10 Magical Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations to Try This Year

The festive season brings joy, warmth, and togetherness—but it also comes with an environmental cost. Every year, countless decorations, wrapping papers, and packaging materials end up in landfills, contributing to waste and pollution. The good news? A little creativity and mindfulness can help you celebrate in style while reducing your impact on the planet. Here are practical, inspiring ideas to help you create a sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas—without sacrificing the magic.

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Embrace the Charm of Natural Ornaments

Nature provides an abundance of materials that can elevate your holiday décor while being kind to the environment. Natural ornaments are beautiful, biodegradable, and lend a rustic, handmade touch to your home.

• Ideas to Try:
  • Dried Oranges: Slice oranges thinly and dry them in the oven at a low temperature. String them together for garlands, hang them as tree ornaments, or use them in wreaths.
  • Cinnamon Sticks: Not only do they look festive, but they also add a cosy, Christmassy scent to your décor. Tie them together with twine for tree ornaments or include them in table centrepieces.
  • Acorns and Pinecones: Collect these on a winter walk, then paint or leave them natural. They make lovely ornaments, garlands, or wreath accents.
  • Herbs: Dried rosemary, thyme, or lavender bundles add a fragrant touch to your decorations.

Natural decorations are not only eco-friendly but also a great way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.

Rethink Gift Wrapping

The mountains of wrapping paper discarded every Christmas are a significant source of waste. This year, consider alternatives that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

• Reusable Options:
  • Fabric wraps, such as scarves or tea towels, double as part of the gift.
  • Gift bags or sturdy boxes can be reused year after year.
• Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper: If you prefer traditional wrapping, look for recycled paper options and avoid metallic or glitter finishes that can’t be recycled.
• DIY Wrapping: Decorate plain kraft paper with hand-drawn designs, stamps, or sprigs of greenery for a personal, zero-waste touch.

Try this recycled wrapping paper to give your presents a lovely vintage style. Plus the pack comes with 6 designs, jute twine and tags!

Create Your Own Garland or Wreath

Skip the store-bought plastic garlands and wreaths in favour of DIY creations made with natural materials. Not only are they more sustainable, but they’re also a fun and festive project to enjoy with family or friends.

• What to Use:
  • Pinecones, mistletoe, ivy, holly, and pine branches are classic materials that look stunning and smell amazing.
  • Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and ribbons made from natural fibres can add texture and colour.
  • Forage responsibly—only take what you need, and avoid removing materials from protected areas.
• Wreath-Making Classes: Many local workshops offer wreath-making experiences where you can learn techniques and create something beautiful to take home.

Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar

Instead of buying disposable advent calendars each year, opt for a high-quality reusable one. Wooden, fabric, or metal advent calendars can be used for years and allow you to personalize the contents.

• Eco-Friendly Filler Ideas:
  • Small chocolates or treats from local, sustainable brands.
  • Notes with festive messages or activities (e.g., “Watch a Christmas movie” or “Bake cookies together”).
  • Mini ornaments or eco-friendly trinkets.
• Tip: If you like surprises, ask someone else to fill the calendar for you!

Upgrade Your Christmas Crackers

Traditional party crackers often contain plastic trinkets destined for the bin. Instead, look for eco-friendly alternatives made from recycled materials and filled with sustainable surprises, such as:

• Wildflower seeds for planting in spring.
• Festive jokes printed on recycled paper.
• Compostable paper hats.

These crackers are just as fun but far kinder to the planet; they each contain a pack of wildflower seeds to bring your garden to life come springtime.

Homemade Decorations: Fun for All Ages

Get creative with homemade decorations that add a personal touch and help you avoid plastic.

• Felt or Knitted Ornaments: Handmade felt ornaments or knitted baubles are not only charming but also durable. Crafting these can become a beloved family tradition.
• Twig Stars: Gather twigs from your garden or a local park and tie them into star shapes using natural twine. They’re simple, elegant, and completely biodegradable.
• Cork Figurines: Reuse old wine corks to make cute reindeer, snowmen, or miniature trees. Add paint or natural embellishments for extra flair.

Crafting your decorations is a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones and create one-of-a-kind pieces. Looking for a great gift for someone who loves Christmas crafts? Try this eco-Christmas craft book.

Eco-Friendly Lighting Options

Festive lights are a must, but they can also be energy-intensive. Reduce your holiday footprint by choosing greener options.

• Solar-Powered Lights: Perfect for outdoor displays, these lights charge during the day and twinkle through the night.
• LED Lights: Use LED lights indoors—they consume far less energy than traditional bulbs and last longer.
• Reuse Old Light Displays: Instead of buying new ones each year, repair or repurpose your existing lights.

Replace Plastic Tinsel with Sustainable Alternatives

Plastic tinsel is flashy but terrible for the environment. Consider these eco-friendly replacements:

• Fabric ribbons in festive colours or patterns.
• Popcorn and cranberry garlands for a nostalgic, biodegradable option.
• Strings of wooden beads or paper chains made from recycled materials.

Upcycled Décor Ideas

Turn everyday items into beautiful holiday decorations:

• Old Jars or Candle Glasses: Fill them with fairy lights or tealights for cosy lanterns. Add sprigs of holly or cinnamon sticks for a festive twist.
• Paper Snowflakes: A classic craft that’s cheap, recyclable, and perfect for kids to enjoy. Use scrap paper for an extra eco-friendly touch.

Use Greenery from the Garden

Your garden can be a goldmine for holiday décor. Gather holly, ivy, pine branches, and other greenery to create wreaths, garlands, or table centrepieces.

• Tip: Keep greenery fresh by misting it with water or placing it in floral foam made from natural materials (not plastic-based foam).

The Joy of a Greener Christmas

Choosing sustainable decorations isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about fostering creativity, cherishing traditions, and celebrating the beauty of natural materials. These choices can make your holiday season more meaningful while contributing to a healthier planet.

With a little effort and imagination, you can craft a festive atmosphere that’s as kind to the Earth as it is joyful. Which of these eco-friendly ideas will you try this year? Let’s make this Christmas both magical and mindful!

Want to know whether you should get a real or artificial Christmas tree? Check out this post.