How to Have an Eco-Chic Holiday Season; Thoughtful, Sustainable, Stylish

The Eco-Chic Holiday Experience

Flash back to my first Eco-Chic Holiday experience. Fresh out of Art School I landed my first gig as a teaching artist in an amazing program called ArtSaves. I worked on a team of creatives…a poet, actress/singer, a few dancers, and several other visual artists, and our fearless leader a Dr. of Education who is a true believer in the power of the arts. Together we put together arts programming for at risk youth. The program ran one weekend per month for the entire year.

Over the course of the year we got together for meetings, planning sessions, trainings, and of course… the weekends with the students. We grew close and wanted to do something special for the holiday season. We were all living in the vibe of the “starving artist” so, the traditional office party Secret Santa wasn’t going to cut it, so as creatives we came up with an idea.

The Eco-Chic Holiday...Getting Creative

Pull a name from the hat…keep it a secret, take some time to reflect on that person.

Why do I love and admire this person and their work as an artist?

What does this person bring to the team that is special and unique to them?

After thoughtful reflection…choose something in your possession that feels like them, write down a few notes about the gift you chose and why you feel it “belongs” to them.

A few things I gave… Lapis Lazuli and Silver Earrings and Bracelet purchased in Covent Garden in London, an original piece of art, and a Vintage feather boa.

Maybe you have a group of friends, colleagues, or family that would be game for this fun, thoughtful, and sustainable gifting ritual.

Here are a few other suggestions to have an Eco-Chic Holiday Season;

1. Homemade or Handmade Gifts- Another version of the above is to do handmade or homemade only. Not just for artists… gifting food, homemade beauty products, knit-ware, tie dye, jewelry, candles, pressed flowers, and plants or plant cuttings … are just a few ideas.

2. How about a second hand only gift swap? Vintage is hot right now and with an array of online vintage shops and dealers its easy to find vintage clothing, accessories, and housewares for everyone on your list- the planet will thank you.

3. Shop small and local… keep small businesses open and thriving. Eco- Friendly and Sustainable Small Businesses are plenty, brought on by the demand of the consumer for a better future.

4. The Gift of Experience- Let’s face it…we all probably have enough stuff, so try gifting experiences instead. How about a yoga class pass or package, a Reiki Session, Spa Treatment, Tarot Card Reading, or Human Design Map. Museum Membership, Ski Lift Ticket or Beach Sticker, Cooking Classes, Meal Delivery Services… gift certificates to your favorite restaurant.

5. Thoughtful Stylish Packaging- handmade cards and wrapping paper. Wrap your gifts in a tie dye pillow case, use batik fabric or Vintage Scarf. Try a unique tote bag or Vintage purse as a gift bag or in lieu of a stocking. Use fun photos or postcards picked up on adventures as gift tags. Get creative… cut an old shirt into strips to make unique colorful “ribbon” to tie up your packages, add a few beads or tassels, a clipping of lavender or rosemary for a thoughtful finish.

   Change is in the air… Wishing you health, joy, peace, and abundance through this holiday season!

   Namaste,

   Annmarie

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