Artificial or Real Christmas Tree? We went with LIVING

The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and, increasingly for us, reflection on how we can reduce our environmental footprint. As we come together to mark the end of the year, it's an opportunity to adopt more sustainable traditions that still capture the magic of the season. From living Christmas trees to homemade decorations and thoughtful, thrifted gifts, here are some ways to celebrate with the planet in mind.

1. Opt for a Living Potted Christmas Tree

What is the most sustainable Christmas tree? Some have argued that the shipping, water and chemicals used in Christmas tree farming cause more environmental harm than an artificial tree that is used year after year. However, advocates for real trees rightly point out that, in reality, families do not use one artificial tree their whole lifetime. In the U.S., around 10 million artificial trees are purchased each season. Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China, resulting in an increase of carbon emissions and resources. Additionally, out of the 350-500 million growing on tree farms across the U.S., only 30 million trees are harvested for Christmas each year. Buying real trees will help keep tree farms in business—and in turn keep their lands covered in the healthy forest habitat that wildlife depends on to survive.

The most sustainable option is always the one you already have; so if your family has already adopted an artificial Christmas tree, proudly use that guy for as long as you can. Consider finding one used if you want to replace or add one to your household.

We have opted to try something new in our household by bringing in a potted, native tree to be our annual Christmas tree. We picked up a bald cypress from Roots and Shoots nursery and decorated him with a string of lights and mushroom ornaments made from repurposed materials. These little mushrooms were one of the easiest crafts ever. Our little Cypress will come inside in December and live on the patio year-round, providing shelter for native wildlife. When he hopefully gets too big to bring indoors, we will plant and replace him!

2. Get Creative with Homemade Decorations

Homemade decorations are a fantastic way to personalize your holiday decor while reducing waste. Repurpose items you already have around the house—think old wine corks, scrap fabric, or even cardboard packaging. You can create ornaments, garlands, and wreaths with minimal materials, often transforming everyday objects into beautiful pieces. Try using natural elements like pinecones, dried citrus slices, and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch that smells as good as it looks.

How To Dry Citrus:

1. Slice Citrus into .25 inch rounds

2. Use a towel to press excess moisture (this helps the rounds to dry rather than caramelize)

3. Bake in a single layer on baking tray at 200F for 3-5 hours, until dry. Flipping every half hour. 

We used dried oranges and repurposed cork to make garland for the shop. Rosemary and Cinnamon sticks would make great additions. We also did paper snowflakes using repurposed paper bags from the grocery store; a super easy and fun family activity.

3. Thrifted Gifts for a Thoughtful Touch

When it comes to gifting, shopping secondhand is one of the most sustainable ways to give. Thrift stores and online resale platforms are treasure troves for unique, one-of-a-kind presents. Whether it’s vintage jewelry, gently used books, or retro kitchenware, secondhand gifts often come with a story, adding a special personal touch to your holiday giving. We love to keep our eyes on Facebook marketplace and our local thrifts for little things that remind us of our loved ones. Keeping an eye out year round and putting things away for later takes the pressure off to impulse buy less meaningful gifts as the holidays approach. 

Shopping for someone who you don't think would be keen on second hand gift? Consider an experience or a consumable gift like a membership to a local state park or local honey from the farmers market. Opt for quality over quantity. Another option is a giftcard to their local refill store ;)

We asked Santa for a South Carolina Aquarium membership this year. 

Sustainability isn't just about the physical items you choose—it's also about slowing down and embracing what truly matters. Instead of focusing on excessive buying and consumption, take the time to connect with loved ones and enjoy simple pleasures like homemade meals, crafting, or outdoor activities. The less we focus on materialism, the more we can savor the intangible magic of the season.