Simplify the Holidays

As we move into high gear for this season of giving, we would like to remind everyone to Simplify the Holidays. Slow down, enjoy family and friends, and focus on ways to keep it simple and green.

Celebrate the holidays with more joy and less stuff by exploring Simplify the Holidays, an initiative created by the Center for a New American Dream. View creative tips and resources and take the pledge to simplify your holidays.

Consider these ideas and check out the SoKind Registry designed to encourage homemade gifts, charitable donations, and gifts of time.

• Give gifts of experience to create lasting memories. Promote local arts by giving tickets to a community theater or membership to a museum. Support local farmers by giving a CSA or farmbox subscription providing fresh produce all year.
• Support a cause by participating in #GivingTuesday on December 2 and make a donation in the name of a family member. Give back to your community by volunteering with an organization helping those in need during the holiday season.
• Create homemade gifts and repurpose newspapers, brown paper bags, maps, or artwork to make your own unique eco-friendly packaging.
• Make a tree out of found materials like Jack’s tree made of driftwood and marine debris. If you do buy a Christmas tree, consider live potted trees or find one that's locally grown. Remember to "treecycle" your tree with green waste after Christmas.

Jack and his entire team would like to wish you a joyful holiday season!