As we approach the holiday season, it's easy to get swept up in the endless advertising and immense pressure to have "the perfect day." There is an overwhelming expectation that we should be indulging in an excess of food, drink, and gifts. With so much pressure, many of us feel rushed and stressed. It can be difficult to slow down and actually enjoy the once-a-year festivities, which is the entire point of it all - isn't it?
If you find the holidays fly by before you've had a chance to enjoy them, this is your reminder to slow down and make time for a few simple holiday activities, without any distractions. Whatever the holiday season looks like to you, here are a few slow living activities you can enjoy with your friends, family, or even by yourself; that will enable you to have a more intentional, less stressful festive season.
Prepare For The Holidays. More planning, less stress. The holiday season can be one of the most wasteful, leading to a lot of stress and frustration. Plan ahead and skip the burden of plastic waste and unwanted gifts.
Make Zero Waste Decorations. Seasonal decor is the fast fashion of homewares. Keep your decor minimal, reusable, and handmade like this foraged wreath and DIY wall hanging.
Make Holiday Gifts. Gifting is often best kept simple and homemade with minimal waste. Try making something that can be eaten or used up.
Make Christmas Crackers. Nobody wants the plastic junk that is found in a traditional Christmas cracker and yet we keep buying them! Skip the waste and make your own.
Decorate The Front Door. An easy activity that's sure to get you in the festive spirit. Reuse decorations from previous holiday seasons, or make a foraged wreath to hang over the door knocker.
Decorate The Christmas Tree. If you choose to have one, that is. Avoid buying new decorations and stick with the ones you already own or make a few extra from recyclable materials.
Toast Pumpkin Seeds. Hopefully you didn't throw away the seeds from your Halloween pumpkin! These are an snack or gift for the holidays.
Roast Festive Spiced Nuts. These make an excellent festive gift or a great addition to a charcuterie board. You can include them as a stocking or add them to your holiday buffet.
Cook A Winter Soup. It's soup season and there's nothing better than a comforting bowl on a cold day. Easy to make, seasonal, and a great way to slow down while you tend to the pot.
Bake A Ginger Cake. A tasty festive treat that can be gifted or eaten all to yourself. Ginger cake is a good choice for the holidays. It's rich and sticky with spicy ginger and zingy citrus.
Brew A Fire Cider. This is a wonderful tonic for promoting good health and preventing colds. Hot, spicy, and sweet. It can be drunk neat, added to soups, or used as dressings.
Wrap Holiday Gifts. One of the best ways to slow down and really get into the festive spirit. Wrapping presents is a classic holiday tradition that will get you in the mood for the big day.
Host A Dinner Party. A big part of the holiday season is celebrating with the people in our lives. Get together with friends and family, and host a holiday dinner party - the zero waste way of course.
Get Cozy. Light a candle, sit down, and take a breather. The simplest and easiest way to slow down and enjoy the festivities is to simply be present. Get cozy and enjoy yourself.
