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5 Sustainable Holiday Decorations to Make This Christmas Greener

holiday decorations: a cozy living room with garlands, candles, twig wreaths, and a minimalist christmas tree

This Christmas, why not celebrate the season while keeping sustainability in mind? By using eco-friendly materials and repurposing items you already have, you can create beautiful holiday decorations that reduce waste and add a unique touch to your home. Theseย 5 sustainable holiday decorationsย are not only easy to make but also show how small changes can lead to a greener and more mindful holiday season. Letโ€™s make this Christmas a little kinder to the planet!

1. Upcycled Jar Lanterns

Give empty jars a second life by transforming them into elegant lanterns that glow with holiday warmth. Perfect for mantels, tables, or windows, these upcycled decorations are a creative way to reduce waste while adding a personal touch to your dรฉcor. Theyโ€™re simple, versatile, and a great way to incorporate sustainability into your holiday celebrations.

Pro Tip: Add Natural Elements for Extra Charm

Tie sprigs of pine, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices around the jar for a festive touch.

Materials Youโ€™ll Need for Your Holiday Decorations:

  • Empty jars (mason jars or recycled glass jars)
  • LED candles or fairy lights
  • Twine or ribbon
  • Natural elements (pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks)
holiday decorations: glowing jar lanterns adorned with twine and greenery, creating a cozy holiday ambiance

2. Dried Orange Garland

Dried orange garlands bring a warm, rustic charm to your holiday decorations. Made from natural and biodegradable materials, theyโ€™re a sustainable alternative to store-bought garlands. Use them to decorate your tree, mantel, or windows for a festive, citrusy vibe.

Fun Fact: Adds a Natural Citrus Scent

Dried orange garlands not only look great but also fill your home with a subtle citrus aroma.

Materials Youโ€™ll Need:

  • Fresh oranges
  • String or twine
  • Scissors
  • Baking tray and parchment paper
holiday decorations: festive dried orange garland draped across a mantle, accented with greenery



3. Pinecone and Burlap Wreath

Combine natural pinecones and burlap to create a wreath thatโ€™s both rustic and sustainable. This project highlights the beauty of natural materials while avoiding wasteful, store-bought alternatives. Hang it on your door or use it as a centerpiece for a decoration that embodies eco-friendly elegance.

Pro Tip: Add Acorns and Berries to Your Holiday Decorations

Enhance your wreath with acorns, berries, or even small sprigs of greenery for added dimension and color.

Materials Youโ€™ll Need for Your Holiday Decorations:

  • Pinecones
  • Burlap ribbon
  • Wireframe wreath base
  • Hot glue gun
holiday decorations: rustic burlap wreath decorated with pinecones, red berries, and greenery for a farmhouse holiday look

4. Scrap Fabric Ornaments

Turn fabric scraps into festive ornaments that reduce waste and add a handmade touch to your tree. This project is a creative way to repurpose old materials and make unique, personal decorations. These ornaments are not only eco-friendly but also filled with holiday charm and nostalgia.

Fun Fact: A Great Way to Use Old Clothes

Repurpose old clothes or linens to create ornaments with sentimental value.

Materials Youโ€™ll Need:

  • Fabric scraps
  • Needle and thread or glue
  • Ribbon for hanging
  • Stuffing (optional)
holiday decorations: handmade fabric ornaments in star and heart shapes, hanging on a Christmas tree



5. Cardboard Gift Tags

Create unique gift tags from recycled cardboard to reduce waste while adding a personal, handmade touch to your presents. These tags are stylish, eco-friendly, and an easy way to make your gift wrapping more thoughtful and sustainable.

TipPro: Use Stamps for a Professional Look

Holiday-themed stamps can make your gift tags look polished with minimal effort.

Materials Youโ€™ll Need for Your Holiday Decorations:

  • Cardboard from old boxes or packaging
  • Scissors or craft punches
  • Markers or stamps
  • Twine or ribbon
holiday decorations: kraft paper gift tags with snowflake and candy cane designs

Conclusion

Theseย 5 sustainable holiday decorationsย prove that itโ€™s easy to make Christmas greener while keeping it festive and beautiful. From upcycled jar lanterns to natural garlands and rustic wreaths, these eco-friendly projects are as fun to make as they are good for the planet. Which one will you try first? Share your creations in the comments and inspire others to celebrate sustainably!

Further Reading