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We’re All Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Emily Lynne Ion
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
While reading Anna Getty’s new book, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas, an eco-guide to creating stylish and sustainable holidays, I was struck by the simplicity of her most cherished Christmas memories from childhood. She warmly recalls a time when Christmas started at home, with decorations inspired by nature, treats baked with her mother, gifts made by hand, and an over-arching emphasis on gratitude and charity.
But for many of us, the Christmas season has been inundated by mass consumption and commercialization. Without memories of a simpler time, this is likely how today’s generation of children identify with Christmas. At school, at home, on television and on the web - the focus is BUY BUY BUY, with little discussion of the meaning behind it and with zero consideration for health.
I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas seeks to redefine the paradigm, bringing the emphasis back to basics by consuming less and imbuing traditions with more meaning. To this objective, Anna adds a new layer: she encourages us to incorporate a respect for the planet, minimize waste, and reduce our carbon footprint during the holiday season.
What her creative, sophisticated book proves is that greening your holidays doesn’t detract from the traditional joy of Christmas, nor interfere with the festivities.
As she says in the book’s introduction:
“For many parents, including me, making environmentally friendly decisions is particularly important because we want to show our children what the holidays really represent: sharing, gratitude, and tradition. Such ideals are particularly relevant in this day and age, when life moves so fast and can be so stressful.”
Indeed (often overlooked even by the most devoted greenies), Americans throw away an additional five million tons of trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
Anna covers all aspects of the holiday, from wreaths to energy efficient lighting to the tree to cocktails to composting. No holiday stone is left unturned - it’s all here!
We meet Anna in her kitchen, where she shares her original, mouthwatering recipes both for cozy evenings at home (how about a cup of Chai Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream?) and chic entertainment (a feast of Chicken Breasts with Chestnut Stuffing and Port Gravy, anyone?). The inspiration continues with gorgeous table settings and household decorations that evoke the spirit of the holiday and winter’s natural abundance.
From a crafter’s perspective, this book is a delight. Anna includes ideas for homemade gifts, including how to’s for cufflinks, pillows, and fancy clutch purses. Then flip forward a few pages to find ideas for reusable gift wrap, utilizing what you may already have lying about the house.
And yet, when one must purchase, the book’s Resources section provides a bounty of online retailers offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products.
With gorgeous, evocative photography by Ron Hamad, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas is perfect for any holiday coffee table while also being an invaluable guide to celebrating the season in sustainable style.
Pick up a copy today and enjoy!
Posted by Eat Chic on 12/28/2009 at 03:56 PM
Thanks for sharing this book. It really has a refreshing outlook on the holidays, while also striving towards a greener and healthier lifestyle!
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Posted by Nancy on 12/23/2011 at 10:54 AM
This looks like a great book! I will have to pick it up and read. We didn’t have a lot materially speaking when we were growing up, my mom was/is incredibly resourceful and always made unique gifts. What a world we would create if everyone adopted this mentality! Happy Holidays!