Faircado team
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