Week of December 8, 2024 – December 14, 2024
by Catherine McLaughlin, Environmental Educator
Snow is falling, friends and family are asking what holiday plans are, and I have no clue what is happening. Sounds like it’s December to me. This season has seemed to run full force into my life this year with no warning. I just can’t keep up with everything happening around me from parades, to tree lighting, to shopping, to just enjoying the snowfall and birds coming to the feeders.
What do you do during the holidays? Do you try to go outside or perhaps you are content observing nature from the warmth of your home from the window? Do you have traditions you still hold close to your heart from childhood perhaps? I travel between friends and family to exchange stories and often handmade gifts.
Many of us share gifts during the holiday season. But if you are reading this, you likely care about the environment and being sustainable in your choices. One of the easiest ways to shop sustainably is to either make it yourself, or shop local! Some gifts to give are foods or crafts, and if you can’t make it yourself check out local farmers markets and craft shows. Did you know that we have a winter farmers market on the second Saturday each month? (Next one is this Saturday the 14th. Maybe we will see you there.) Each vendor we have is local and helps to support their families as well!
Media may push us with all kinds of shopping ads on our TVs or scrolling on our phones to over consume. Do you really need to update whatever gadget that has the latest and greatest technology? Chances are – you probably don’t. This media storm of shop until you drop is not sustainable, for your wallet or the planet. Even with new toys and clothes we can choose to buy from local retailers or even wrap them in reusable cloth or bags or recyclable paper (no shiny paper!). And when it all gets to be too much, take a moment to get outside and clear your mind.
Whatever your traditions and plans are during the holiday havoc, remember to take a moment to relax. Look at the quiet of the freshly fallen snow covering the branches of the trees, it’s only here for a few months before it melts away again.