The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and making memories. But let’s face it—between gift shopping, meal prepping, and house cleaning, it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year. This season, why not embrace a more natural, eco-friendly approach to keep things simple, sustainable, and kind to both you and the planet?
Over the next 12 days, let these tips inspire you to create a holiday that’s merry, bright, and naturally clean.
Day 1: Deck the Halls, Naturally
Skip the store-bought decorations coated in glitter and synthetic chemicals. Instead, craft your own with pinecones, dried orange slices, or fresh greenery. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also fill your home with a fresh, natural scent—no artificial sprays required!
Day 2: Clean Up the Eco-Friendly Way
Before guests arrive, give your home a refresh with natural cleaning products. Choose plant-based solutions that cut through grease and grime without harsh chemicals. Pure & Gentle’s incredibly versatile eConcentrate® All-Purpose Cleaner can replace up to 30 individual retail cleaning products, depending on how you dilute the product. Just one product gives you hundreds of ways to clean your home without exposure to harmful chemicals. Free of dyes, phosphates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it’s safe to use around children and pets.
Day 3: Pamper Yourself with a Holiday Glow
The holidays can take a toll on your skin, so take time to pamper yourself. Treat your skin to a hydrating face mask made from natural ingredients like honey and oatmeal. For a quick pick-me-up, try a nourishing lip balm with shea butter or a sugar scrub to keep your lips mistletoe-ready.
Day 4: Wrap It Up, Sustainably
Gift wrap often ends up in the trash after just one use. This year, get creative with reusable fabric wraps or scarves, kraft paper, or even old maps or newspaper. Add a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a natural, festive touch.
Day 5: The Gift of Natural Giving
Give gifts that reflect your values. Consider handmade gifts like a knitted or sewn item, or a beautifully framed family photo. If crafting isn’t your style, shop from brands that prioritize sustainability and cruelty-free practices. Like ours. ❤️
Day 6: Simplify Your Holiday Scents
Skip synthetic air fresheners and opt for natural ways to fill your home with seasonal aromas. Simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels for a cozy scent that’s also toxin-free.
Fun Fact: Synthetic air fresheners are bad for your health. Odor neutralizers made with natural ingredients and enzymes do not mask odors and are not the same thing. Synthetic air fresheners add volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to indoor air environments and impair indoor air quality[1].
Day 7: Refresh Your Kitchen Between Festivities
Between gatherings, a quick reset of the kitchen can make your entire home feel fresh again (mostly). Aim for clean surfaces, an empty sink, and straight dish towels every night and you’ll start the morning a little less chaotic. If you have a big menu planned for the next day, check the refrigerator and pantry to ensure all the ingredients are there.
Day 8: Take a Wellness Timeout
Holiday stress is real, and it’s okay to step away for some “me time.” Go for a walk, draw a warm bath, or spend 15 minutes meditating to reconnect with yourself. Your to-do list can wait.
Day 9: Host a Sustainable Dinner Party
When planning holiday meals, consider how you can minimize waste. Use cloth napkins and real plates and utensils instead of disposables, compost food scraps, and send leftovers home with guests in reusable containers. Bonus points for including plant-based dishes in your menu!
Day 10: Mindful Gifting for Kids
If you’re shopping for kids, think beyond plastic toys. Look for wooden or cloth options made from sustainable materials. Consider experiences, like a trip to the zoo or tickets to a play, to create lasting memories instead of more “stuff.”
Day 11: Care for Your Hands During the Season
With all the cooking and cleaning, your hands deserve some love. Use a gentle, plant-based hand soap to prevent dryness, and keep a moisturizing hand and body lotion nearby to stay hydrated and protected against the winter chill.
Day 12: Commit to a Greener New Year
As the holiday season winds down, think about the habits you can carry into the new year. Whether it’s swapping out more chemical-based products for natural ones or committing to reducing household waste, small changes add up to a big impact.
The holidays don’t have to leave you feeling frazzled or your home and planet worse for wear. By embracing natural living, you can create a season that’s not only joyful but also mindful, sustainable, and full of heart. Cheers to a cleaner, greener holiday season—one natural tip at a time!
