Day: December 19, 2024

The holiday season is a time for giving, but it’s also a time when waste skyrockets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—that’s about 1 million extra tons of trash each week. Wrapping paper and shopping bags alone contribute to about 4 million tons of waste annually. The good news? You can give beautifully wrapped gifts while also being kind to the planet. Here are some sustainable gift-wrapping ideas to help you make this holiday season eco-friendly and stylish.

One simple swap is to use fabric instead of traditional wrapping paper. Furoshiki, a Japanese wrapping cloth, is a reusable and elegant option. You can use scarves, tea towels, or even thrifted fabrics to wrap your gifts—doubling as an extra present! Learn more about Furoshiki wrapping techniques.

Upcycling materials you already have at home is another fantastic way to reduce waste. Old maps, newspaper comics, or brown kraft paper make for charming and unique gift wrap. Add a touch of creativity with natural accents like twine, dried flowers, or small pinecones to elevate the look. Studies show that upcycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from landfills.

Consider reusable bags or containers as part of your gift presentation. Fabric gift bags, mason jars, or decorative tins can hold your gift and be reused by the recipient. These options not only cut down on waste but also add a practical and thoughtful element to your present.

If you prefer traditional wrapping paper, opt for recyclable options. Many glossy or glittery papers can’t be recycled, so look for simple, recyclable options or paper made from recycled materials. And skip the tape—try folding and tying with string instead. According to Zero Waste Scotland, paper with glitter or metallic finishes often ends up in landfills because it cannot be recycled.

Finally, get the whole family involved! Making your own wrapping paper with children’s artwork or potato-stamp designs on kraft paper can become a cherished holiday tradition. It’s sustainable and personal.

With a little creativity and intention, you can reduce holiday waste and still give gifts that look beautiful and heartfelt. Happy eco-friendly wrapping!

The holiday season is the perfect time to create memories that stick—the kind your family will look back on and laugh about (or groan about) for years to come. If you’re looking for some fresh traditions to add a little extra sparkle to your holidays, here are a few ideas to get you started—and keep the family drama to a minimum (well, hopefully).

First up, the family pajama photo shoot. Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, someone will complain that the matching sets don’t “breathe.” But years from now, you’ll be glad you have those awkward, joyful pictures. Pro tip: let the pets join in for bonus chaos.

If you’re all about food (and who isn’t?), start a holiday bake-off. Let each family member pick a dessert to make and then hold a blind taste test. Warning: this may result in sugar-fueled competitiveness, but it’s a delicious problem to have.

Another fun idea? Host a holiday movie marathon. Think classics like Home Alone, Elf, and Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie—fight me). Bonus points if you create a themed snack for each film, like candy canes for The Grinch or microwave popcorn for The Polar Express.

Feeling crafty? Try DIY holiday decorations. Whether it’s building a gingerbread house that ends up looking like a gingerbread disaster or making ornaments that might accidentally terrify your guests, it’s all about the laughs and memories. Remember: glitter is forever, so proceed with caution.

Want to get outside? Start a family winter walk tradition. Bundle up, take a stroll, and look at the lights in your neighborhood. Or, if snow is involved, engage in a full-blown snowball war. Loser has to make the hot cocoa.

Finally, create a giving tradition. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, donating toys to kids in need, or just helping a neighbor shovel their driveway, showing kindness together can make the season truly special.

The best family traditions aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. So embrace the mess, the laughter, and even the occasional eye roll. After all, those are the moments that make the holidays unforgettable.

Traveling during the holiday season can be both exciting and exhausting. Between crowded airports, long car rides, and disrupted routines, getting good sleep while on the move can feel like a challenge. As a sleep expert, I’m here to share practical tips—and a little humor—to help you rest well, no matter where the holidays take you.

First, try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Yes, even if Aunt Carol insists on a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call for Christmas brunch. Keeping your wake-up and bedtime within an hour of your usual schedule can help your body’s internal clock stay on track. If you’re traveling across time zones, start adjusting your schedule a few days in advance—because jet lag doesn’t care how many cups of eggnog you’ve had.

Packing the right sleep essentials can also make a big difference. A travel pillow, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones can turn even the most chaotic plane ride into your personal sleep sanctuary. (Because nothing says “Happy Holidays” like ignoring a screaming toddler in row 12.) Don’t forget earplugs or a white noise app to block out the unique symphony of Uncle Bob’s snoring at the family reunion.

Hydration is key, especially if you’re flying. Dehydration can make you feel more tired and disrupt your sleep. Drink plenty of water, but try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can turn your “silent night” into a sleepless one. Yes, even if the airline offers free wine—your sleep is worth it.

Create a relaxing wind-down routine, even while you’re away from home. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to calming music, or practicing deep breathing exercises, these small rituals can signal to your body that it’s time to rest. And if you’re crashing at a relative’s house, do your best to avoid their “festive” fluorescent guest room lighting.

Jet lag can be a real struggle during holiday travel. To combat it, spend some time in natural sunlight during the day and avoid screens before bed. (That means putting down the late-night online shopping spree. Those slippers will still be there tomorrow.)

Finally, be kind to yourself. Traveling is stressful, and it’s okay if your sleep isn’t perfect. Focus on resting when you can, laugh off the chaos, and make small adjustments to support your sleep health. With these tips, you’ll be more likely to enjoy the holidays feeling refreshed and recharged—even if the rest of your family is running on candy canes and chaos.

The holiday season is supposed to be magical, right? But for many of us, it’s a mix of excitement and stress. Between juggling packed schedules, managing budgets, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are simple ways to bring some calm back into your holidays.

First things first: sleep. It’s the foundation of everything—your energy, mood, and even your ability to handle stress. Anxiety can make sleep tricky, so stick to a consistent bedtime, ease up on caffeine and alcohol before bed, and build a wind-down routine that helps you relax.

When stress starts to creep in, take a moment to breathe—literally. Try this: inhale for four counts, hold it for four, and exhale for six. This little trick can calm your nervous system and help you feel more grounded in just a few moments.

Let’s talk about expectations. We all want that picture-perfect holiday, but chasing perfection usually leads to burnout. Focus on what really matters to you. Maybe it’s cozying up with loved ones, or maybe it’s carving out some quiet time for yourself. Whatever it is, let go of the idea that everything has to be flawless. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

And then there’s social media. It’s hard not to compare your reality to everyone else’s highlight reel, especially during the holidays. If scrolling makes you anxious, give yourself a break. Stay present in your own moments instead.

A little movement can go a long way, too. Even a quick walk outside can clear your head and give you that feel-good endorphin boost. It doesn’t have to be a marathon—just something to get your body moving.

Gratitude is another game-changer. Taking a minute each day to think about what you’re thankful for can help shift your perspective and ease stress. It’s a small habit with a big payoff.

If it all feels like too much, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s leaning on a friend, venting to family, or reaching out to a therapist, support is out there. You don’t have to carry the weight of the season alone.

Remember, the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Take care of yourself, focus on what brings you joy, and let the rest fall into place. Here’s to a calmer, cozier holiday season.